If I want to talk to someone about my sexual abuse, why would I want to see an addictions counsellor?

Research has shown that people in the full throws of addiction, and/or using high levels of drugs or alcohol don't benefit from counselling.  Sadly, one of the factors that often leads to addiction and substance misuse in late life, is childhood trauma.

So, if my childhood abuse is something that has led to me becoming addicted (and/or misusing drugs/alcohol), but counselling won't work because of my addiction/substance use, surely that leaves me stuck?

You don't have to be stuck, everyday more and more people are finding freedom from addiction and beginning to heal the pain of childhood abuse, however, you may need to consider addressing your substance abuse/addictions first, and this is where Mark can help you.

He will offer you support, advice and information and, if you wish, can refer you to other agencies for additional help.  He will work alongside you, at your pace, for as long as you need to reach a point of safety and stability, where you feel ready to begin addressing the trauma of your childhood abuse (as well as any other issues you may wish to talk through and explore).

I've looked at the list of different kinds of addiction on this website, and some of the descriptions seem to apply to me, but I'm not completely sure.  Should I still come and talk to Mark? 

I use recreational drugs/drink a lot of alcohol, but I wouldn't call myself an addict/alcoholic.  I do want help getting over my childhood experiences, but do I still need to see Mark?

Yes.  In any of these cases it would be a good idea to talk to Mark.  He can chat with you in a friendly and non-judgemental way and explore your behaviours and/or substance use with you to help you to get a clearer picture on whether or not you do have a problem, and on what options are available to you.

I recognised that I was an addict/alcoholic some years ago and have had treatment/attended meetings/received help, with this and am still in recovery.  I feel ready now to do some work/more work on my childhood abuse issues.  Would there be any advantage in me seeing Mark for this counselling?

Yes.  Mark can counsel you around your abuse issues, while at the same time his understanding of addiction recovery will enable him to offer you specialist support for your ongoing abstinence and wellbeing.

I don't have a problem with addiction or substance use myself and don't need counselling for childhood abuse, but these issues do affect my partner/spouse/friend/family member and this in turn affects me, is it possible for me to see Mark?

Certainly, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

In order to see Mark or any of the counselling team or use any of the Twelve's Company/Operation Emotion services, do I need to have completely stopped taking all mood-altering substances?

No.  You might not be ready to take this step and it can be very dangerous to withdraw from drink or drugs without medical help.  However, it is essential that you are sober and clean (not under the influence of drugs) when you visit our premises for your appointments etc.

What is Mark's background, and how does he work with people?

Mark began as a complementary therapist when he became aware of the strong link between mind and body, particularly where trauma is concerned.

After running a private psychotherapy and hypnotherapy practice, working with all kinds of issues, he specialised in the addictions field and as well as working in Dartmoor Prison has worked in 3 residential treatment centres or "rehabs", most recently as the clinical team leader.

Throughout this work he has helped numerous people begin to overcome the pain of emotional, physical and sexual abuse, including rape of both men and women in childhood and adulthood.

Mark treats every client as unique and employs a wide range of different approaches including the use of relaxation and visualisation techniques.  Giving clear and useful information on the nature of addiction, the physical and emotion effects of trauma and on self-awareness and personal growth.  He is also experienced in coaching people in assertiveness skills.

He has a warm and friendly manner and a gentle sense of humour and will always treat your seriously and with the utmost respect.  He will encourage you and support you to make sure you get what you need from counselling.

As well as "one-to-one" work, Mark has extensive experience of group work and is hoping to put together some group sessions on Addiction, Recovery and Relapse Prevention, should these prove to be of interest to people.

It's a word that gets used an awful lot, but what exactly do you mean by "Addiction"?

We are all, to some extent, addictive in nature, but for most of us it isn't a major problem.  However, for many our addiction to a substance (e.g. Alcohol or heroin), or a behaviour (e.g.. gambling or spending) can have a disastrous effect on our physical and mental health, self-esteem, finances, family, relationships and value system.  It can lead to hospital, prison and premature death.

People who become addicts are not bad, stupid, weak or wrong.  There are believed to be many possible causes - physical, genetic, environmental and social, spiritual and psychological.  Though it's likely that a whole combination of factors apply.  Sadly, childhood sexual abuse is something that frequently occurs in the lives of people who grow up to struggle with addiction.

All addictions, whether to substance or behaviours, have the effect of clocking unpleasant, negative or distressing feelings which for man addicts would otherwise seem overwhelming.  The process of recovery is to safely halt the addictive behaviours and begin to address and then release these negative feelings.