Process Life

Addiction & Dependency Counselling in Bedford & Online

Addiction can take many forms — alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, love, work, social media or dating apps. Whatever you’re struggling with, you’re not alone. I offer a grounded, compassionate space to explore the roots of dependency and begin building long‑term recovery, in a discrete and confidential setting.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction, whether to substances or behaviours, is understood in the disease model as a chronic, relapsing condition that affects the brain’s reward, motivation, and self‑regulation systems. It isn’t simply about willpower or choice — it’s a pattern that develops when something external temporarily soothes, numbs, or distracts from an internal struggle the mind hasn’t yet been able to resolve. In this sense, the addiction itself is not the original problem; it’s the solution the mind found to cope with pain, overwhelm, trauma, or emotional disconnection. Over time, that solution becomes a problem in its own right. Effective therapy therefore focuses not on trying to control, moderate, or fight the addictive behaviour, but on understanding the thoughts, beliefs, and emotional wounds that drive it. When we work with the underlying thinking and the unmet needs beneath it, the compulsion loses its power because the mind no longer needs the addictive pattern to survive.

Long‑term recovery depends on reconnecting with the self that existed before the addiction took over. This means gently working through the deeper emotional layers that fuel disconnection — resentment, fear, guilt, and shame — rather than trying to control the behaviour on the surface. When these emotions are understood and processed, the mind no longer needs the addictive pattern as protection. Having the right tools, support, and strategies is essential, because recovery isn’t about fighting the addiction; it’s about healing the internal world that made the addiction feel necessary in the first place.

What Addiction Can Look Like

• Feeling out of control
• Using substances or behaviours to cope
• Shame, secrecy or hiding habits
• Strained relationships
• Emotional numbness or overwhelm
• Repeating patterns despite consequences

How Addiction Counselling Helps

Therapy helps you understand the emotional, relational and neurological patterns that drive addiction. Together we explore triggers, unmet needs, coping strategies and the deeper wounds beneath the behaviour.

My Approach

I blend trauma‑informed therapy, relational work, personal recovery experience, mindfulness and 12‑step integration to support sustainable recovery at a pace that feels safe.

What Sessions Look Like

A calm, non‑judgmental space where you can talk openly, explore patterns and build healthier ways of coping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is addiction always substance‑related?

No — behavioural addictions can be just as impactful.

Do you work alongside 12‑step recovery?

Yes — I integrate 12‑step principles where helpful.