Specialist psychology service for family and friends affected by a loved one’s drug or alcohol problem
Therapy | Self-help Resources | Supervision & Training
Do you worry about your loved one constantly?
Does your mind often tell you that you’re responsible for your loved one’s drug or alcohol use or that you haven't done a good enough job at helping them to quit?
Or perhaps you feel sad, angry or let down by the person in your life using substances.
When someone you care about is struggling with drugs or alcohol, it’s natural to experience a range of difficult thoughts and feelings such as stress, anxiety, anger or guilt. You might end up being self-critical and blaming yourself.
Helping you bridge the gap between the difficult place you are currently in and where you would like to be in your life.
Hello, I'm Dr Fiona Dowman, Clinical Psychologist and founder of Purple Bridge Psychology. I specialise in helping adults to navigate the impact of a loved one's past or present alcohol or drug use, develop coping tools, improve wellbeing and quality of life.
I know it can be difficult to ask for help or open up about problems related to drugs, alcohol and addiction, especially because of the associated stigma. Sadly, it's often an isolating experience. I am passionate about breaking down barriers to accessing support due to stigma, blame and shame. In the years that I have worked in drug and alcohol services, I have seen the impact that a person's use can have on those who care about them. Often loved ones (family and friends) provide a lot of care and support for the person in their lives with a drug or alcohol problem, and it’s tough. That's why it's important that loved ones have space to look after themselves and nurture their own wellbeing. I provide one to one therapy sessions online via Zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. I have limited in-person availability in Clapham, South West London. You can also find useful free self-help resources here.
Supporting Family & Friends
Perhaps you are supporting a loved one who is in treatment or you are adjusting now that your loved one is in recovery, or you might be focused on trying to get your loved one to stop using. I wish I could advise you about how to make this happen. However, whilst you can encourage and support your loved one to seek help, the motivation to change needs to come from them! The aim of the resources and therapy that I provide is primarily aimed at supporting YOU with the emotional impact of your loved one's use.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Your time is consumed by worrying about your loved one and you can't focus on anything else.
You are struggling to cope with the emotional impact of someone else's substance use e.g. guilt, anger, confusion, frustration, anxiety, or grief.
You are struggling to sleep due to worry about your loved one.
You are contemplating whether to end your relationship with or distance yourself from someone using substances or you’re coming to terms with or feeling guilty about the decision you have already made to end a relationship.
What I can help with?
Some of the issues that can be addressed in therapy include: depression, low mood, anxiety, worry or stress, sleep difficulties, difficulties managing emotions, loss and bereavement.
You do not need to have a mental health problem to benefit from psychological support. Many people find it difficult to cope when their loved one has issues with alcohol or drugs. You may not have the words to describe how you are feeling or you may feel stuck or overwhelmed.
If you are struggling to cope on your own, therapy could help you to make sense of these difficulties, and develop coping strategies or make choices that help you to reach your personal goals.
Whether you are an individual struggling with the impact of a loved ones drug or alcohol use or a professional or organisation wanting to help people affected by drugs and alcohol, feel free to get in touch to discuss how I can help.
Purple Bridge Psychology Pathway
1
Free Introductory Call
The decision to seek therapy can feel daunting. It's important to find a therapist who is the right fit for you. I offer a free 20 minute video call (via zoom) to briefly discuss what is troubling you, whether I can help and give you an opportunity to ask any questions you might have. If we decide that it would be useful to work together, the next step would be to book an initial consultation.
2
Initial Consultation
Fees £130 per session
In our first couple of meetings I will learn more about your difficulties and your goals for therapy and we'll come to a shared understanding of what has contributed to your difficulties and what might be keeping the problem going. This provides a guide or a roadmap for the best way to tackle your difficulties in therapy. We will revisit this roadmap as we go along.
3
Therapy
Fees £130 per session
We will agree to meet regularly (usually weekly) for 50 minutes to work on your therapy plan. Currently, I am offering sessions online via zoom on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and limited in-person sessions in Clapham, South West London. Therapy provides A confidential space to talk about your difficulties and understand them better. Through the 1:1 sessions and between-session tasks, you will develop practical tools and techniques to help you manage difficult feelings and navigate life's challenges.
Need help in a crisis?
Unfortunately, I cannot provide immediate or urgent help. If you are concerned about your safety or need urgent help, you can contact your GP, use the NHS 111 service for advice, or dial 999/go to A&E. You can also phone Samaritans for free 24/7 on 116 123.
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