Counselling For Alcohol Addiction Amberley BN18 | Eleos Counselling West Sussex

Statistics and Facts
Over 600,000 people in England are dependent on alcohol, yet only 18% receive treatment each year.

Over 20,000 deaths annually
Alcohol contributes to over 20,000 deaths annually in the UK, making it one of the leading preventable causes of harm.

One in five adults
One in five adults regularly drinks at levels that increase their long-term health risks.

Alcohol-related hospital admissions
Alcohol-related hospital admissions have risen to over one million per year, placing huge pressure on the NHS.

Liver disease deaths
Liver disease deaths have increased by more than 20% in the last five years.

Highest binge drinking rates in Europe.
Young adults in the UK experience some of the highest binge drinking rates in Europe.

Violent crime
Alcohol is linked to over 39% of all violent crime, including domestic abuse and antisocial behaviour.

Trauma
People with trauma histories are up to four times more likely to develop alcohol dependence.

Numb emotional pain
In line with Gabor Maté’s work, many individuals drink not to “feel good” but to numb emotional pain rooted in early stress, neglect, or disconnection.
Counselling for Alcohol Addiction Amberley BN18 West Sussex
Counselling for alcohol addiction Amberley BN18 West Sussex offers confidential, professional support for individuals who are struggling with alcohol use and its emotional, psychological, or relational impact. Many people living in and around Amberley find that alcohol gradually becomes a way of coping with stress, anxiety, loneliness, or emotional pain, even when life appears settled from the outside. Over time, however, drinking often increases low mood, disrupts sleep, and creates a growing sense of shame or loss of control. Counselling provides a calm, non-judgemental space to understand these patterns and begin moving toward healthier ways of coping.
At Eleos Counselling, counselling for alcohol addiction in Amberley BN18 is offered to adults who want thoughtful, professional help without pressure, labels, or confrontation. Whether alcohol use feels out of control or simply no longer fits the life you want to live, therapy can help you pause, reflect, and make changes that feel realistic and sustainable.
Counselling for alcohol addiction in Amberley BN18
Alcohol addiction rarely develops suddenly. Many people seeking counselling for alcohol addiction in Amberley describe drinking most evenings, relying on alcohol to unwind, or using it to manage difficult emotions. As tolerance builds, more alcohol is often needed to achieve the same effect, while emotional resilience gradually reduces. Consequently, individuals may feel stuck in a pattern they never consciously chose.
Moreover, alcohol is frequently used as a coping strategy for anxiety, grief, anger, or feelings of inadequacy. Although it may offer short-term relief, it often worsens mood, increases irritability, and interferes with emotional regulation. Relationships may become strained, motivation can decline, and self-confidence often erodes. Alcohol addiction counselling in Amberley BN18 focuses on understanding these patterns with compassion rather than blame, helping you explore what alcohol has been doing for you and what it may now be costing you.
A compassionate, trauma-informed approach to alcohol addiction counselling
At Eleos Counselling, therapy for alcohol addiction in Amberley BN18 is grounded in a compassion-focused, trauma-informed approach. This recognises that alcohol misuse is often a coping response rather than a personal failure. Many addictive patterns develop as understandable responses to stress, emotional pain, or earlier life experiences.
Trauma-informed alcohol counselling prioritises emotional safety, choice, and pacing. Sessions move at a speed that feels manageable, particularly if past experiences of loss, neglect, or emotional harm are present. Compassion-focused work helps clients recognise the harsh inner critic that often fuels problematic drinking and supports the development of a steadier, kinder internal voice. Over time, this makes meaningful and sustainable change more achievable.
This approach is especially helpful for those who feel ashamed, guarded, or fearful of being judged. Counselling is not about forcing abstinence or imposing rigid rules, but about helping you understand yourself more deeply and develop healthier ways of coping.
Professional qualifications and ethical standards
Counselling for alcohol addiction in Amberley BN18 is delivered by professionally trained therapists at Eleos Counselling who work within recognised ethical frameworks. Practitioners are members of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP), ensuring therapy is provided in line with nationally recognised standards for confidentiality, informed consent, and ongoing professional development.
In addition, counsellors at Eleos Counselling are registered with Addiction Professionals, the UK’s leading membership organisation for those working with addictive behaviours. This reflects specialist knowledge and experience in supporting individuals affected by alcohol addiction, dependency, and related emotional difficulties. Together, these professional affiliations provide reassurance that alcohol counselling in Amberley BN18 is delivered with competence, care, and accountability.
What counselling for alcohol addiction can help with
Although every person’s experience is different, counselling for alcohol addiction in Amberley BN18 often helps clients with:
-
Reducing or stopping alcohol use at a manageable pace
-
Understanding emotional triggers and habitual drinking patterns
-
Managing anxiety, stress, or low mood without relying on alcohol
-
Rebuilding confidence, self-trust, and emotional resilience
-
Improving relationships affected by drinking
-
Working through shame, secrecy, or guilt linked to alcohol use
Importantly, you do not need to reach crisis point to seek help. Many people begin therapy simply because alcohol no longer feels helpful or aligned with their values.
Online counselling for alcohol addiction in West Sussex
Alongside in-person sessions, online counselling for alcohol addiction in West Sussex is also available. This option can be particularly helpful if you have work commitments, travel difficulties, or prefer the privacy of attending sessions from home. Online therapy follows the same compassionate, trauma-informed approach and allows for consistent support without additional pressure.
What to Expect from Alcohol Addiction Counselling in Billingshurst RH14
Alcohol addiction counselling Billingshurst typically begins with an initial assessment where your concerns, goals, and personal history are explored collaboratively. Sessions are offered in a confidential, supportive setting and may take place in person or online.
Counselling sessions are:
-
Confidential and professionally bound
-
Structured yet flexible
-
Non-judgemental and supportive
-
Focused on emotional understanding and long-term change
Many clients attend weekly sessions initially, adjusting frequency as progress develops.
Related Alcohol Addiction Counselling Support in West Sussex
If you are exploring counselling for alcohol addiction in Amberley, West Sussex, it may be helpful to look at how support is offered in nearby areas. Some people find reassurance in comparing locations before deciding which setting feels most practical, discreet, or supportive for regular attendance.
You may wish to read more about alcohol addiction counselling across West Sussex, particularly if you are considering different locations or want a broader overview of how therapy is offered across the county.
You may also wish to read more about counselling for alcohol addiction in Horsham RH12 / RH13, especially where work pressure, commuting, or everyday responsibilities are contributing to patterns of drinking.
Others explore counselling for alcohol addiction in Billingshurst RH14, particularly where alcohol use has been present for a longer period or where attempts to cut down have led to repeated cycles of stopping and starting.
If you are based closer to the coast, you may also find counselling for alcohol addiction in Littlehampton BN17 helpful, especially where drinking is affecting emotional wellbeing, relationships, or family life.
Each location page reflects the same professional standards, confidentiality, and compassionate approach, allowing you to choose the setting that best fits your circumstances.
Taking the first step
Reaching out for counselling can feel daunting. You may worry about being judged, pressured, or misunderstood. At Eleos Counselling, initial contact is handled with care, respect, and clarity. There is no obligation to commit, and you are welcome to ask questions before deciding whether therapy feels right for you.
If alcohol is beginning to shape your life in ways that no longer feel acceptable, counselling for alcohol addiction Amberley BN18 West Sussex can offer a supportive place to begin understanding and change.
Crisis and Immediate Support
If you are at immediate risk or experiencing severe distress:
-
Call 999 in an emergency
-
Contact your GP or local NHS urgent mental health service
-
Call Samaritans on 116 123 (UK, free, 24/7)
Alcohol addiction counselling is not a substitute for emergency care but can form an important part of longer-term recovery and emotional stability.
Get in touch
If you would like to explore Counselling for Alcohol Addiction Amberley BN18 West Sussex, you are welcome to make contact in confidence.
Phone (landline): 01403 900079
Mobile: 07854 602050
Email: info@eleoscounselling.com
Address: Eleos Counselling, Little East Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9NP
Website: www.eleoscounselling.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions – Alcohol Addiction Counselling at Eleos Counselling West Sussex
What can I expect in my first counselling session?
Your first session is a calm, steady conversation about what has been happening for you. You won’t be pushed to share anything before you’re ready. We move at your pace, helping you feel safe enough to explore your relationship with alcohol without judgement or pressure.
Do I need to have stopped drinking before coming to therapy?
No. Many clients come to us while still drinking. Therapy supports you in understanding the reasons behind your alcohol use and helps you build the emotional stability needed for change. You do not need to be sober to begin the process.
Is alcohol addiction counselling confidential?
Yes. Everything you share remains confidential within BACP ethical guidelines. The only exceptions involve risk of serious harm. You will always be informed if a safeguarding step is needed.
How does therapy help with cravings or binge drinking?
Therapy helps you understand the emotional triggers behind cravings or binge episodes. As your awareness grows, you gain stronger internal tools to pause, reflect, and choose differently. Over time, cravings often reduce as emotional steadiness increases.
Can counselling help if my drinking is connected to trauma or stress?
Yes. Much of our work draws on trauma-informed principles. Many people, as Gabor Maté suggests, use alcohol to ease emotional pain when safer coping strategies were never taught or available. Therapy helps you heal these deeper wounds so alcohol becomes less necessary.
What if I feel ashamed or embarrassed about my drinking?
Shame around alcohol use is extremely common. At Eleos Counselling, you are not judged. You are met with compassion and understanding. Many clients discover that speaking honestly reduces shame and makes change feel more possible.
Is online therapy suitable for men?
Yes. Online male therapy offers the same professionalism and confidentiality as in-person sessions. It’s ideal for men with busy schedules, mobility issues, or those living in rural areas of West Sussex. Sessions take place via secure video link, allowing you to speak privately from home. Many clients find that online therapy makes it easier to open up and stay consistent, especially when balancing work and family commitments.
How long will I need counselling for?
There is no fixed timeline. Some people come for short-term support, while others benefit from longer-term work, especially when trauma or life stressors are involved. We review your progress together so counselling always reflects your needs.
Will my therapist tell me to stop drinking completely?
No. We don’t impose targets or demands. Instead, we work with you to understand what you want to change and what feels possible. Our role is to support your goals, not dictate them.
Can I attend counselling if I’m unsure whether I have an alcohol problem?
Yes. Many clients come to explore their concerns long before they feel “certain” something is wrong. If your drinking is affecting your wellbeing, relationships, mood, or confidence, therapy can offer clarity and support at any stage.
Trusted UK Alcohol Support Resources
These organisations offer reliable guidance, emotional support, and practical help for anyone struggling with alcohol misuse, alcohol dependence, or alcohol-related mental and physical health issues.
1. Alcohol Change UK – Information & Harm Reduction
Alcohol Change UK provides research-based information, practical advice, and tools to help people cut down or stop drinking. The charity also links to local alcohol services and national support networks.
2. Drinkaware – Education & Self-Help Tools
Drinkaware offers clear guidance on alcohol misuse, health risks, and dependency. Resources include unit calculators, self-assessment tools, and tips for reducing drinking safely.
3. NHS Alcohol Support – Treatment & Medical Guidance
NHS Alcohol Support provides free services including brief interventions, detox pathways, and mental health treatment. GPs can also refer individuals to local alcohol teams.
4. Change Grow Live (CGL) – National Alcohol Services
Change Grow Live delivers alcohol and drug support programmes across the UK. They offer counselling, health assessments, peer support, and harm-reduction advice.
5. Turning Point – Alcohol & Mental Health Support
Turning Point provides structured support for alcohol dependence, including one-to-one work, group support, and crisis services. Many programmes address co-occurring mental and physical health issues.
6. SMART Recovery UK – Coping Skills & Group Support
SMART Recovery UK offers science-based strategies for managing cravings and building motivation. Free online and in-person meetings run nationwide.
7. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – Peer Support & Community
Alcoholics Anonymous UK hosts free, confidential 12-step meetings across the country. Sessions are available in person, online, and by phone.
8. Al-Anon Family Groups – Support for Loved Ones
Al-Anon Family Groups support relatives, partners, and friends affected by someone else’s drinking. Meetings take place online and in local communities.
9. British Liver Trust – Alcohol-Related Health Information
British Liver Trust provides guidance, helplines, and resources for anyone affected by alcohol-related liver conditions, including fatty liver, hepatitis, and cirrhosis.
Begin Your Journey Toward Balance
To learn more or to book your first session, please contact us today.
We’re here to help you move beyond survival and toward a life defined by calm, clarity, and resilience.
Eleos Counselling, West Sussex
Phone (landline): 01403 900079
Mobile: 07854 602050
Email: info@eleoscounselling.com
Address: Eleos Counselling, Little East Street, Billingshurst, RH14 9NP
Website: www.eleoscounselling.co.uk
Tony Larkin FDA,BA (Hons) MBACP (Acc)
I’m Tony Larkin, a qualified psychotherapist and counsellor based in West Sussex. As the founder of Eleos Counselling, I provide a safe, supportive space for people facing challenges such as anxiety, addiction, perfectionism, trauma, and relationship difficulties. With years of experience, I combine professional knowledge with compassion, helping clients find new perspectives, rediscover confidence, and build healthier connections. My approach is rooted in empathy and the belief that lasting change comes through understanding, self-compassion, and support
Stay In Touch
Office
Eleos Counselling Ltd The Workshop, Little East Street, Billingshurst, West Sussex RH14 9NP
Phone Number
(01403)900097