Mental health and addiction are closely intertwined, often influencing and intensifying one another. For many people, substance use begins as a way to cope with stress, trauma, or emotional pain — but over time, it can worsen underlying mental health challenges. Substance abuse counselling in Houghton Estate, Johannesburg plays a vital role in helping individuals understand this connection and develop healthy strategies to break the cycle.
At Mental Health Benoni, Laurika Lubbe, a compassionate and experienced counselling psychologist, helps clients uncover the emotional roots of substance use while providing the guidance and tools needed to heal both mind and body.
Understanding the Link Between Mental Health and Addiction
Substance use and mental health disorders often occur together, a relationship known as a dual diagnosis. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, or trauma can increase vulnerability to substance use, while prolonged addiction can worsen these same issues.
Through substance abuse counselling in Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, clients learn to identify and understand how their emotional wellbeing influences addictive behaviour. Laurika Lubbe works with clients to uncover the psychological triggers behind substance use and address them in a constructive, non-judgmental way.
Common emotional and psychological factors include:
- Anxiety and stress: Substances are often used to numb overwhelming emotions.
- Depression: Feelings of hopelessness can fuel dependency.
- Unresolved trauma: Painful experiences may lead to avoidance through substance use.
- Low self-esteem: Emotional wounds can make individuals more susceptible to addiction.
Counselling helps individuals recognise these patterns and begin to rebuild from a place of understanding and compassion.
Substance Abuse Counselling in Houghton Estate, Johannesburg: A Holistic Approach
Substance abuse counselling in Houghton Estate, Johannesburg at Mental Health Benoni focuses on treating both emotional and behavioural aspects of addiction. Rather than addressing only the symptoms, Laurika Lubbe takes a holistic approach that supports long-term healing and self-awareness.
Her therapy sessions help clients:
- Explore the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
- Develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress and anxiety.
- Rebuild confidence and self-compassion.
- Strengthen emotional regulation and resilience.
This integrated approach aligns with the principles of counselling psychology, which emphasises understanding and growth over judgment or punishment. By focusing on the whole person — not just the addiction — therapy creates a path toward sustainable recovery.
How Counselling Psychology Supports Recovery
Counselling psychology provides the framework for addressing both addiction and mental health challenges simultaneously. It encourages self-awareness, emotional healing, and the development of healthier habits.
At Mental Health Benoni, Laurika Lubbe uses evidence-based techniques tailored to each client’s needs, such as:
- Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT): To identify and reframe unhelpful thinking patterns.
- Motivational interviewing: To strengthen personal motivation for change.
- Trauma-informed therapy: To process past experiences that contribute to substance use.
- Relapse prevention strategies: To help clients maintain long-term recovery.
This multidimensional approach ensures that emotional wellbeing remains central to the healing process.
Breaking the Cycle: Addressing the Root Causes
Addiction is rarely about the substance itself — it’s about what the substance represents. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to manage painful emotions, social pressure, or life transitions. Substance abuse counselling in Houghton Estate, Johannesburg helps clients look beyond surface-level behaviours and understand the deeper emotional needs driving their substance use.
At Mental Health Benoni, Laurika Lubbe helps clients uncover and work through these core issues by creating a safe, supportive environment for reflection and healing. Together, clients learn to replace avoidance and self-criticism with self-compassion and emotional awareness.
Key outcomes of this process include:
- Greater emotional insight and stability.
- Healthier relationships and communication skills.
- Improved ability to handle stress and uncertainty.
- Renewed sense of self-worth and confidence.
Through this process, individuals gain the tools needed to build a life that supports continued sobriety and emotional wellbeing.
The Importance of Ongoing Support
Recovery is not a one-time event but a continuous process of learning and growth. Ongoing counselling provides the stability and accountability needed to maintain progress.
At Mental Health Benoni, Laurika Lubbe offers consistent, empathetic support to help clients stay grounded in their recovery journey. Regular sessions provide an opportunity to reflect on challenges, celebrate milestones, and develop strategies for future growth.
Ongoing therapy helps individuals:
- Prevent relapse by recognising early warning signs.
- Stay connected to their emotional needs.
- Continue building self-awareness and resilience.
- Deepen their sense of purpose and direction.
Through continuous support, clients strengthen their ability to lead balanced, fulfilling lives.
Why Choose Laurika Lubbe for Substance Abuse Counselling
Laurika Lubbe, an experienced counselling psychologist at Mental Health Benoni, offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to recovery. Her work is guided by empathy, understanding, and the belief that healing is always possible — no matter how long someone has struggled.
With her background in counselling psychology, Laurika helps clients rebuild their mental health while developing emotional tools that foster lasting sobriety. Each session is a step toward rediscovering balance, confidence, and self-acceptance.
Begin Your Path Toward Recovery
The journey to recovery starts with understanding — of yourself, your emotions, and your potential for change. With substance abuse counselling in Houghton Estate, Johannesburg, Laurika Lubbe at Mental Health Benoni provides the professional guidance and emotional support needed to achieve lasting healing.
Reach out today to schedule a confidential session and take the first step toward balance, clarity, and a healthier future.