ALCOHOL ADDICTION MID WALES

Phil Collins

I started working in the alcohol addiction field in 1996 after changing career from electronics to counselling. In 1986 I took an 'O' level in Psychology at Chester College. Due to my tutor being so enthusiastic, I wanted to learn more and more. The following year I took the 'A' level and following that I embarked on a degree through the Open University. In 1994 I gained a 2.1 in psychology, recognised by the British Psychological Society, of which I am a Graduate Member and I work under their Code of Ethics. I have specialised in alcohol addiction for the past 8 years, during which time I have helped many alcoholics and problem drinkers. I believe that alcohol addiction can be controlled, this can be achieved by either complete abstinence or reduced drinking.

In 1995 I gained a Certificate in Counselling and in 1998 I studied at Keele University and obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Counselling. From 1996 I was employed as an addictions counsellor with a well known agency called AQUARIUS, who are based in Birmingham. In 2000 I moved to a new position with a charity formed through the help of a National Lottery grant, called IMPACT, based in Wellington, Telford. For 4 years I was the Service Delivery Manager.

My role at IMPACT involved me recruiting, training, supervising and managing both paid staff and volunteer counsellors. In 2001 I gained my Post Graduate Certificate in Counselling Supervision at Keele University. Throughout my time at IMPACT, I trained over 20 counsellors, using my personally designed alcohol awareness training course.

I made a decision to become self employed in July 2004 and left IMPACT. I have moved to Powys - Midwales where I have set up my own counselling/training practice. In 2006 I took a Diploma in Hypnotherapy and I have been successfully using hypnosis to help people with their problems including addictions. (see my other web site www.powyshypnosis.com)