Therapy for sobriety

CBT therapy for your sober journey

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of thinking and behaviour to improve mental health. It is a short-term, goal-oriented therapy that is based on the idea that our thoughts, feelings and behaviours are interconnected. CBT can help you identify and challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with more positive and realistic ones.

In terms of achieving and maintaining sobriety, CBT can be used to:

Find motivation to change
Make a sobriety action plan
Build a sobriety toolkit
Identify irrational beliefs you may hold that influence your drinking/using
Learn healthy coping strategies to help you identify triggers and beat cravings
Learn how to manage thought patterns and emotions that might lead to drinking/using
Build a fulfilling, pursposeful and balanced life free from alcohol.

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Not sure whether CBT is for you? Request a free call where I will answer any quesitons you may have.

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CBT with Michael Sargood

Why choose me?

My name's Michael and I am NOT an alcoholic any more. While some people choose to use the term "recovering alcoholic" for the rest of their lives, I feel this is a label I no longer find useful as it describes who I was in the past, not who I am today.

For nearly 20 years, I had a very unhealthy relationship with alcohol, from heavy binge-drinking at weekends in my 20s to drinking a bottle of vodka every night by my late 30s.

I had attempted to cut back or moderate my drinking for several years so that I could have everything I loved about alcohol just without the disastrous consequences. My attempts always failed.

It wasn't until I had lost my marriage, job, driving licence and suffered a mental health breakdown that I acknowledged I needed help.

I tried AA: the only form of support I knew of at the time. I went along for a few weeks but it wasn't for me. The quasi-religious rituals, Big Book, the assertion that alcoholism was an incurable brain disease that needed to be fought every day for the rest of my life by surrendering to a higher power... none of this resonated with me. I wanted to stop drinking by my own volition and then have a real stab at living my life to the fullest and reaching my potential.

That's when I discovered SMART Recovery: a science-based recovery programme founded on Rational Emotional Behavioural Therapy (REBT), itself a precursor to CBT. After several stumbles - and with the help of counselling and medication - I eventually made sobriety stick.

After several months of sobriety, I started volunteering as a SMART Recovery meeting facilitator, leading recovery meetings, where I deepened my knowledge of the psychotherapeutic principles behind the programme. This led me to make a decision that would change the course of my career: I enrolled on a course to become a Achology-certificated CBT practioner so that I could use this knowlege to help others to achieve sobriety.

I have been alcohol and drug-free since 17 February 2021 and have built a life worth living: one with friends, passions and unexpected joy. I hope to be able to share similar outcomes for you too!

Michael Sargood, CBT practitioner specialising in addiction and recoery.

Michael Sargood, CBT practitioner specialising in addiction and recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Please reach us at hello@sobersocials.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.

How is the CBT conducted?

I conduct CBT remotely via Google Meets. That means it does not matter where in the world you are, you will be able to benefit from CBT so long as you have access to a smart phone or computer.

Is CBT appropriate for everyone?

CBT is appropriate for most people. However, it may not be suitable for people with more complex mental health needs or learning difficulties. It involves confronting your emotions and anxieties – you may experience initial periods where you're anxious or emotionally uncomfortable.

In cases of alcohol dependency, you may require a medically supervised detox as going cold turkey from alcohol can be dangerous or even fatal. Before we proceed with therapy, I will undertake a basic assessment with you to determine whether you should first receive medical assistance

Is CBT compatible with recovery programmes such as AA or SMART Recovery?

I advise clients to get all the support they can when trying to achieve sobriety. Everybody's journey is different and what works for one person might not work for the next. Try AA, try Smart Recovery, read quit lit, listen to podcasts, attend sober social events and find whatever combination works for you.

However, some people find they benefit from one-on-one therapy as this allows for a more personal approach. CBT can be used alongside a recovery programme or in isolation.

When do you offer your CBT sessions?

I offer CBT on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday evenings. Please click the "Book Now" button below to see which hours I currently have available.

How many sessions will I need?

The number and regularity of sessions you will need will depend on your personal circumstances. I recommend clients access regular support for at least the first 90 days of sobriety. How often you have therapy sessions will depend on your personal preference and any other forms of support you may be receiving. I am happy to discuss this with you on a free callback.

Do you offer discounts or promotions?

If you are satisfied with your initial therapy session, I can offer the following:

4x hour-long sessions at £180 (10% discount)
12x hour-long sessions at £480 (20% discount)