Dr Fiona Dowman - Purple Bridge Psychology

05/08/2025

The more you drink to unwind, the more you lose confidence in your ability to cope with stress, without alcohol.

I'm Dr Fiona Dowman, a Psychologist who helps busy professionals to drink less and do more of what matters.

✨️My Bridge Programme is the simplest and most effective way to manage anxiety without alcohol, so you can reclaim your calm and focus. ✨️

Comment CALM for early access

03/08/2025

You come home from a hard day at work and automatically reach for a drink to switch off, but have you stopped to notice what thoughts pop into your mind before you do?

✨️My brand new signature programme walks you through how to notice and take the power out of these thoughts.

So you can drink less and reclaim your calm and focus without adding more to your to-do list!✨️

Comment CALM for early access to the programme.

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I'm Dr Fiona Dowman, Clinical Psychologist, helping busy professionals manage stress and anxiety without alcohol, so they can drink less and do more of what matters.

09/07/2025

You know that feeling when you finish work, your mind’s racing, and you just want it to stop.

So you pour a drink, to cope.

If this sounds familiar, it’s not because you’re weak. It’s because your brain has learned that alcohol = fast relief.
But it’s a short-term fix that keeps anxiety coming back stronger.

🌿 If you’re ready to change this pattern for good, I’ve created something new.

A new online programme that covers what’s really going on in the anxiety-alcohol loop and simple, effective ways to break the pattern.

A small, supportive group of professionals will be going through my program live.

✨ As a founding member, you’ll get structure, real-time guidance, and a private space to finally feel calm and in control again, no pressure, no judgment.

👉 Join the priority list here: drinklessbooze.co.uk/join

Or DM/comment for an invite.

02/07/2025

Are you stuck in the anxiety-alcohol loop?

That moment when the workday ends, your mind won’t stop, and having a drink feels like the only way to take the edge off...

But instead of waking up calm and refreshed, you feel more anxious the next day.

This is something I see all the time in high-achieving professionals and it’s the focus of my latest podcast episode.

I explain: 👉 Why alcohol temporarily soothes anxiety, but worsens it long-term

👉 How it disrupts your sleep, mood and coping skills

👉 And what you can do instead. Practical, evidence-based steps to help you unwind without reaching for a drink.

🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Spotify link in bio🔗 or DM me for a link to your favourite platform.

Dr Fiona Dowman | Clincial Psychologist & host of the Drink Less Booze. Live How You Choose Podcast.

13/08/2024

When you love someone with a drug or alcohol problem, it can be difficult to know how to support them. My blog breaks down the stages of change model and what kind of support is likely to be helpful at each stage.

Using a journey across a bridge as a metaphor

PRECONTEMPLATION is like being at home and not making any progress on the journey (continuing to drink or take drugs).

CONTEMPLATION is like stepping outside (thinking about changing).

PREPARATION Is like planning your route (motivated and ready to change).

ACTION is like crossing the bridge (taking steps towards changing)

MAINTENANCE is reaching the other side (let’s call it abstinence Island: achieving abstinence, sobriety or reduced drinking or drug use).

LAPSES (a detour) are always possible when moving through the stages of change. When someone has a lapse, it’s hugely disappointing, stressful and confusing for those who care about them. However, whilst it might seem like it's game over, slips and lapses are not a sign of failure. Think of it as a delay or detour in the journey.

Read more: https://www.purplebridgepsychology.co.uk/blog/how-to-help-a-loved-one-with-a-drug-or-alcohol-problem-stages-of-changenbsp

01/06/2024

Ever wondered how to talk to your partner about their drinking or drug use?

Here’s a familiar story:  You are concerned about your partner's drinking or drug use. Perhaps their drinking or drug use has increased recently, or it has been increasing gradually over time. You may have noticed changes in their behaviour. E.g., they are forgetful, unreliable, or withdraw