Timothy Park, MBACP, PG Dip, Experienced Addiction Therapist

Due to the Coronavirus I am only working via FaceTime, Zoom, WhatsApp video or on the telephone. I have considerable experience of working in this way with clients. I am also offering a complimentary initial consultation by telephone or FaceTime, Zoom etc... Feel free to call, text or email to arrange.

If you are struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, sex, shopping, social media or gambling then I can help. I have many years of experience and have worked for organisations in both the public and private sector as well as having a private practice. I also work with issues like anxiety, social anxiety, depression, stress, loss, relationship difficulties, intimacy and codependency. In my experience these, and other issues, tend to be a significant underlying factor in addictive behaviour and it is always necessary to explore them in order to achieve lasting change.

Over the years I have helped countless individuals to achieve real change in their lives. If you are struggling please email, text or call and I will get back to you as soon as possible. I work from comfortable consulting rooms in Hove and all appointments are confidential in accordance with BACP professional standards. I do not work in a prescriptive way and integrate various counselling styles, always treating every client as an individual.

There are no ‘silver bullet’ remedies or ‘quick fixes’ to addictive behaviour patterns but if there is a desire and commitment to change it is very achievable. It really is possible to be a better version of yourself.

WHAT IS ADDICTION?

Addiction can be described as any behaviour that seems difficult or almost impossible to control, one that is difficult to moderate or stop, and that often leads to difficulties for the addicted person as well as those that are close to them. To overcome addictive behaviour and to achieve real change it is necessary to get an understanding of the 'big picture' and the issues, current or past, that underlie and drive the behaviour.

Up to date theories suggest that addiction is a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. Dysfunction in these circuits leads to characteristic biological, psychological and social manifestations. This is reflected in an individual obsessively and compulsively pursuing reward and/or relief by substance use and other behaviors.

Addiction is characterised by an inability to consistently abstain, little or no behavioural control, craving, diminished recognition of significant problem behaviours and interpersonal relationships, and a dysfunctional emotional response. Like other chronic conditions, addiction often involves cycles of relapse and remission. Without treatment or engagement in recovery activities, addiction is progressive and can result in disability or premature death.