Understanding Addiction & Recovery
Addiction affects more than the person using. It ripples through families, friendships and workplaces. Recovery isn’t just about stopping — it’s about rebuilding: routines, relationships and self-respect.
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We work with clients facing challenges around drugs, alcohol, and gambling, as well as those supporting someone caught in these patterns.
At Heads Up Therapy in Windsor, Berkshire, we offer straight-talking, non‑judgemental support for people dealing with addiction, and for loved ones who are impacted.
Therapy sits well alongside AA, NA, Al‑Anon, SMART Recovery and similar groups — we help you process the emotional side while your support network keeps you connected day‑to‑day.
You Might Be Feeling
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Stuck in a cycle of using, guilt and promises to change
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Anxious, irritable or ashamed
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Isolated, hiding the problem, or worried about consequences at home or work
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Struggling with boundaries — either your own or someone else’s
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Hyper‑vigilant and exhausted if you’re supporting a partner, parent, or child
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Unsure what “recovery” should look like for you
Whatever you’re facing, you don’t have to do it alone.
How Therapy Can Help
With over 20 years’ experience supporting people through difficult seasons, we provide a calm, confidential space to talk things through and make a plan you can stick to.
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Through tailored therapy and integrated coaching, we can support you with:
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Cravings, triggers and relapse prevention for drug, alcohol, or gambling use
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Managing stress, shame and anxiety without substances or compulsive behaviours
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Rebuilding routines: sleep, nutrition, movement, work
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Boundaries and communication at home and work
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Repairing trust and reconnecting with the people who matter
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Support for partners/family: detangling codependency, guilt and resentment
Our approach blends understanding with real‑world tools — so you feel seen, supported, and able to move forward one practical step at a time.
"I don’t feel out of control anymore — I feel like myself again.
It hasn’t been easy, but I finally feel steady and honest — for the first time in a long while."
Whether it’s alcohol, drugs or gambling, addiction impacts everyone involved — and recovery is something families need to do together.
If you’re the supportive one, therapy can help you:
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Set clear, healthy boundaries without burning out
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Stop rescuing patterns that keep you stuck (while still caring)
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Navigate anger, grief and fear
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Decide what support you can offer — and what you can’t
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Access community resources (Al‑Anon, family programmes, local groups)
What to Expect
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Confidential, judgement‑free sessions in Windsor or online
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Goal‑focused work — we agree clear steps, review progress and adjust
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Integrated methods: psychotherapeutic counselling, CBT‑informed tools, NLP, stress management and performance coaching
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Alongside your network — works well in parallel with AA/NA sponsors and other services
FAQs
Do you work alongside AA/NA or SMART Recovery?
Yes. Therapy complements group support — we focus on emotions, mindset and relationships while your group provides community and accountability.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. What you share stays private except in rare safeguarding situations, we’ll explain up front.
Do you see family members too?
Yes. We work with individuals and with partners/family (together or separately) where appropriate.
Do I need to identify as “addicted” to get help?
No. If your behaviour is causing problems — or someone else’s behaviour is affecting you — that’s enough to start.
Meet Your Therapist – Chris Gibson
I’m Chris Gibson, a qualified therapist and performance coach based in Windsor, Berkshire.
I work with individuals, couples and families to steady the chaos of addiction, rebuild trust and create practical routines that support recovery.
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My approach is grounded, compassionate and direct — drawing from psychotherapeutic counselling, NLP, hypnotherapy, and stress management.
Practical therapy that creates real change, meeting you and your family where you are right now, and helping you take the next step forward.
Other services you may be interested in
Couples Therapy & Marriage Counselling - find out more
Codependency Therapy - find out more
Mental Health Support - Anxiety, Stress & Depression - find out more