When someone you love is struggling with addiction, it can be deeply painful and confusing. You may find yourself trying to help, worrying constantly, or feeling powerless as you watch them suffer. Family members and friends often carry a heavy emotional burden, yet their own wellbeing can easily be overlooked.
Therapy can offer a safe, non-judgemental space for you to talk about what’s happening, make sense of your emotions, and begin to care for yourself again.
Understanding the Impact of Addiction on Families
Addiction rarely affects just one person – it ripples through entire families, friendships, and relationships. Loved ones may experience:
- Chronic stress and anxiety from living with uncertainty
- Guilt or self-blame, wondering what they could have done differently
- Anger or resentment, mixed with worry and compassion
- Isolation, particularly when stigma makes it hard to talk openly
- Emotional exhaustion, often from trying to help without much change
Over time, this constant tension can lead to burnout or physical and mental health difficulties. It’s not uncommon to lose touch with your own needs when you’re focused on supporting someone else.
Why Therapy Can Make a Difference
Therapy offers a space that’s just for you – somewhere you can be honest without fear of judgement or burdening others. A counsellor can help you:
- Understand your feelings and find words for complex emotions such as guilt, shame, or frustration
- Recognise unhealthy patterns, such as over-functioning or rescuing behaviours
- Set boundaries that protect your wellbeing while maintaining compassion
- Rebuild trust and communication, whether with your loved one or other family members
- Reconnect with yourself, your values, and your sense of stability
In therapy, you don’t need to have all the answers. Together, we can explore what’s happening beneath the surface, both in your loved one’s behaviour and in your own responses to it.
A Relational and Psychodynamic Perspective
My work is rooted in relational and psychodynamic counselling, which means we look at how past experiences and relationships influence how you respond in the present.
For example, if you grew up feeling responsible for others, you may find it especially difficult to step back from someone you love who’s struggling. Therapy helps you notice these patterns and begin to relate differently, to others and to yourself.
This process isn’t about blame; it’s about understanding and compassion. When you see your story more clearly, it becomes easier to make choices that feel healthier and more authentic.
Therapy for Families and Loved Ones of Addicts in Brighton & Online
You don’t need to face this alone. Whether you’re in Brighton or prefer to meet online, therapy with me can help you find clarity, boundaries, and peace of mind.
Even if the person you care about isn’t ready for change, you can begin your own process of healing and recovery.
If you’re supporting someone with addiction and would like to talk about how therapy could help, please get in touch to arrange an initial conversation.
Can therapy help even if my loved one refuses treatment?
Yes. Therapy for family members focuses on your own wellbeing, coping strategies, and emotional resilience, regardless of whether your loved one is in recovery.
Is this family therapy or individual counselling?
I offer one-to-one sessions for individuals affected by someone else’s addiction. The focus is on your experiences, boundaries, and emotional health.
How often are sessions held?
Sessions are usually weekly, either in person in Brighton or online, at a consistent time and day. This regularity supports safety and continuity.
I feel guilty for needing space. Is that normal?
Completely. Guilt is a common response, but therapy can help you see that caring for yourself is not selfish – it’s essential.