30/01/2026
Are you concerned about your own or a loved one’s drinking?
Are you watching someone lose interest in life due to heavy cannabis use - showing apathy towards goals, hobbies, and relationships?
I am an expert in addiction and behavioural change. I have helped many people to overcome dependency, embrace recovery, and recreate their lives.
Traditional counselling approaches, which frequently emphasise "going at the client’s own pace", being fully non-judgemental, and waiting until someone feels completely "ready to change", can often unintentionally prolong the struggle where addiction is concerned. This is because a gentle, waiting stance can permit harmful patterns to continue while the person searches for the perfect moment of readiness - a moment that might not ever arrive. It can also make it harder to directly address the minimisations, excuses, or self-deceptions that often keep the cycle going. The result? Recovery is delayed, or may not ever occur.
Addiction-First Therapy is a specialist, evidence-based approach that prioritises (when medically safe to do so) stopping the substance use immediately - before, during, or alongside any exploration of trauma, mental health, or life circumstances.
The core principle is this: Stop the bleeding first. We don’t treat broken legs by debating childhood sports injuries while the bone is still shattered. Similarly, active addiction is a medical emergency for the brain. While the substance remains in use, it is often very difficult for other psychological approaches to create lasting change.
If this resonates with you or someone you care about, and you or they are ready to explore a direct, structured path that puts stopping the substance use at the forefront, please get in touch. The right approach can make a real difference.
I am a qualified counsellor and hypnotherapist and an accredited registrant member of The National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society. My practice is based at Kingsmoor Clinic in Kingston Bagpuize.
I offer brief or long-term therapy to clients from all walks of life, supporting them with a wide range of issues, including addiction, alcoholism, anxiety, anger, low mood, relationships, identity crisis, life changes, self-esteem, stress, and loss of confidence.
For a free, informal online/telephone consultation email: julianreidcounselling@gmail.com or call/WhatsApp: 07902 647765
For more information: www.julianreidcounselling.com
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