Counselling is a form of psychological therapy that gives individuals the opportunity to explore in depth their feelings and beliefs, and to recognise patterns of behaviour that no longer support the lives they want to lead.
Counselling provides clients with a confidential and empathic space to talk about areas of their life that may be difficult to discuss elsewhere. The aim is to focus on the individual as a whole person, rather than solely as someone who uses drugs or alcohol. Clients are encouraged to explore those issues, that underlie their substance use, and develop a greater awareness of the role that substances have played in their lives.
"I want to thank you for all your help. I have found it invaluable. My drinking and drug taking days are truly behind me, and you have really helped me to have some understanding of myself, and why I had been reacting the way I have, for all these years." A former Counselling service client
Counselling is available to all people, in Oxfordshire and Berkshire, with current problems related to using drugs or alcohol. Individuals need to be able to demonstrate reasonable stability in their life, though they could still be using or be on script. People can get referred by any agency within the local network of drug and alcohol treatment services.
The counselling service operates from SMART's Aftercare offices on Cowley Road, Oxford and SMART's New Hope offices in Bracknell, Berkshire. If the initial assessment is successful, and both counsellor and client feel able to work together, the client is offered twelve 50-minute sessions. Further sessions beyond the initial 12 can be negotiated if necessary.
"The process of counselling is not always easy; it takes a lot of courage for individuals to face areas of their life that they may never have examined closely before. However, I believe that counselling – as part of a wider package of practical and emotional support – can make all the difference for individuals who are committed to leading their lives differently." Alan Buckley, Counsellor
The SMART counselling service was set up in 2002, and continues to be the main provider of counselling for problem drug and alcohol users in the Oxfordshire area. Due to the success of the service SMART has been extending the service to other locations.