Addiction often begins as a way to cope — a response to stress, pain, or emotional distress. But over time, what starts as relief can become a destructive cycle that feels impossible to escape. Breaking free from this cycle requires more than willpower; it requires understanding, support, and healing. At Mental Health Benoni, Laurika Lubbe, a qualified counselling psychologist, provides compassionate and evidence-based Addiction Counselling in Bedfordview, Johannesburg to help individuals reclaim control and begin a healthier, more empowered life.
Understanding the Cycle of Dependence
The cycle of addiction is complex. It’s not just about substance use — it’s about what drives it. Many people turn to substances or addictive behaviours to numb difficult emotions, only to find that over time, these choices worsen mental health, relationships, and self-esteem.
This cycle often includes:
- Emotional triggers such as stress, anxiety, or trauma
- Substance use or behaviour to relieve discomfort
- Temporary relief, followed by guilt or shame
- Emotional pain returning, reigniting the cycle
Addiction Counselling in Bedfordview, Johannesburg helps clients identify these patterns, understand their emotional roots, and learn healthier ways to manage distress — breaking the cycle from the inside out.
How Addiction Affects Mental and Emotional Health
Addiction doesn’t occur in isolation. It often intertwines with underlying emotional struggles such as depression, anxiety, grief, or unresolved trauma. Over time, the dependence itself deepens these challenges, creating a loop that feels impossible to escape without professional help.
Counselling helps individuals:
- Recognise emotional triggers that fuel addiction
- Understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and actions
- Develop emotional resilience and stress-management skills
- Rebuild self-worth damaged by addiction
- Learn healthier ways to cope with life’s challenges
At Mental Health Benoni, Laurika’s approach focuses on emotional healing as the key to lasting recovery.
How Addiction Counselling in Bedfordview, Johannesburg Promotes Change
Breaking the cycle of addiction begins with self-awareness and compassion. Laurika Lubbe creates a safe and supportive space for clients to explore their emotions, behaviours, and personal histories without fear of judgment.
Her counselling sessions are built around:
- Empathy and trust, providing a safe space for open conversation
- Evidence-based techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural and emotion-focused therapy
- Personal growth, helping clients reconnect with their values and goals
- Accountability, empowering individuals to take ownership of their recovery
Each step in counselling brings clients closer to understanding the deeper reasons behind their dependence, allowing them to make intentional, lasting changes.
The Role of Counselling Psychology in Recovery
Unlike clinical models that focus primarily on diagnosis, counselling psychology emphasises personal growth, emotional balance, and resilience. Laurika’s work at Mental Health Benoni goes beyond treating symptoms — it focuses on helping individuals rebuild a meaningful, fulfilling life.
Through this approach, clients gain:
- Emotional insight into their struggles
- Strengthened self-awareness
- Confidence in their ability to cope
- Renewed hope for the future
Addiction Counselling in Bedfordview, Johannesburg offers the opportunity to move from self-blame to self-understanding — a vital step toward lasting healing.
Rebuilding Self-Worth After Addiction
One of the most painful effects of addiction is how it erodes self-worth. Many individuals carry deep feelings of shame, guilt, or hopelessness. Counselling helps shift these internal narratives, guiding clients to see themselves not as failures but as individuals capable of growth and change.
Laurika works with clients to:
- Reconnect with their strengths and values
- Set achievable, meaningful recovery goals
- Develop compassion for themselves and their journey
- Rebuild trust with loved ones and within themselves
This process restores dignity and self-belief — two essential foundations for long-term recovery.
Creating a Future Beyond Dependence
Addiction recovery is about more than stopping harmful behaviour — it’s about building a life worth living. Counselling supports this process by helping individuals identify what brings them purpose and joy beyond addiction.
At Mental Health Benoni, Laurika helps clients:
- Rebuild healthy relationships
- Establish new, positive routines
- Cultivate emotional awareness and stability
- Maintain recovery through ongoing support
Breaking the cycle is not just possible — it’s the beginning of a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
You don’t have to face addiction alone. With professional guidance, support, and understanding, you can break free from dependence and rediscover your strength.
Contact Mental Health Benoni today to book a session with Laurika Lubbe. Through Addiction Counselling in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, you can begin the journey toward emotional healing, lasting recovery, and renewed self-worth.