Staying clean for a few weeks within the confines of a treatment centre in some beautiful country location is one thing, but ultimately you have to survive in the real world, with all the stresses and strains, and ups and downs of every day life. I prefer to work with people in the real world. Recovery is not about hiding away from the world, it is about learning to respond to it differently. Although it is helpful to stay away from triggers when ever possible, many triggers can’t be avoided. Some of the most powerful triggers are everyday things like cash machines, or the “weekend”, often they are negative mood states - boredom, loneliness, frustration and anxiety. You might be able to avoid cash machines, but you can’t avoid the weekend and can’t say you will never be bored or frustrated again, so ultimately you will need to learn to respond to these triggers differently. You will need to learn a new way to manage what is going on inside you in real life and the real world is the best place to learn this. I’ll coach you in how to apply the mindful techniques in real situations as they happen. I can’t stop the dealer ringing you or prevent the massive row with your partner but I can help you to deal with what it brings up in you when it happens, In many ways life becomes a teacher, with each situation or challenge comes an opportunity for growth and learning. I would encourage you to keep in regular phone contact in between coaching sessions; you can call me when you are craving, I can remind you of what you have learnt and help you the quieten your thinking and be mindful until the feeling passes. Once you have done this a few times it becomes second nature and you’ll have learned a real alternative to using cocaine.

Will anyone know I’m in treatment?

It is a sad fact that there is still considerable ignorance surrounding any kind of drug addiction. Disclosure can cause major problems with employers, friends and family, the police and even your insurance company. Regrettably these attitudes prevent many people from seeking treatment. Because this programme is community based, you can carry on at work as normal and no one need know that you are in treatment or that you have a drug problem at all. All coaching sessions are one to one, there is no embarrassing group work and unlike some rehabs who send out a press release when someone famous checks in, I will not disclose to anyone the identities of my clients without their consent.Over the past 5 years I have worked with a number of celebrities, famous musicians, well known actors, sports personalities and others in the public eye for whom discretion is paramount, and I take your privacy just as seriously.

I work from an office in the City of London, which is handy for all of you City boys and girls and it is in easy striking distance of anywhere in London and surrounding areas. We can arrange coaching sessions to fit in as much as possible with your normal life. My office is in a business centre, it is an ordinary office and not a clinic, it is the kind of place you might visit for an ordinary business meeting. If anyone asks you can tell them that you’re doing some personal development coaching (which is true) and if you need me to confirm that for you I will.

Some people will need medical support and we will need to get medical professionals involved, but this will only be done if the situation is imminently life threatening or with your express permission.

How does coaching differ from counselling?

Coaching is very different from counselling, I promise no digging up the past or navel gazing and I’m not really fussed about your relationship with your mother. Nor am I some smart therapist that claims to be able to cure you (if you are waiting for someone to cure you, you’ll find its s a very long wait). My role is to help you regain power, not to take it away; I will support you in taking responsibility for your own recovery. I will coach you in the techniques and practices that you need to get better and to support you while you bring them into your life, but ultimately it is only you that can get you better. Coaching is a collaborative process. I’m an expert in cocaine addiction and teaching Mindfulness, but you are the expert on your life and you have strengths, skills and abilities that will be invaluable in your recovery, coaching is a way of bringing these together.

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 7 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.

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 less than £1,000 and on average people will spend between £2,000 and £3,000 over a typical 9-12 month coaching programme.

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