Alcohol dependence: therapy and support
Alcohol dependence can build slowly. Drinking that once felt like a choice can start to feel like something you need – to get through the day, to relax or to sleep.
I offer alcohol therapy for adults who want to look honestly at their drinking, whether you are thinking about reducing alcohol dependence, have already stopped, or are not yet sure what you want.
Michael Swales
MBACP, NCPS Acc.In-person therapy in London
Online therapy
across the UKIndividual therapy
from £75Couples therapy
from £95
Who it’s for
Alcohol dependency support for where you are now
You might notice that you think about drinking more than you would like, need more to feel the same effect, or feel unsettled when you go without. You might be drinking alone, or hiding how much.
Some people come wanting to cut down. Others want to stop completely, or have stopped and want support with alcohol dependence recovery over the longer term.
You do not need to have a plan. Therapy can begin with understanding what alcohol has been doing for you.
Alcohol dependence is one part of my broader addiction support, which also covers drugs and other compulsive habits.
Common reasons
Why people look for alcohol dependency support
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Drinking every day, or most days
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Needing a drink to relax, sleep or face things
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Finding alcohol-free days hard
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Drinking more than you planned
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Feeling low, anxious or ashamed after drinking
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Hiding or playing down how much you drink
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Arguments or distance at home
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Attempts to cut down that have not lasted
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Wanting support after stopping
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Worry about returning to old patterns
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Wanting to understand why you drink
What to expect
How therapy supports overcoming alcohol dependence
Sessions are confidential, non-judgemental and focused on what you want to change.
We look at the pattern around your drinking – the times, feelings and situations that lead to it, and what alcohol gives you in those moments – so that change rests on understanding rather than willpower alone.
This is talking therapy, not a substitute for medical care. If you are thinking about cutting down or stopping drinking, it is important to speak to your GP first about doing this safely.
Difficult weeks are part of the process, not a sign that therapy has failed.
About the therapist
Working with an alcohol addiction therapist
I am registered with BACP and NCPS and have additional training in addiction recovery. My approach is integrative, relational and trauma-informed.
In our work, drinking is understood in the context of your whole life – stress, relationships, grief, trauma or loneliness – rather than judged in isolation.
Experienced and accredited
Michael Swales is registered with professional bodies including BACP and NCPS, with additional training in relationship psychotherapy, somatic trauma therapy and addiction recovery.
Locations and online
Alcohol dependency support
in person or online
Sessions take place in person at King’s Cross, Angel and Farringdon, or online by video call.
Frequently asked questions
FAQs
Alcohol dependence describes a relationship with alcohol in which drinking feels hard to control or to go without, and has started to affect your mood, relationships or daily life. It exists on a spectrum, and you do not need to fit a particular description to look for support.
Therapy can be one part of alcohol dependence treatment. It offers space to understand and change your relationship with alcohol, alongside any medical care, groups or other alcohol dependency services you use. I do not provide detox or medical treatment.
Not necessarily. Many people begin while they are still drinking. If you are thinking about cutting down or stopping, please speak to your GP first so they can advise on doing this safely.
Some people want to cut down rather than stop, and therapy can explore what feels realistic for you. Your GP can advise on the medical side of reducing your drinking.
The months after stopping can bring up feelings that alcohol used to quieten. Therapy can support you through that period, alongside groups, meetings or other recovery support.
Online sessions by video call may be suitable for some people. This can be discussed during the initial consultation.
Individual therapy starts from £75. Fees can vary depending on the type of therapy, format and circumstances, and this can be discussed during your free initial consultation.
Get in touch
Take the next step when you're ready
Reaching out can feel like a big step, I offer a safe, confidential place to talk and explore what support might look like for you. Phone, email, video-call or in-person sessions – get in touch in whatever way suits you.
Email
info@michaelswales.com
Response time
I aim to respond to within 1 working day.
I'll be happy to hear from you.
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