Questions & Answers
What does the recovery programme involve?
There are two aspects to your recovery programme - Individual coaching sessions (where you will learn the practice and exercises) and on-going phone coaching to support you in applying the techniques in your everyday life.
I’m not interested in raking through all your pain and problems, and reliving all “the dreadful things that have happened”, I’m interested in teaching you how to let go of this and howto feel really good. We will practice the techniques together; people usually leave the sessions feeling really good. I can help you clear uncomfortable feelings during the coaching sessions and you’ll find that some of the exercises leave you really buzzing and that’s nice. But what is most important is that you apply what you’ve been learning in real life situations while they are happening and I will coach you by telephone in between the sessions. If you are struggling you can call and I will remind you of what you’ve been learning and help you deal with what the situation brings up in you as it happens - there is no better way to practice.
How long does the programme last?
A minimum of 10 weeks, but I prefer to maintain some contact for 6 months to a year if possible. I find that after 6 months the chances of going back are minimal, but some people are safe much sooner. Usually after the first six weeks we would only need to see each other fortnightly or monthly, but this will depend upon your individual circumstances.
Some of my clients continue to come and see me for years and I still work with some people who I first met 5 or 6 years ago. They haven’t done cocaine for years and have long dealt with their addictive behaviours, but continue to come because they get a lot from the sessions and want to continue their own personal development. The sessions can be hard work but they are always a liberating and empowering experience, we’ll have a lot of laughs and may shed the odd tear together, but you’ll always leave feeling a lot better than when you arrived and sometimes you’ll be buzzing your **** off.
Will I need time off work?
If you get booked in early I can do coaching sessions after you finish work, and we’ll be as flexible as possible. But the 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30 evening slots are very popular and you may need to skip work for a “medical appointment” or the “dentist” every so often. Maybe work might also have to wait for a bit – it’s only your life that’s at stake here, after all!
We’ll usually meet weekly to start with and then after about 6 weeks go to fortnightly and then monthly for a while. So time wise, it isn’t something you can’t make arrangements for if you are really serious about it.
What if I need a detox?
I’ve read lots about a cocaine withdrawal syndrome and I’m in no doubt that some people experience withdrawal symptoms. However in my 8 years of working with mindful techniques and cocaine addiction I have never worked with anyone who reported withdrawal symptoms. Perhaps this is because we don’t go on about them, so I don’t put it in their mind, or maybe it is something to do with the techniques I use, but in any event I have never found withdrawal to be an issue with cocaine.
Addictions rarely occur on their own and we will need to explore any other addictions you may have. Alcohol, tranquilizers and opiates do have powerful withdrawal implications and a detox from large amounts of alcohol and tranquilizers without medical support can be dangerous and even fatal. If during the assessment we establish a need for a medical detox then there are a number of options that we can consider and I work closely in association with organisations offering hospital care and others who will undertake a home detox.
Do you only treat cocaine addiction?
The programme was originally developed specifically for cocaine addiction but as word has spread, we have received numerous requests to help people with a multitude of addictive behaviours. We have recently helped people recover from addictive behaviours ranging from alcoholism and gambling to sex addiction and compulsive eating. The programme seems to be equally effective with all types of addictive behaviours, the key issue is whether you can relate to our understanding of addiction and the practices we use, rather than the behaviour or substances involved.
Can you offer any support to families?
All coaching and therapy is totally private and nothing you discuss in treatment will be disclosed to families without your consent. However, loved ones can often do a great deal to support recovery and we frequently work with partners and loved ones, often coaching them in the same practices that their partner or family member is learning.
Can you provide bespoke care?
I am often asked for bespoke programmes and have successfully treated a number of high profile clients, for whom versatility, flexibility and discretion are paramount. Under special circumstances we can provide treatment at home or any other predetermined location necessary.
What does it cost?
Different people will need different levels of input, some people pick this up very quickly, and others have more entrenched addictive patterns that will need a longer term coaching programme. At your assessment we will create an individual care plan, specifically designed for you and the plan will depend upon your personal needs and circumstances. So it is very difficult to give a firm idea of cost prior to your assessment, but programmes start at £1,000 and on average people will spend between £1,000 and £3,000 over a typical 9 month coaching programme.
