The programme, which is carried out on a one-to-one basis, runs for twelve sessions, usually over a twelve week period and is founded on CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and consists of other psychological components which have proven successful as treatment outcomes. Beliefs, feeliings thoughts, attitudes and behavour can and do change.
CBT (COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY)


CBT is a psycho-social intervention which was originally designed to treat depression, but has since proved highly effective in treating alcohol and substance abuse disorders.
Rooted in cognitive and behavioural psychology as its name suggests, it takes a practical, problem solving approach towards reaching recovery.
CBT targets information processing, challenges distorted thoughts and maladaptive behaviours associated with drug use and alcohol dependency. It teaches new skills which include allowing you to process your feelings, thoughts and behaviours differently, and shows you how to recognise triggers and how to monitor thoughts and actions in high risk situations.
Our Partnership offers cognitive behavioural therapy in conjunction with other psychological components. We recognise that it is not the case that ‘one size fits all’ and we will work with you by looking at your individual needs and circumstances and together we will design a programme of recovery which works best for you.

The sessions are divided into core
and elective sessions
The core sessions are:
- Introduction to coping skills training
- Coping with cravings and urges to drink or use
- Managing thoughts about substances and using
- Problem solving
- Substance refusal skills
- Planning for emergencies a coping with a lapse
- Seemingly irrelevant decisions
- Termination
Elective sessions
(Up to four from the following after the first eight core sessions)
- Starting conversations
- Non-verbal communications
- Introduction to assertiveness
- Receiving criticism
- Awareness of anger
- Anger management
- Awareness of negative thinking
- Managing negative thinking
- Increasing pleasant activities
- Managing depressive moods and depression
- Enhancing social support network
- Job-seeking skills
- Couples/family involvement l
- Couples family involvement ll