Vicki Louise Therapy

Vicki Louise Therapy Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Vicki Louise Therapy, Mental Health Service, 18 Stokesley Road, Marton.

Registered British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy Mental Health & Addiction Therapist | Helping individuals and families navigate suicidal ideation, addiction, anxiety, depression & related challenges with care, empathy and confidentiality.

Loving someone who struggles with addiction can feel exhausting, confusing, heartbreaking, and so much more. Addiction d...
21/04/2026

Loving someone who struggles with addiction can feel exhausting, confusing, heartbreaking, and so much more.

Addiction doesn’t only affect the person in addiction it deeply impacts partners, children, parents, siblings, and close friends. Many loved ones find themselves caught in a cycle of:

• Constant worry and anxiety.
• Walking on eggshells.
• Financial strain.
• Broken trust and repeated disappointment.
• Taking on the role of “rescuer” or “fixer”.
• Neglecting their own needs.

Over time, this can lead to emotional burnout, resentment, sleep difficulties, low mood, and feeling isolated from others. You might question yourself or you may feel guilt for setting boundaries. You might feel responsible for keeping everything together even when it feels impossible and like you are breaking into a million pieces.

It is helpful and necessary to take care of yourself. Seeking therapy as a loved one is not selfish it is protective and can help with:

• Rebuild healthy boundaries.
• Understand codependency patterns.
• Process anger, grief, fear, and sadness.
• Regain clarity and confidence.
• Learn how to support without enabling.

If you are loving someone through addiction and feeling overwhelmed, please know you are not alone. There is space for your pain, your confusion, and your hope.

After attending a full days training session yesterday on depression, brain function, and recovery, I felt it was import...
20/03/2026

After attending a full days training session yesterday on depression, brain function, and recovery, I felt it was important to share a post discussing depression, its impact on individuals, and the stigma that still surrounds it.

Depression is far more than simply feeling low or having a bad day. It is a complex and often debilitating condition that can affect every aspect of a person’s life, including their thoughts, emotions, physical health, and ability to function. Individuals experiencing depression may struggle with numbness, loss of interest in activities they once enjoyed, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, changes in sleep and appetite, and feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness. In more severe cases, it can lead to thoughts of self-harm or su***de.

Importantly, depression does not have a single cause. It can be influenced by a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Changes in brain chemistry, life experiences, trauma, stress, and even genetics can all play a role. This is why recovery looks different for everyone, and why a one size fits all approach is not effective.

Despite growing awareness, there remains a significant stigma surrounding depression and mental health more broadly. Many people still feel unable to speak openly about their experiences due to fear of judgement, misunderstanding, or being perceived as weak. This stigma can prevent individuals from seeking help, delay treatment, and deepen feelings of isolation.

It is crucial that we continue to challenge these misconceptions. Depression is not a sign of weakness. It is a health condition that deserves the same understanding, compassion, and support as any physical illness. By encouraging open conversations, educating ourselves and others, and creating safe, supportive environments, we can help reduce stigma.

Therapy can play a vital role in supporting individuals experiencing depression. It provides a safe, confidential space to explore thoughts and feelings without judgement. Through therapy, individuals can begin to understand the underlying causes of their depression, develop healthier coping strategies, and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns. Approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), counselling, and other evidence based interventions can help individuals build resilience, improve emotional regulation, and regain a sense of control over their lives. For many, therapy also offers something equally important a sense of being heard, validated, and supported.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reaching out for help is a vital first step. Support is available, recovery is possible, and no one should have to face depression alone.

Understanding Anxiety:Anxiety is one of the most common issues clients bring to therapy and yet so many people feel asha...
11/03/2026

Understanding Anxiety:

Anxiety is one of the most common issues clients bring to therapy and yet so many people feel ashamed of it.
Anxiety is a normal and adaptive human response, although it can become distressing when it begins to interfere with daily life.

Anxiety may present as:

- Persistent worry or overthinking everything you do/say.
- Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, tight chest, restlessness, or short of breath.
- Difficulty sleeping.
- Irritability or feeling on edge sometimes for no clear reason.
- Avoidance of certain situations.
- Difficulty concentrating.

At its core, anxiety is a survival response. The nervous system is designed to detect threat and activate protective mechanisms. However, for many individuals, this system can become overactive responding to perceived risks rather than immediate danger leaving you feeling exhausted and overwhelmed.

Anxiety is often influenced by a range of factors, including past experiences, ongoing stress, high levels of responsibility, perfectionist tendencies, fear of letting others down, feeling out of control, or prolonged periods of feeling overwhelmed.

In therapy we don’t just manage symptoms. We provide a safe space to gently explore what anxiety is trying to say.

Therapeutic work focuses on:

- Developing awareness of self.
- Developing awareness of triggers and patterns.
- Learning evidence based strategies to regulate the nervous system.
- Learning how to set boundaries.
- Building coping skills to reduce avoidance.
- Exploring underlying beliefs and experiences that may be maintaining anxiety.
- Strengthening resilience and self efficacy.

With appropriate support, anxiety can become more manageable. Many clients find that as they understand themselves and their responses their sense of control and confidence increases rather than living in constant fight or flight.

If anxiety is impacting your wellbeing, seeking professional support can be a constructive and proactive step.
For further information or to arrange an appointment, please feel free to get in touch.

On International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate the incredible women who inspire, lead, support, and uplift those arou...
08/03/2026

On International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate the incredible women who inspire, lead, support, and uplift those around them every day.
From clients to colleagues, to friends and family, I’ve had the privilege of learning from women whose kindness, resilience, creativity, and determination make a real difference in the world. Their contributions often both seen and unseen continue to shape stronger communities, workplaces, and futures for the next generation.
Today is not only about celebrating achievements, but also about recognising the importance of education, equality, opportunity, and continued progress. When women are supported to thrive, everyone benefits.
To the women who challenge norms, break barriers, support others, and lead with compassion thank you. Your impact matters, today and every day.

I value my work as an addiction therapist; however, it can be deeply saddening. I regularly witness the harmful effects ...
22/02/2026

I value my work as an addiction therapist; however, it can be deeply saddening. I regularly witness the harmful effects of societal stigma, judgment, and misinformation on my clients, many of whom struggle to understand why willpower alone has not been enough to free them from the distress they are experiencing.

A central component of my role involves educating clients on the complex neurobiological, psychological, and social factors that underpin addiction, highlighting that it extends far beyond a matter of personal choice. To develop this understanding, it is important to examine the underlying reasons in greater depth.

Addiction is one of the most judged and misunderstood illnesses in the world because people often see it as a moral failure instead of what it actually is, a complex medical condition shaped by biology, psychology, and environment.

Addiction changes the brain by hijacking its reward, learning, and self-control systems. Addictive substances or behaviours cause large releases of dopamine, teaching the brain that the activity is extremely important and should be repeated. Over time, the brain becomes less responsive to normal pleasures and more sensitive to cues linked to the addiction, which leads to cravings. This means that “just stopping” isn’t a simple choice it’s a neurological battle. Yet many people still believe willpower alone should be enough, which fuels judgement and shame.

Addiction is deeply tied to trauma, mental health, and stress. Many people who struggle with addiction are coping with anxiety, depression, PTSD, chronic pain, or past abuse/neglect. Substances often start as a form of self medication. Society tends to judge the behaviour without asking why the behaviour exists, ignoring the underlying suffering that drives it.

Stigma silences people as addiction is so heavily judged, people are then less likely to seek help. They fear being labelled as weak or irresponsible. Stigma doesn’t just hurt feelings it delays treatment, increases overdose risk, and makes recovery harder.

Addiction is misunderstood with inconsistency in how we view substances. Alcohol and prescription drugs are socially accepted, even encouraged, while other substances are criminalized. This creates the illusion that addiction is about bad people making bad choices, rather than humans reacting to powerful chemicals in predictable ways.

Recovery doesn’t look like a straight line, and relapse is often seen as failure instead of a common part of healing. In most chronic illnesses, setbacks are expected and treated with compassion. With addiction, relapse is often met with blame, reinforcing shame and making people feel hopeless.

At its core, addiction is not a lack of character it’s a condition involving the brain, pain, and survival. The judgment surrounding it generally comes from fear, misinformation, and discomfort with vulnerability. Understanding addiction as an illness doesn’t excuse harm, but it does create space for accountability, compassion, and real healing.

Finally, It is important to acknowledge that addiction can impact individuals from all walks of life, including our children, family members, friends, colleagues and neighbours.

Let’s talk about the therapeutic relationship. The therapeutic relationship is often described as the heart of therapy. ...
27/01/2026

Let’s talk about the therapeutic relationship.

The therapeutic relationship is often described as the heart of therapy. No matter which theory or techniques a therapist uses, the quality of the relationship between therapist and client is one of the strongest predictors for positive change.

Having worked with a number of therapists over the years in my personal therapy, I have learned that the therapeutic relationship becomes clear from the very first session. For me, that connection is fundamental because the relationship truly is everything.

Over the years, I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with hundreds of clients. One piece of feedback I hear time and time again is, “You’re real, and you just get me.” I’m so proud of that, because it reflects exactly how I show up in my work.

Below is what I aim to offer every client I work with:

Create a safe space:

A strong therapeutic relationship provides emotional safety. When clients feel accepted, respected, and not judged, they are more likely to open up about painful or vulnerable experiences. Without this sense of safety, meaningful exploration is hard to achieve.

Build trust and honesty:

Trust allows clients to be honest not just with the therapist, but with themselves. When clients trust that the therapist has their best interests at heart, they are more willing to take emotional risks and engage fully in the process.

Encourage engagement and commitment:

Clients are more likely to attend sessions, participate actively, and continue therapy when they feel understood and supported. A positive relationship increases motivation and improves therapeutic outcome’s.

Facilitate emotional healing:

For many clients, especially those with past relational trauma, the therapeutic relationship itself can be healing. Experiencing a consistent, reliable, and empathetic relationship can help repair earlier negative relational patterns.

Support change and growth:

The relationship allows the therapist to gently challenge clients when appropriate. Because this challenge occurs within a trusting relationship, it is more likely to be accepted and lead to growth rather than defensiveness.

Research consistently shows that the therapeutic relationship is one of the most significant factors in successful therapy outcomes, sometimes more influential than specific theories and techniques.
If you know of anyone who is thinking of starting therapy I would love for you to recommend Vicki Louise Therapy.

29/12/2025

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Recovery is possible. Step by step. Brick by brick. Day by day.
01/12/2025

Recovery is possible.
Step by step.
Brick by brick.
Day by day.

👏🥰
24/11/2025

👏🥰

Addiction is not a failure. It's a health condition that deserves compassion, treatment, and understanding.You are not a...
19/11/2025

Addiction is not a failure. It's a health condition that deserves compassion, treatment, and understanding.
You are not alone, and asking for help is a sign of strength.

You can recover from addiction.
It may take time, setbacks, and courage, but recovery is possible.

Recovery begins with a single step, and you don't have to take it alone. If you're ready to talk, ready to heal, or simply need someone to listen, reach out to Vicki Louise Therapy for support 💚

Hey everyone, just a little reminder as we head into the festive season 🎄✨Please don’t pressure people to drink or ask w...
09/11/2025

Hey everyone, just a little reminder as we head into the festive season 🎄✨

Please don’t pressure people to drink or ask why they’re not. Some people just don’t want to, and that’s totally fine. It’s really not anyone’s business, and asking can make people uncomfortable.

Those who know me well are aware I have been alcohol free for 2025. Honestly, I’m so tired of being asked “why aren’t you drinking?” imagine if I turned around and asked “why are you?” It’s the same thing.

Nobody knows what battles people might be facing. There could be personal, health, emotional, or even spiritual reasons behind someone’s choice. You don’t need to know you just need to respect it and respect their boundaries.

Let’s make kindness and respect part of the celebration this year. Everyone can have fun in their own way with or without a drink 🥰

🌿 I often get asked - What Really Happens Throughout Therapy. 🌿Starting therapy can feel a little unknown many people wo...
29/10/2025

🌿 I often get asked - What Really Happens Throughout Therapy. 🌿

Starting therapy can feel a little unknown many people wonder, “What actually happens in sessions?” At Vicki Louise Therapy, I want you to feel comfortable and confident about the process.

Here’s a gentle guide to what therapy is really like 👇

🕊 1. The First Session — Getting to Know You

Your first session is about creating a safe space where you can simply be yourself.
We’ll talk about what’s brought you here, what you’d like to work on, and how therapy can support you.
There’s no pressure or expectation it’s just a chance for you to share, ask questions, and start building trust.

💬 2. The Journey — Exploring, Understanding, and Growing

As therapy continues, we’ll gently explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences at a pace that feels right for you.

Together we’ll:
• Make sense of what’s been happening for you.
• Identify patterns that may be holding you back.
• Develop tools and strategies to help you feel more balanced, grounded, and empowered.

Therapy isn’t about being “fixed” it’s about discovering yourself, healing, and finding ways to move forward with more clarity, and confidence.

🌱 3. The Progress — Change Takes Shape

Over time, you may start to notice small but meaningful shifts perhaps more self-awareness, calmer reactions, or stronger boundaries. These moments are signs of growth. Therapy is a process, and every step counts.

✨ 4. The Ending — Reflection and Closure

When you feel ready, we’ll take time to reflect on how far you’ve come, the changes you’ve made, and the tools you’ll carry forward.
It’s a thoughtful, supportive ending one that honours your journey.

Therapy is a partnership a safe, confidential space where you’re met with compassion, empathy and respect.
Wherever you are in your journey, Vicki Louise Therapy is here to walk alongside you. Photos of my therapy room are included. I also offer online and telephone.

Address

18 Stokesley Road
Marton
TS78DX

Telephone

+447720988028

Website

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