Shani Thomas

Totnes
TQ3 		Shani Thomas
07733140222
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Profile

I am a highly experienced Addictions Therapist specialising in behavioural and substance addictions. These include - alcohol, sex, internet sites, drugs, and unhealthy relationships. I also work with depressive and anxiety disorders, particularly those related to life change events.

In my experience, shame and guilt are often the feelings that underpin the continued cycle of addiction (behavioural and substance). Many people are also overwhelmed by feelings of loneliness and self loathing. My role is to help you to break this addictive thought process and to assist in the development of new coping skills to prevent relapse.

Sex Addiction
Many of those contacting me are men who are caught up in a cycle of visiting internet pornography sites. These men and often their families are attempting to make sense of this very painful and shaming compulsion. Partners take it personally, and the compulsive user is often in a place of despair and confusion "why am I doing this, this is not who I am".
There also many more women contacting me, women who are performing sexual acts either as a personal service, by live internet viewing, or compulsive visits to dating sites.

All of these behaviours are not gender specific and women and men are often caught up in similar cycles of destructive compulsions in order to fill the 'emptiness' they feel inside.

There are many underlying issues to be explored but most important is to understand that you are not alone.

Substance abuse - abstinence/rehab
If you are suffering from substance abuse I will be encouraging you to become abstinent.  Only then can we explore some of the issues that underpin the addiction. If you are considerering the possibility of rehab, I can organise and co-ordinate assessments and admissions for you. I have contacts in many of these facilities both in the UK and abroad.

Depression and anxiety
I also work with people suffering depression and anxiety disorders. For this I prefer to use a Cognitive Behavioural therapeutic approach. This involves exploration of your belief systems, thinking process, and the impact this has on your behaviour. By identifying personal success and setting achievable goals this approach can produce immediate results for you.

I specialise in working on a 1 to 1, or group basis.  I do not work with couples.

Work experience:
1. Work in one of the leading private rehab units in the UK. My role was Primary Counsellor and my responsibilities included - assessments, group therapy, lectures, and carrying a caseload of clients. Also as the Family Workshop facilitator on a self employed basis.

2. Private practice in Chelsea, London. My clients were usually in long term recovery from addictive behaviours and were working on un-resolved trauma issues.

3. The NHS Based at hospitals and gp surgeries, carrying a caseload of patients suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, and panic disorders. I use a Cognitive Therapeutic approach with this client group.

4. The Criminal Justice System - Working on a self employed basis as a counselling advisor. Helping ex-offenders to break the patterns of the past.

5. Day Care Alcohol Counsellor - self employed counsellor for a rehabilitation unit in the SW. Running the alcohol day care programme including, lectures, group work, role play, motivation, relapse prevention, and self esteem.



I am aware of, and practice respect to diversity to sexual orientation, religious belief, race, ethnic minorities, and excluded populations. I abide by the Ethical Framework within the BACP. I demonstrate firm boundaries and ensure that I work within the rules of the data protection act.

Equal Opportunities
I am non judgemental and have evidenced this by working with varied client groups.

Training, Qualifications & Experience

European dip in addictions counselling (Wiltshire)
Cert in Sex Addiction Therapy mod1 )
Cert in Training Practice - Training the Trainer (Civil Service College, Ascot)
Member BACP (Accredited)
UKRCP Registered

Professional workshops include:-

Terrance Gorskis relapse prevention.
The Meadows, Arizona - Survivors
Intro to CBT  (Centre for Stress Management, London)
Stress management  (Center for Stress Management, London)
Domestic violence  NHS
Sexual compulsivity 
Trauma bonding
Child protection   NHS
Dual diagnosis     London

Areas of counselling I deal with

Other areas of counselling I deal with

Relationship addiction/avoidance. 
Sexual anorexia


Therapies Offered

Further Information

In addition to my therapeutic training, I am a qualified trainer this means that I am completely competent and experienced in identifying training needs in others and providing solutions.  I can design and produce training programmes, manuals and workshops to suit your needs.

Member Organisation(s)

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