Addiction therapy, without judgement
Alcohol, drugs, gambling, porn, sex, your smartphone, or anything else that has started to run you rather than the other way round. You don’t need to have hit a bottom, and you don’t need to have decided to stop.
Written and reviewed by Ben White, MBACP (Accred) · Last reviewed
£80 · 50 minHackney, Peckham, East Dulwich or onlineMBACP (Accred)
BACP accreditedMBACP (Accred) · no. 401198Addiction therapy in London: quick facts
- What it is
- Integrative counselling for addiction, for adults aged 18 and over.
- Approaches
- Motivational interviewing, Cognitive behavioural therapy, Person‑centred therapy
- Where
- Hackney E8, Peckham SE15, East Dulwich SE22, or online across the UK
- Cost
- £80 per 50-minute session. Free 20-minute intro call first.
- Therapist
- Ben White, MBACP (Accred), BACP no. 401198
- How to start
- Book a free intro call online, call or text 07498 520 911, or send a message.
What it can feel like
Addiction is my particular area of specialism. I hold a Masters in Addiction Psychology and Counselling, and my research background is in problematic smartphone and social media use. I work with substance use and with behavioural addictions, including gambling, pornography, compulsive sexual behaviour and smartphone or social media use.
Whatever the behaviour, it usually does something for you. It might ease stress, numb something painful, fill time, help you feel connected or give you a break from your own head. That is why it can be so hard to change, and why shame and willpower alone rarely work.
Many people come to me unsure whether their habit “counts” as an addiction. If it is causing you worry, costing you more than you want it to, or you keep promising yourself you’ll cut down, it is worth talking about.
- Using more than intended
- Promising to cut down
- Hiding it
- Shame afterwards
- Chasing losses
- Losing hours to your phone
- Escalating content
- Life narrowing
You don’t need a diagnosis, or to have it all worked out, to start.
Calm, collaborative and evidence‑based
Motivational interviewing meets you exactly where you are, including the part of you that isn’t sure about change. We look honestly at what the behaviour gives you and what it costs you, without lectures.
From there, CBT helps us understand your triggers and patterns and build something more sustainable, whether that means stopping, cutting down or simply understanding yourself better. Where trauma or low self‑esteem sits underneath the addiction, we can work with that too.
You can come to an intro call while still unsure whether you want to change. Ambivalence is a perfectly good place to start.
Addiction therapy in Hackney, Peckham and East Dulwich
Three private therapy rooms across East and South East London, with online sessions available anywhere in the UK.
Do I have to stop completely?
Not necessarily. We work out together what you want, whether that is abstinence, cutting down or understanding the pattern better. It’s your decision.
Do you work with porn and sex addiction?
Yes. Compulsive sexual behaviour, including compulsive porn use, is recognised by the World Health Organization in ICD‑11. I work with it in a non‑judgemental, confidential way.
Can you help with smartphone or social media addiction?
Yes. Problematic smartphone and social media use is my research background. We look at what your phone use is doing for you and build realistic changes.
What if I need more support than weekly therapy?
If you need medical detox or more intensive support, I’ll say so honestly and help you find the right service, alongside or instead of our work.
How much does addiction therapy cost in London?
Sessions with Ben White are £80 for 50 minutes, in person in Hackney, Peckham or East Dulwich, or online. The first step is a free 20-minute intro call, with no obligation.
Where can I have addiction therapy in London?
In private therapy rooms in Hackney (E8), Peckham (SE15) and East Dulwich (SE22), or by secure video anywhere in the UK. Weekday daytime and evening appointments are available.
