Addiction Support and Therapy
Compassionate, non-judgemental support for addiction and dependency
Addiction can affect anyone, at any stage of life. Whether it involves substances, behaviours, or patterns of coping that no longer feel manageable, reaching out for support can be a powerful first step.
At Poole Therapies, we offer addiction counselling and therapeutic support in a safe, confidential space — online and locally. Our therapists understand that addiction is rarely about “lack of willpower”, and more often connected to emotional pain, trauma, stress, identity, or unmet needs.
We work with individuals at all stages of change, whether you are questioning your relationship with something, actively seeking recovery, or supporting your wellbeing alongside long-term recovery.
What We Mean by Addiction
Addiction can show up in many different ways, and no two experiences are the same. We support people with concerns including (but not limited to):
Alcohol use
Drug use (prescribed or non-prescribed)
Gambling
Food-related difficulties
Sex and pornography use
Work, exercise, or control-based behaviours
Digital and online behaviours
You do not need to meet a specific label or diagnosis to seek therapy. If something feels difficult, overwhelming, or out of balance, that is reason enough.
Our Approach to Addiction Therapy
Our work is person-centred, trauma-informed, and integrative. We focus not only on behaviours, but on the underlying emotional, psychological, and relational factors that may be driving them.
Addiction therapy at Poole Therapies may involve:
Exploring the role addiction plays in your life
Understanding emotional triggers and patterns
Working with shame, guilt, or self-criticism
Supporting emotional regulation and coping strategies
Addressing trauma, stress, or attachment experiences
Strengthening self-compassion and resilience
Where appropriate, we can also work alongside other support systems, such as recovery programmes or medical care.
Addiction Support With a Specialist You Can Trust
At Poole Therapies, addiction support is led by our specialist counsellor Anna Elston, whose training and experience are focused specifically on addiction and dependency work.
Anna brings advanced expertise in supporting people through substance and behavioural addictions, with a deep understanding of the emotional, psychological, and social factors that contribute to addiction. Her compassionate, non-judgemental approach helps clients feel understood and safe, whether they are just beginning to question their behaviours or are further along in recovery.
Anna’s work includes:
- Supporting clients in understanding patterns and triggers
Exploring emotional drivers and coping mechanisms
Working with co-existing issues such as anxiety, trauma, or low self-esteem
Strengthening confidence, resilience, and self-compassion
Helping clients build personalised, sustainable strategies for change
Whether you are seeking help with alcohol, drugs, compulsive behaviours, or patterns that feel out of control, Anna’s specialist focus means you are working with someone whose core practice aligns with addiction and recovery.
If you’d like to learn more about Anna’s background, training, and professional approach, visit her profile here:
Anna Elston – Addiction Specialist
And if you have questions about her way of working or whether she’d be the best fit for you, we’re happy to talk that through in a confidential, supportive conversation.
Finding the Right Support
If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, there are a range of organisations and services that can offer support, guidance, and treatment. Different services suit different needs, and what feels right for one person may not be the best fit for another.
Local and national services can provide specialist addiction support, structured programmes, peer support, and practical help. These may include NHS-linked services, community organisations, residential or outpatient treatment centres, and peer-led recovery groups.
In the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole area, support is available through organisations such as:
- WithYou,
- EDAS / Reach Drug & Alcohol Services,
- STAR – Steps to Active Recovery
- Allington House
- The Providence Projects
- local Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
National organisations such as NHS services, Mind, and Alcohol Change UK can also offer information and guidance.
Seeking help can feel daunting, but support is available — and taking the first step, in whatever way feels manageable, matters.
Interested in another counsellor with this specialty?
Click to find out more about each of our counsellors which can help with addiction therapy.
Still unsure who might be the best fit for your needs? Contact us, and we’ll help match you with the right professional.
Don’t worry — sometimes the best match may be outside of Poole Therapies. In those cases, we’re happy to recommend trusted services that could be the ideal fit for you.