Overcoming Addiction: Reclaiming Your Life Through Counselling & Psychotherapy
Addiction is more than a habit. It’s a cycle that can quietly take over a person’s life—pulling them away from relationships, peace of mind, health, and even a sense of identity. For many, the journey into addiction is gradual and often rooted in a desire to cope with something deeper—emotional pain, trauma, loneliness, or stress.
Overcoming Addiction: Reclaiming Your Life Through Counselling & Psychotherapy
Addiction is more than a habit.
It’s a cycle that can quietly take over a person’s life—pulling them away from relationships, peace of mind, health, and even a sense of identity. For many, the journey into addiction is gradual and often rooted in a desire to cope with something deeper—emotional pain, trauma, loneliness, or stress.
Whether it’s substance use (alcohol, drugs, prescription medication) or behavioural compulsions like gaming, porn, shopping, work, or social media, addiction can feel isolating, overwhelming, and shameful. But here’s the good news: you are not alone, and you can recover.
In my therapy practice, I specialise in helping people understand and overcome addictive behaviours. Through a personalised, evidence-informed approach, I work with you to break free from dependency and rebuild a more fulfilling, connected life.
What Is Addiction? Understanding the Cycle
We often think of addiction as a loss of control over substances or behaviours. But underneath that loss of control lies something important: the why.
Addiction can develop as a coping mechanism—a way to manage emotional pain, numb difficult memories, soothe stress, or escape from reality. Over time, the behaviour that once felt like a relief begins to take centre stage. Life becomes narrower. Hobbies fade. Relationships suffer. Self-esteem erodes.
And yet, many people feel deep shame when they realise how much their behaviour has taken over. They may hide their struggle, believing they should be able to "just stop." But addiction is not a moral failing—it’s a powerful coping strategy that’s no longer working.
In therapy, we explore these patterns together with compassion and curiosity—not judgement.
How Counselling Helps: A Safe Space to Heal and Grow
Addiction counselling is not just about stopping a behaviour. It’s about understanding it (meaning) and creating healthier ways to move on with your life.
As a therapist, I create a safe, non-judgemental space where we can explore:
- Your personal triggers and patterns
- What the addictive behaviour is doing for you emotionally
- How to develop healthier coping tools
- How to reconnect with what gives your life meaning
We work collaboratively to create a recovery plan that suits you—your life, your goals, and your pace. Therapy isn’t about fitting you into a box; it’s about meeting you where you are and walking alongside you.
A Tailored Approach: Therapy Methods That Work
No two recovery journeys are the same, which is why I draw on a variety of evidence-based approaches, including:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
EMDR & Trauma Therapy
Existential Therapy
Motivational Interviewing
PsychoeducationFamily Therapy
We’ll also look at what other supports may be useful, such as:
Peer-led groups (AA, NA, SMART Recovery, Start Recovery)
Specialist services (LGBTQIA+ addiction support, chemsex services, women-only groups)
Referrals for detox or inpatient programmes if needed
Recovery is a journey—and you don’t have to walk it alone.
Life After Addiction: Rebuilding, Reconnecting, Reclaiming
Stopping an addictive behaviour is just the beginning. The next step is creating a life that feels worth staying present for.
That’s where therapeutic coaching and recovery-focused support can help. Together, we look at:
- What brings you joy?
- What values matter most to you?
- What kind of relationships and lifestyle do you want to create?
- What are your dreams and how can you begin working towards them?
Therapy helps you rediscover who you are beneath the coping strategies.
Is Therapy Right for You?
You don’t need to hit “rock bottom” to ask for help. If you’re reading this and wondering if your relationship with a behaviour or substance is becoming unhealthy, that’s already a sign of self-awareness—and strength.
Therapy can help if:
- You feel out of control with a substance or behaviour
- You’ve tried to cut back or stop, but keep slipping back
- You feel ashamed, anxious, or depressed about your habit
- You’ve lost interest in things you used to enjoy
- Your relationships, work, or health are being affected
Addiction can be isolating—but recovery is not something you have to do on your own.
Inclusive, Trauma-Informed, and Affirming Care
In my practice, I am committed to providing inclusive and affirming therapy for everyone. That means:
- Trauma-informed support
- LGBTQIA+ affirmative care
- Culturally sensitive approaches
- Support for women and marginalised groups
I believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen, respected, and empowered.
Take the First Step Today
You deserve support. You deserve to feel whole again. Whether you’re just starting to explore your relationship with addiction or ready to make meaningful change, I’m here to help.
Let’s talk. Together, we can begin your journey to recovery, resilience, and reconnection.
Book a confidential consultation today to start your personalised therapy plan.
About Me
Dr Marco Cortez - PhD, ACC (ICF coaching), MBACP (accred), UKCP Registered Supervisor, EMDR, Couples and Family Therapist, +44(0)7880506565
Room 628, 162-168 Regent Street, London, W1B 5TF
Further Reading & Resources
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Dr. Gabor Maté
NICE Guidelines on Psychosocial Interventions for Addiction
SMART Recovery UK: www.smartrecovery.org.uk
Narcotics Anonymous UK: www.ukna.org
.Alcoholics Anonymous UK: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Get Help
To whatever degree you are dealing with addiction, we urge you to take the first step and book a consultation with Dr. Marco Cortez because he specialises in helping people just like you and in your first session you will learn exactly what you need to do, and how you can start to overcome it.