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Behavioural Counselling

Behavioural Counselling Addiction Treatment

It is not just alcohol and drug addiction that requires addiction counselling.  Behavioural addiction is a type of addiction that sees an afflicted person seized by the compulsion to take part in specific behaviour or behaviours, on a repeated basis, regardless of any potential negative consequences to the person’s well-being.

In the case of behavioural addiction, there is no external chemical substance upon which a person becomes physically dependant however, regardless of this lack of substance dependence, the internal effect is very similar to those caused by psychological addiction to alcohol or drugs and can be as equally destructive.

Behavioural Counselling and therapy can look at any form of behaviour that may be causing you concern but effective treatment only becomes possible when an affected person decides for themselves that they want to change and accept help.

In order to make a FULL recovery from any kind of addiction, it is imperative that a profound change in mindset and outlook is achieved and behavioural counselling is integral to achieving this.  Behavioural counselling can support a person to stop their repeated behaviours but is also most helpful following on from behavioural rehab.

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What Types Of Behavioural Addictions Are There?

It is theoretically possible for some people to come addicted to any kind of activity and takes many forms however, common behavioural addictions include:

  • Gambling addiction
  • Sex addiction
  • Gaming addiction
  • Eating disorders
  • Love addiction
  • Codependency
  • Pornography addiction
  • Shopping and spending addiction

 

Symptoms of behavioural addiction include:

  • The inability to resist impulses
  • Loss of interest in anything else
  • Withdrawal in the forms of irritability when addiction cannot be engaged in
  • Guilt
  • Denial
  • Dishonesty

How A Behavioural Counsellor Can Help

People with behavioural addictions may not suffer the same physical risks to their health like people with drug or alcohol addiction experience but, leaving a behavioural disorder untreated can cause immense suffering for the person addicted and their loved ones.  The earlier the problem can be recognised and treatment sought, it is less likely serious damage will be done and make it easier to sustain a normal life.

A specialist behavioural counsellor aims to reveal and address the underlying psychological causes of addiction and enable those suffering from addiction to engage in normal life without giving in to the impulse to engage in potentially destructive behaviour.

A behavioural counsellor will:

  • Provide information about a specific addiction and discuss the recovery process.
  • Help uncover any underlying issues and causes associated with the addiction.
  • Compile a structured and realistic treatment and recovery plan based on your individual needs.
  • Present you with tips and techniques for a successful recovery.
  • Give regular assessments to determine your progress.
  • Support you emotionally and encourage you throughout each stage of recovery.

Common Types Of Counselling Therapies Used To Effectively Treat Behavioural Addictions

There are many different counselling approaches and therapies available. A behavioural counsellor will usually use a number of approaches for optimum effect over a course of counselling sessions depending on different factors these may include:

  • Genetics and medical history
  • Hormonal Imbalances
  • Social and environmental conditions
  • Medical History

 

One of the most common types of treatment for behavioural addiction is CBT or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy – This type of treatment focusses on identifying the patterns that trigger compulsive behaviour, and involves making certain lifestyle changes that will encourage healthier behaviours. Essentially, this treatment works by changing the way you think, effectively helping you eliminate these problematic behaviours.

Other types of therapies include:

(MT) Motivational therapy  –  Based upon encouraging a patient through contemplation and introspection to come to see the negative aspects of their behaviour and as a result to develop a determination to change.

(DBT) Dialectical Behavioural Therapy – The emphasis is on building a strong therapeutic working relationship with the counsellor, so that a very personalised and in depth approach can be used in addressing behaviour.

Integrated Counselling Therapy – This is where a psychologist, or qualified psychology counsellor, will integrate both counselling and psychotherapeutic approaches for maximum effect.

Person-centred Counselling – Person-centred counselling focuses on healing the individual as a whole person and not just one singular aspect, i.e alcohol addiction.

Counselling is most effective face to face but we also offer Skype counselling and telephone counselling for those that require more flexibility or feel uncomfortable leaving the safety of their home.

Find A Counsellor Near You

Finding the right behavioural counsellor, one that you feel comfortable with to help you overcome your addiction and personal barriers isn’t always easy.  Here at Which Rehab we have access to a vast number of fully qualified and experienced BACP registered Counsellors, specialising in the treatment of behavioural addictions.

Search our directory or contact us to take care of all the necessary arrangements today on 0800 170 7000

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