Integrative Behavioural Therapies Southwest

About

Hi, I'm David Pender, (Kernow Counsellor)

“Our wounds are often the openings into the best and most beautiful part of us.”

Counselling becomes a journey where you work through the layers of difficult emotions. It can be hard work and at times reopen painful wounds. Healing takes you deep into places that are not always easy to visit. You will have the advantage of feeling supported. Yet once you have unpeeled the layers and rediscovered the real you a new world opens up where you can walk in your personal freedom of truth.

Integrative Behavioural Therapies

As Registered On Counselling Directory Qualified Professional Therapists

During training in London, I completed addiction training with (RAPt). The Rehabilitation of Addicted Prisoners trust this work led to comprehensive qualification in Integrative Behavioural Therapies .

Any problems relating to your past can be addressed they do not have to be addiction related they might be anger, anxiety, depression or a list of other problems you struggle with. CBT can help greatly with many maladaptive issues. Moreover, past problems do not have to define you. When looking to address behaviour it is important to address the root of the problem rather than just the surface results. What is at the heart of how you feel? What steps do you feel you need to take to resolve these issues? Apart from the dopamine rush what other aspects contribute to your alcohol or drug intake with increased tolerance? Have you ever considered that a habit that may be causing you issues may require Moderation and behaviour management techniques rather than the daunting prospect of total abstinence?

Do You Feel It’s Time For Help?

Alcohol and drugs that start as a risk-taking adventure can soon escalate into serious problems. Often you get caught up in an impulsive habit when it comes to experimenting and trying new things out. Soon you find it a daily routine to satisfy the levels of dopamine as the brain’s sensitivity to it increases. Often this turns into a regular practice of self-medicating unaddressed personal issues. From birth our brains award pleasurable experiences releasing brain chemicals namely

Serotonin serves to balance the mood & promote well-being
Dopamine the happy hormone of the brain
Endorphins are natural painkillers to help cope with stress
Oxytocin is Not a happy hormone but promotes sociability
these keep you healthy and cause you to feel good when not abused.

Addiction affects both men and women many suffer from other symptoms such as difficulty forming or sustaining relationships. Substance abusers are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than others. Physical health and well-being will suffer as the symptoms begin to increase. Often self-regulation of your behaviours thoughts and actions can be a problem this is when your life becomes difficult to manage.

Problematic use starts when the user chooses to use regardless of the problems that are caused by the use of the substance. This can include employment, relationships and even problems with the law. Loneliness is a common factor of addiction and can be a major contributor to relapse. Therefore counselling must include meeting the empowerment of clients to meet their social needs more healthily. Until such times as the client addresses the feelings that cause internal conflict the addiction continues to be fueled.

It is in the onset or early stage of noticing a problem that harm reduction can be effective. If the substance misuse has a long history you might require advanced help. Counselling should be viewed as a first step that hopefully will bring you back on track. Often this action is carried out with the support & Knowledge of your local GP.

An Integrative Approach to Your Harm Reduction

The thought of total abstinence can feel like a harsh punishment so moderation can be a preferred alternative to holding out a white flag. Different models of recovery are available. There is no doubt that if left untreated cravings can progress into a chronic disease. The ability to make rational decisions that allow healthy choices can become affected The state of mind towards coping can include genetic vulnerability, peer pressure and environmental stressors. promoting reliance on substances to get through the day. The freeing of any suppressions promotes motivation for well-being. The empathic therapeutic and unjudgmental acceptance of the client can build trust in establishing a good foundation for a good counselling relationship.

Starting The Work With Integrative Behavioural Therapies

The work starts when together we look at your motivation in wanting change in your life it is then followed up by reduction techniques not by superior knowledge, talking down or preachy condemnation. The same principles apply to anger and other behaviours. When close ones try to fix you often from a place of good intention they annoy you and often cause resentment. Often rather than unlocking the root cause of suffering it intensifies negative feelings.

A calm sea never made a skilled sailor, but we will need to work with any current stress, anxiety or depression. Remember the power of any thought you have depends on how much you buy into that thought. You are the one with the power to change your life.

It is the underlying issues of the suffering that need to be addressed before any reduction methods are spoken of. Without this approach, you are effectively taking away a coping mechanism without supporting the client. It is just as important to recognise the client will need a healthy pattern of life to follow after counselling. With the correct support, you will find an improved life is not out of your reach. Are you ready for your next chapter?

Best Wishes

David

The Next Step

Please feel free to contact me for a no-obligation introductory call so we can work out how we can work together.

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