Alcohol & Coping
For many deep-feeling adults, alcohol becomes a way to manage intensity and quiet the internal noise. It is often a functional tool before it becomes a burden—a way to find a soft landing in a world that can feel too loud or too much.
In this space, we move away from shame and toward inquiry. We explore the roots of your coping while building the self-compassion needed for change.
Why People Use Alcohol to Cope
- Quietening internal noise and self-criticism
- Managing sensory and emotional overwhelm
- Creating a buffer against burnout and high-functioning stress
- Soothing social anxiety or finding a 'brave' self
- Navigating identity shifts and life transitions
Themes We Explore
A Non-Shaming, Trauma-Informed Approach
My work is rooted in understanding why alcohol has become part of your life. We look at the underlying layers without judgment, ensuring the therapeutic space remains a gentle container for exploration.
Emotional Intensity & Sensory Overwhelm
For those who feel deeply, the world can sometimes feel like too much. We look at how alcohol is used to dial down the volume and how to find other ways to regulate your experience.
Burnout & High-Functioning Stress
When you are constantly 'on', alcohol can feel like the only way to signal to your body that it is time to stop. We explore sustainable rhythms of rest and self-care.
Menopause & Identity Transitions
Navigating physiological and psychological shifts can trigger a reliance on old coping mechanisms. We hold space for the identity work required in these transitions.
What We Can Explore Together
- The emotional function of your substance use
- Self-regulation and nervous system grounding techniques
- Grieving the version of yourself you left behind
- Reconnecting with your intuition and whole-self presence
Practicalities & Invitation
A Gentle but Clear Boundary
To ensure our work together is safe and effective, I require sessions to be conducted sober. This boundary protects the depth of our connection and your own process.
How We Work Together
Sessions last 50 minutes and are usually held weekly to maintain a consistent container for you. I offer video sessions across the UK and walk-and-talk therapy for those in the London SE and Kent areas.
Fees
Individual Session (50 mins): £70. Initial Discovery Call (20-30 mins): Free.
Professional Standards
I am an integrative counsellor and work within the BACP Ethical Framework, ensuring a confidential, professional, and ethical therapeutic relationship.
If You’re Feeling Drawn to Explore This
Choosing to look at your relationship with alcohol is a brave, quiet step. If you feel ready to inquire about sessions, please reach out via email or phone to arrange a discovery call.