"My roller coaster journey as a recovering addict"

Having come out of a psychiatric hospital in February 2018 as a self-confessed addict and narcissist who didn't want to be on the planet anymore and needed serious help, who lost his personal fortune, was at director level in some major blue chip organisations, went through rehab on the RAMP, DEAP and Combination Learning Level 2 Counselling programmes, became a volunteer Recovery Coach working with other recovering addicts, very proud to say over 3 years totally abstinent, studying at UCEN University Central Manchester doing my final year to qualify as a Psychotherapist in the summer of 2022, to NOW real-time being a Trainee Counsellor volunteering with CGL's fantastic psychological therapies team headed up by the amazing Amanda - Counselling Co-ordinator CGL Cheshire East & Merseyside, I could not be in a better place. To be a part of this team is not only and honour and a pleasure it is also the immense feeling of being able to give something back and try and help others have better lives.

I have just completed 30 hours of counselling therapy with three clients all with different issues and problems, have been on a journey with them over a 3 month period which has been so fulfilling and rewarding to then coming out the other side where the individuals are now in much better places and have much better coping mechanisms in place to help deal with what life throws at them in different ways. I would just like to put on record as to how this team has developed since its incorporation in May of this year and the sheer dedication and commitment put in by Amanda to not only set the team up but to manage us in an impeccable and very professional manner. No task is too great for Amanda and she is a credit to CGL and all those around her.

From coming into the service as a client who was in total despair and a totally broken man, wanting to change and crying out for help was the first barrier I had to overcome and I started with MIDAS (Manchester Integrated Drug & Alcohol Service) and ACORN to start the long process of getting my life back on track and away from the demons that had controlled it for so long. At this point I would also like to put on record the outstanding individuals (counsellors, coaches, facilitators and all the staff) who I started my recovery journey with at the Zion Centre and Phoenix Mill in Manchester. Again quality human beings and a credit to the organisation.

And now here I am, writing a few words to put on record myself the real roller coaster journey I have been on as a recovering addict and proud to be one. My sole goal is to now help others as a therapist and I cannot thank the whole service and teams who not only saved my life but have helped me so much along the way.

Please ALL take a moment to congratulate your selves as you are amazing human beings. Stay good and safe my friends and mentors.

I must also make special reference to my colleagues, peers and friends within the psychological therapies team and my study peers and friends at UCEN & The Manchester College who have been nothing but outstanding individuals in my life. I cannot thank you enough for being “shoulder to shoulder” with me on my journey. I love you all. Never change you wonderful human beings.