John Wilkinson

Hi, I’m John and welcome to the Cheshire Wellness Centre website.

So, what makes me a specialist in problematic drug and alcohol use and recovery?

I started working to help people experiencing problematic drug or alcohol use back in 1999, with an NHS run substance misuse service. For several years I was practicing in the criminal justice system, working in partnership with the Probation Service, HM Prison Service and with the police, to provide access to treatment direct from police custody. This role expanded into working with the police on a targeted offender scheme, a group of people traditionally viewed as challenging and difficult to help because of the complexity of offending behaviour, drug dependency and often trauma. Working in this area still influences my practice today, as it consolidated a fundamental belief that everybody can sustain change irrespective of how stuck or hopeless somebody may feel. I also spent nine years working in the charitable sector before returning to NHS substance misuse and now currently in community and in-patient mental health services, in the role of Dual Diagnosis Practitioner. That is, I work directly with people receiving a community or in-patient mental healthcare service and they are also experiencing problematic drug or alcohol use.

I completed my BSc (Hons) degree in psychology in 2001, returning to The University of Central Lancashire to gain a MSc in Forensic Psychology in 2008. I’m also near to completing a Chartered Management Degree in Health and Social Care at Manchester Metropolitan University. I hold Advanced Practitioner status with Addiction Professionals (voluntary regulatory body) and I’m accountable to their Standards of Conduct and Ethics and requirements of continued professional development. I have enhanced DBS clearance and insurance cover for private practice.

So how do I help and what do I do?

The process will initially start with a free 30-minute consultation, which I feel is important to establish confidence in my approach and ability to provide effective help, prior to any financial investment. We will complete a brief assessment so I can better understand your circumstances and then we will negotiate and implement your solutions. For some people, this may be preparing for change, supporting and developing a structured reduction plan, a period of abstinence and resolving the controlled use versus abstinent dilemma, which is reflective of your reality. My approach is to help you find the missing psychological pieces of the jigsaw, mastering your emotional self-regulation and developing a better understanding of yourself. I will provide the knowledge and skills to allow for successful long-term self-management.

I also offer an aftercare package to help establish long-term change and recovery, which I’ll be happy to discuss on request. In addition, where appropriate and requested, I will also welcome significant others to help them develop their vital role in supporting their loved one’s recovery.

If this is an area of your life with which you struggle, let’s spend a little time together where I will be your guide. I have often met people when they are experiencing high levels of distress and feeling their worst. All I ask, is that you give me the opportunity to see you at your best.

If you would like to discuss further how I may be able to help, please do reach out and get in touch via the Cheshire Wellness Centre.

John