Medication - Starting, management and withdrawal

Our patients often talk with us about prescription medications. They might want to talk through their decision on whether to start taking a medication offered by their Doctor, wanting to change dosage of current prescriptions or wish to withdraw. Sometimes our patients ask us to liaise with their prescribing Doctors and this can be discussed at the start of counselling.

Medication withdrawal is a process that can cause significant physical and emotional distress for individuals, and it is important that they receive the support they need to make it through this difficult time. Counselling can provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to discuss their experiences and feelings during the withdrawal process, and can help them to develop coping strategies to manage their symptoms.

The first step in counselling for medication withdrawal is to assess the individual's needs and experiences. This may involve talking to the individual about their medical history, including any medications they have taken in the past and any previous experiences with withdrawal. The counsellor may also discuss the individual's current symptoms and any triggers that may be causing them to experience withdrawal symptoms.

Once the individual's needs have been assessed, the counsellor can begin to work with them to develop coping strategies for managing their symptoms. This may involve talking through techniques for managing physical symptoms, such as relaxation techniques or breathing exercises. It may also involve working with the individual to develop strategies for managing emotional symptoms, such as anxiety or depression.

One important aspect of counselling for medication withdrawal is providing support and encouragement for the individual. Withdrawal can be a difficult and isolating process, and it is important for individuals to feel that they are not alone. A counsellor can provide validation and support for individuals as they navigate this challenging experience.

Counselling can also help individuals to identify and address any underlying issues that may be contributing to their medication use. This may involve discussing any co-occurring mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety, that may be contributing to the individual's need for medication. The counsellor can work with the individual to develop strategies for addressing these underlying issues in a healthy and effective way.

Another important aspect of counselling for medication withdrawal is helping individuals to develop a plan for managing their symptoms after the withdrawal process is complete. This may involve developing a relapse prevention plan, identifying triggers that may cause a relapse, and developing strategies for managing these triggers. It may also involve working with the individual to develop healthy coping mechanisms, such as exercise or mindfulness practices, to help manage any ongoing symptoms.

Therapists Specialising in Medication - Starting, management and withdrawal:

Nicholas Rose

Adriana Amorim

Cris Prade