Online Counselling
Counselling for Addiction
Confidential, non-judgmental online counselling for addiction with Lisa Brathwaite, a BACP-registered counsellor. Working with adults across the UK.
What does addiction look like?
Addiction is not just about what you use or do — it is about the relationship you have with it. It can be alcohol, drugs, prescription medication, gambling, food, sex, shopping, screens or work. The substance or behaviour varies; the pattern is similar.
Most people in addiction did not start with a goal of being addicted. They started with something that helped — calmed an anxiety, dulled a pain, made life more bearable. Over time, the thing that helped becomes the thing that costs. Often there is shame, secrecy and a deep belief that nobody could understand. There is a way out, and it begins with being honestly seen.
Signs addiction counselling might help
You do not have to hit rock bottom to start. People often reach out when they notice:
- •Using more than you intended, or for longer than you intended
- •Promises to yourself to cut down that you cannot keep
- •Hiding how much you use, or lying about it
- •Using to manage emotions — to numb, calm, escape or cope
- •It is starting to affect work, relationships, health or finances
- •You feel ashamed or out of control
- •You have tried to stop before and not been able to
- •Behaviours (gambling, gaming, sex, food) that feel compulsive
How counselling helps with addiction
Addiction is rarely just about the substance or behaviour — it is about what is underneath it. Trauma, unmet needs, unprocessed emotions, loneliness, a way of coping when nothing else was available. Counselling gives you space to understand your addiction with honesty and compassion, and to begin to meet those underlying needs differently.
Some clients come wanting to stop. Some come wanting to understand. Some come in recovery and want to do the deeper work. All of those are welcome here. There is no demand for where you should be — only support for where you are.
We work confidentially and at your pace. You decide what we talk about and when.
My approach
I am a BACP-registered counsellor with experience supporting clients through addiction in many forms. My approach is integrative, drawing on Person-Centred therapy, Transactional Analysis, Gestalt and Psychodynamic ideas.
I believe in meeting you where you are, without judgment. Addiction work is most effective when you feel safe enough to be honest — and that takes a relationship built on respect, warmth and reliability.
What to expect
Before booking, you can have a free 20-minute consultation to ask questions and see how it feels to talk. There is no judgment in that conversation either.
Sessions are £40 per hour, delivered online by video. Confidentiality and pacing are central — we go at the speed that feels right for you.
Take the first step
If anything you have read here sounds like you, get in touch for a free 20-minute consultation. There is no pressure — it's simply a chance to ask any questions and see how it feels to talk.