Addiction Therapy

Counselling & Psychotherapy for Addiction Problems in Wolverhampton, West Midlands & Online Throughout the UK

gambling drugs and drinking addictions montage

Understanding Addictions

Addictive behaviours can develop when a substance or activity becomes a reliable way of changing how you feel.

You may find yourself turning to it when you feel stressed, bored, lonely, anxious or overwhelmed, thinking about it frequently, or continuing even when part of you recognises that it is causing problems.

The behaviour may provide relief, stimulation, comfort or escape in the short term, which can make it increasingly likely that you will return to it when similar thoughts, emotions or situations arise.

Over time, this can strengthen the connection between discomfort and the urge to use the substance or behaviour as a way of coping.

Therapy can help you understand the role the addiction has come to play in your life, identify the situations and emotional patterns that trigger it, and begin developing different ways of responding without relying on the same behaviour.

A Non-Medicalised View of Addiction

Addiction, viewed through a non-medicalised lens, can be understood as a complex interplay of emotions, motivations, and personal experiences that often arise in response to perceived threats or power dynamics in an individual’s life.

This perspective invites us to consider how feelings of vulnerability and a search for control can drive individuals towards certain behaviours that ultimately become compulsive.

Instead of framing addiction as a failure of will or an inherent flaw, we examine it as a (maladaptive) coping mechanism - a way for individuals to navigate the pressures and demands of their environments.

In moments of stress, uncertainty, or emotional pain, the pursuit of substances or compulsive behaviours may temporarily fulfil a need for escape or relief, providing a sense of power in an otherwise overwhelming situation.

Recognising this context allows for a deeper understanding of how individuals attribute meaning to their addictive behaviours, often believing they have no choice but to engage in these patterns.

By acknowledging these underlying narratives, we foster a compassionate approach to addiction that encourages individuals to explore the roots of their compulsions, reassessing their relationship with these behaviours and ultimately cultivating healthier strategies for coping.

This reframing not only mitigates feelings of shame and powerlessness but also empowers individuals on their journey toward recovery, helping them reclaim agency in their lives.

WHO WE ARE

Meet Paul & Joan

Hello, Tranceform Psychology incorporates the private practices of Paul Lee BSc MSc who specialises in Reality Therapy & CBT and Joan Lee BSc who offers counselling, evidence-based hypnotherapy and specialist paediatric hypnotherapy for children aged 9 to 17.

Paul Lee MSC in his office
Joan Lee BSc

Frequently Asked Questions About Therapy for Addictions

How many sessions will I need?
This varies for each person. Some people feel clearer within a few sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support.

How Much Do You Charge?
Face-to-face & online therapy sessions cost £70 per hour. We also offer a pre-paid, 10 session course of CBT-Based Reality Therapy for £650.

Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything discussed is treated with professional confidentiality.

Do I need a GP referral?
No referral is required. You can contact Tranceform Psychology directly.

Can addiction problems really improve?
Yes. Many people who once felt trapped by an addiction now live calmer, freer and more confident lives.