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Recovery doesn’t mean just quitting the behaviour that is causing you problems, but rather maintaining a lifestyle where the likelihood of returning to those behaviours is minimised. Recovery is a process of learning new ways of doing life, learning new skills and applying them in practice.
Recovery work helps you to make/maintain changes in your current situation. The work focuses on the present moment and explores ways to manage life without addictive behaviours. We can help you explore the addictive behaviour, consider change, gain awareness of your personal thoughts, beliefs, feelings and behaviours linked to the problem behaviour and learn tools to make your recovery journey possible.
We offer recovery work both on an individual basis and in a confidential group setting. In-dependence follows the SMART Recovery UK framework in our service provision. You can find more information about SMART Recovery UK on their website. (https://smartrecovery.org.uk/)
Recovery work can be helpful in many different circumstances whether you have just started considering change and are not sure how to move forward, you’ve already started your change process but feel like you need extra support or you’ve already achieved what you wanted but want to reinforce your skills in maintaining your progress.
Accessing our services is confidential. There are situations where we may share information with other professionals. These circumstances include circumstances where we believe that there is a risk of serious harm to yourself or others or if we are compelled to share information by an order of the court. We would first discuss the situation with you if possible and try and persuade you to make the disclosure yourself, or to agree that your worker should get in touch with someone else who could help you.
Your client contract will outline in detail the limits of confidentiality.
For individual recovery work please self-refer online or contact the main office on 01481 729000 to arrange an initial appointment. If you are interested in peer support recovery groups please contact us to discuss.
Q: Is it free?
A: Yes, accessing recovery work with Independence is free. If you’d like to make a donation please speak to staff or donate online.
Q: I have got mental health issues and I am concurrently worried about my substance use/gambling. Will my mental health issues prevent me from accessing help with independence?
A: It is not uncommon for people to experience mental health issues whilst engaging in problematic use of substances or gambling. We can offer you recovery work if you are experiencing common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety. However, we may need to consult your mental health worker/psychiatrist if you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, psychosis or other complex mental health issue. Please note that recovery work does not directly address any mental health issues and if you have concerns about your mental health you should speak to staff.
Q: How many sessions will you offer?
A: Initially, we will offer you 8 sessions of recovery work after which we will review your progress. There is no limit to the number of sessions should we feel that it is appropriate to continue offering you a service. Depending on your circumstances we may plan less than 8 sessions of recovery work if this suits you best.
Q: I am still using/drinking/gambling. Can I access recovery work regardless?
A: Yes, you can access recovery work even if you are still using/drinking/gambling. However, we would expect you to come to appointments clearheaded.
Q: Can I bring someone else to an appointment with me? I feel nervous about coming alone.
A: You may bring another person to your appointments, if you feel nervous about coming on your own. Just be aware that you will be talking about personal things that you may not want to share with anyone. The appointments will focus purely on you regardless of another person being present. We don’t accept children to be present during appointments.
Q: How long will it take for me to get better?
A: Everyone’s circumstances are different and it really depends on the individual how long it takes to get better. If you feel like recovery work is not helping you or that you are not making the progress that you wanted please speak to your worker and you can start working towards a solution. In some cases, you may want to be referred to another counsellor or try a completely different approach.