Counselling in Brighton & Hove

I’m Simon Buckland, an accredited BACP counsellor. I work with adults one-to-one (£70) or in couples (£100) in person and online.

Handling Addiction

Rarely a lack of willpower.

It can become a way of coping with unmet emotional needs or vulnerability. Understanding these underlying needs can help you break the desire for ‘treats’ and regain control.

Broken chain links in the grass with a sunrise in the background.

Everything that you do in your life is done for some reason – at some point, if not now, it seemed to be the best solution to a problem you were facing.

That applies even to apparently self-destructive behaviours like addiction to alcohol, to drugs, to gambling, sex, shopping, etc.

You’re probably familiar with the ‘dopamine circuit’ theory of addiction – that it’s a way of rewarding ourselves with ‘treats’ which end up being bigger and bigger and more and more frequent.

And if you struggle with addiction, you’ve probably been around the familiar loop: With a bit more willpower I should be able to kick this/Damn! There I go again/I’m useless; I have no willpower/I need a ‘boost’ to cheer me up.

I’ll help you go to the roots of your addiction, which don’t lie in your lack of willpower or your need for ‘treats’. They lie in your unsatisfied emotional needs, and in your relationship to your own vulnerability.

Together we’ll work through all this, so that you learn to appreciate and accept yourself and your emotions as you are.

A man with a goatee wearing a straw hat with a black ribbon and a light blue dress shirt, smiling outdoors with blurred green foliage in the background.

I trained in humanistic and integrative counselling with the Psychosynthesis Trust, London, in Relationship Counselling  with Relate, and in sexuality and intimacy work with Jan Day.

I've also done a great deal of my own personal development and self-exploration over the years.

I've been practicing as a counsellor since 2014, working with couples and individuals of all ages, from late teens to over-70s.

You'll find me patient, warm, non-judgemental, and a good listener. And wherever we go on our journey together, it's likely that I've been there myself at some point - which makes me an able and reliable guide.

How we work together

The Therapy Process

Together, we pause to consider your goals, hopes, and direction. This is about aligning with yourself and with the journey ahead.

This is a chance to connect with what brought you here—your questions, your hopes, your turning points—and work to build your desired future.

We can work face to face if you live near Brighton or Hove, or online if you prefer, using Zoom, Teams, or any platform of your choice.

My fee is £70 per 50-minute one-to-one session (£100 for couples).

Phone Consultation

You get a feel for how it is to work together and we plan a way forward.

Subsequent Sessions

We push forward, building your understanding and coping strategies.

We spend time identifying the key issues that you’d like to work on.

Trial Session

We will know when you have become confident and self-reliant.

Completion
Commitment

I will continue to be available as long as you find it helpful.

  • "Thank you for all your time and effort with us both together and separately to date, Simon. We have had plenty to consider and put into action going forwards."

    A. F. and R. F., London

  • "Many thanks for this year. You are a source of calm and clarity!"

    R. B., London

  • "You have been a great support and I think I have a good foundation to cope with and strengthen my family relationships."

    F. J., London

  • "I am in a much better place emotionally now."

    K. P., London

Free Phone Consultation

Text or call me on 07557 509 988, or email me, or use the form below to arrange a free 20-minute consultation or if you have any questions.

An elderly man with a shaved head and grey facial hair smiling while sitting at a desk with a computer and musical keyboard in a home office.