A compassionate therapy service with a specialism in alcohol and drug use
Hello, welcome. I’m Ian.
MSc Addiction Psychology and Counselling
BACP Registered member
ian@iancaleytherapy.com
​In-person therapy in Hove or Lewes, East Sussex.
Online sessions for clients who are elsewhere in the UK and abroad
(as long as you can manage UK time!!)
Working with Ian has been transformative for me. He created a safe and welcoming atmosphere from the start where I felt comfortable and able to open up. His approach is compassionate, honest and dynamic, each session tailored to my needs and emotional energy on the day. As a result of his guidance and support I’ve managed to move through a range of issues and come out with a better understanding of myself which has impacted my life in a hugely positive way.
​Emma. Summer '24
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Life can be tough sometimes. We can feel overwhelmed in many ways- anxiety, very low mood, hopelessness, maybe we're turning to drink as a means of coping. It doesn't help really though does it?
I work in-person in Hove and in Lewes, East Sussex, (and online for those out of area) and I will provide you with a private, safe, confidential and non-judgemental space to explore what's going on for you. And I specialise in alcohol and drug use, that is my key area of expertise.
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If you are feeling that drinking is getting on top of you, I'd say you're in the right place. Maybe you are sober curious? Or the amount and way in which you're drinking is becoming something you're uncomfortable with?
You may be looking for a therapist to help you after being in a treatment centre? That's important, because we need to understand why we behave the way we do and what happens when we drink, if we're to change.
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Maybe there is a significant challenge in your life right now? You feel stuck, anxious, angry, or isolated? Guilty because of your behaviours? You want to change, and you say you will, but then we're repeating our behaviours all over again.
With substances and behaviours, whether it's alcohol, cocaine, ketamine, sex or gambling it can be overwhelming not just for you, but for those closest to you.
I understand what you're going through, because I've been there before myself- The reality is, most therapists haven't. Waking up on a Monday convinced we're going to have a different week and sort this out, only to be doing exactly the same thing a few days later. Maybe we tell ourselves every morning, then we're drinking again by the evening? Around we go.
I provide a way to talk honestly about what's going on and find a way forward for you to break free from this torment caused by excessive alcohol or drug use.
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Talking with someone qualified and impartial, with their own personal experience of addiction can provide you with the opportunity to address those difficult emotions and discover solutions. We can talk about the things we've done without judgement. If things are super-urgent and you think you want to try an AA meeting, click here.
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What will we do in our sessions?
Together, we will discuss your situation and collaboratively identify healthier coping strategies, regain control, and try to work through the deeper levels.
Conversations around 'Should I stop? Shouldn't I?', they're important, as is talking through our experiences.
Feelings of anxiety- especially when we wake up first thing in the morning, panic attacks, thoughts of childhood trauma, depression, and being stuck in a repetitive cycle may resonate with you—let's bring you out of the darkness, a safe place to talk these things through.​
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A 'whole' recovery, not just the drink, drug or behaviour.
I'm passionate about what I do, and I believe we should all have the freedom to live fully recovered lives. Free from fear. Able to cope with anxieties and able to process life's challenges. Because even if we fix the drink or drug problem, life will still happen.
Ian has been outstanding, knowledgeable and personable.
Ian's own experience and qualification in this field has enabled a true and real understanding of addiction and recovery. Having walked the path himself and studied a Masters in Addiction Psychology and Counselling, knows the science behind the trauma of addiction. Ian was recommended to me, and I now can highly recommend Ian. Ian has been there along my very challenging journey and helped me make sense of why, what and how to move forward with plans and strategies to rebuild again and keep focussed.
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Giles, Spring '24
What do you do now?
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If you've decided you need to make a change then well done, it's a brave step. Please read on and get in touch through a contact form. I'll reply the same day, so if you don't see my reply, check your spam/junk folder!
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I see clients in-person at either of my practices in Hove or Lewes, East Sussex and online for those out of area or outside of the UK.
I also provide 'walk and talk' therapy.
I'll use different evidence based therapeutic approaches during our time together depending on where you are in the change/recover process- you can find some more info on 'My approach to therapy' page, and some of my previous clients have been kind enough to leave testimonials, And a quick link to my Fees page is here.
A little about me...
I no longer drink. That was a choice I made because of some of the consequences I was beginning to experience. I think it's important for you to know that, but it doesn't mean what's good for me is good for you- we're all different.
I won't be the one to tell you to stop, but talking your drinking through with me, a person who has genuinely been there, will be a very empowering experience for you. I never thought my drinking would get out of control, but it did.
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We'll talk about your present relationship with drink (drugs) and where you see it going, whether you want to cut down or stop, and we'll make a plan.
​We'll talk about and work together on feelings like;
Anxiety and depression, frustration, anger, low or no self-worth, low self-esteem and low confidence and of course the drinking and using that we've always thought was helping us.
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