Adult children of addiction in the family

We offer counselling for adults who grew up in families where alcohol or drug use was a part of family life.

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Your experience may have been shaped by:

 

• The behaviour of a parent or caregiver who was addicted to  alcohol or drugs

• An unpredictable or chaotic home life

• Inconsistent parenting

• Emotional neglect or feeling “invisible”

• Taking on adult responsibilities at a young age

• Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe in relationships​

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How it might have affected you as an adult?

 

If you were affected by a parent’s alcohol or drug misuse or abuse you may still be feeling its effects today - often in ways that are hard to fully understand or explain.  Even if your life looks “together” on the outside, these early experiences can leave a lasting internal impact.

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You may notice persistent anxiety, a sense of not feeling “good enough” or a fear of abandonment.  You may struggle to identify or express your emotions, hold yourself to impossibly high standards or feel driven by a strong inner critic.  Relationships can feel difficult with challenges around trust, intimacy, people-pleasing or feeling responsible for others’ emotions.

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You may also feel disconnected from yourself, unsure of your needs or direction or appearing high-functioning on the outside while feeling overwhelmed within.  Many people describe living with a constant sense of tension, hypervigilance or emotional exhaustion even while managing daily life.

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How counselling can help:

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• Explore and process your childhood experiences safely

• Understand patterns in relationships and emotional responses

• Build a stronger, more compassionate sense of self

• Develop healthier boundaries and communication

• Reduce anxiety and increase emotional resilience

• Feel more grounded, connected, and in control of your life

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Arrangements for sessions

 

An initial session will be offered to discuss your situation and to see whether we can be of help.  Further sessions will be offered and agreed if you both agree to continue working together.

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​​Fees

 

Initial appointment            From £25

Further appointments       From £25 per session

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