At Addictions North East, our therapy and counselling service is here for anyone who feels overwhelmed, stuck, or simply in need of someone to talk to. We offer a warm, compassionate space where people can explore what’s going on in their lives without judgement or pressure. Our approach is down-to-earth, human, and rooted in genuine care – we meet people where they are, at their pace, in a way that feels safe and empowering. Whether you’re dealing with addiction, stress, trauma, family pressures or low mood, we’re here to walk alongside you.
What We Offer
Our counselling service provides a safe, private, and non-judgemental space to discuss:
- Substance addiction
- Behavioural addictions
- Anxiety and low mood
- Trauma
- Relationships and family difficulties
- Stress and emotional overwhelm
- Confidence and self-esteem issues
Sessions are available in-person or online.
Individual Counselling (1-to-1)
Our one-to-one counselling sessions provide a confidential space to talk openly about whatever you’re facing. This is ideal for anyone who wants focused support, whether you’re struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, relationship issues, or stress. A typical session involves gentle, guided conversation helping you make sense of your thoughts and feelings, while building tools to move forward.
Group Therapy
We run a variety of supportive group sessions designed to help people learn from each other’s experiences. These groups focus on recovery skills, emotional regulation, relapse prevention, confidence building, and peer support. Each group session is facilitated by an experienced practitioner and offers structure, connection, and shared learning in a safe environment.
Family and Carer Support
Addiction and emotional distress affect not only the individual, but the people around them. Our family and carer support sessions offer a compassionate space for loved ones to understand addiction, develop coping strategies, and rebuild healthier communication. Sessions may be one-to-one or held as joint family meetings depending on the circumstances.
Men’s Group
Our men’s group provides a safe, supportive environment for men to talk openly about challenges such as addiction, anger, mental health, identity, fatherhood, relationships, or loneliness. The group focuses on creating connection and reducing stigma – a place where men can be honest without fear of judgement.
Support for Women, Children and Families
We offer tailored support for women and families dealing with addiction, trauma, abuse, stress, or parenting difficulties. These sessions are gentle, nurturing, and focused on safety, empowerment, and emotional wellbeing. We also offer child-focused and parent-and-child sessions where appropriate, helping families heal together.
Your Therapists
Joanne Hedley FdA
MBACP Registered
Joanne brings a calm, grounded approach to therapy, specialising in addiction, anxiety, low mood, and trauma-informed practice. She focuses on creating a warm, safe, and non-judgemental space where clients can talk openly and develop practical tools for recovery. Her background includes supporting individuals and families through complex emotional and behavioural challenges.
What to Expect at a First Appointment
Your first appointment is all about helping you feel at ease. When you arrive, you’ll be greeted by your therapist and shown into our calm, private counselling room. The session usually lasts around 50–60 minutes, and there is no pressure to share anything before you’re ready.
Your therapist will ask a few gentle questions about what has brought you here, what you’d like help with, and what you hope to get out of therapy. You don’t need to prepare anything or bring anything with you – just yourself. This first meeting is simply a chance to get to know each other, understand your needs, and decide together what kind of support will suit you best.
How to Access Therapy – Funded Route
Some individuals may qualify for funded counselling depending on their circumstances.
Referral Options
- You can self-refer by contacting our team directly.
- You may also be referred by a GP, support worker, keyworker, housing provider, or another agency.
Who Qualifies
Funded sessions are generally available for individuals engaged with our supported housing services or those referred through local partnership agencies who have identified unmet therapeutic need.
Typical Waiting Time
Waiting times vary depending on demand, but we aim to offer an initial appointment as soon as possible.
Step-by-Step Process
- Initial Contact – You reach out via phone, email, website or through a referral.
- Allocation – You are matched with a therapist based on your needs and availability.
- First Session – Schedule your first appointment and we’ll explain what to expect.
- Ongoing Support – You and your therapist work together at a pace that suits you.
How to Access Therapy – Private Route
Our private therapy option is there for anyone who prefers to access support quickly, without waiting lists or referral processes. It may suit individuals who want flexible scheduling, confidentiality outside agency systems, or a more immediate start.
No referral is needed – anyone can book.
- 30-minute session: £25.00
- 60-minute session: £40.00
- Sessions available at our East Durham counselling room or online via secure video platform
- Evening appointments may be available on request
Book Your Session
Booking is simple and can be done below via our online booking portal – choose “Counselling” then choose your session length and pick a time that suits you.
Or if you need to discuss further, you can contact us –