Addiction & Compulsive Behaviour Counselling NZ
When a Behaviour Feels Increasingly Difficult to Control
A behaviour may begin as a way of relaxing, escaping stress or coping with difficult emotions.
Over time, you may find yourself doing it more frequently, hiding it from other people or continuing despite consequences you don't want.
Counselling & Therapy NZ provides confidential addiction and compulsive behaviour counselling throughout New Zealand.
When Might Counselling Help?
You may want support if you:
Feel unable to control a behaviour
Repeatedly promise yourself you will stop
Hide behaviour from people close to you
Use a behaviour to escape difficult emotions
Continue despite negative consequences
Feel ashamed afterwards
Spend increasing amounts of time on it
Find the behaviour affecting relationships
Notice effects on work or finances
Feel caught in a cycle of stopping and restarting
Understanding the Pattern
Simply telling yourself to stop may not address what keeps the behaviour going.
Counselling can help you explore:
Triggers
Emotional needs
Stress
Habits
Avoidance
Anxiety
Trauma
Environmental cues
Relationship difficulties
Beliefs and thought patterns
Understanding the function of a behaviour can be an important part of changing it.
How Can Counselling Help?
Depending on your needs, counselling may help you:
Identify triggers
Understand behavioural patterns
Develop alternative coping strategies
Manage urges
Address underlying emotions
Improve emotional regulation
Develop practical boundaries
Repair areas of life affected by the behaviour
Understand setbacks
Develop realistic goals
Stress & Compulsive Behaviour
Compulsive patterns can become stronger during periods of stress.
Explore Stress & Burnout Counselling NZ if stress is a major trigger.
Anxiety & Depression
Some people use behaviours to temporarily escape anxiety or low mood.
Explore Anxiety Counselling NZ and Depression Counselling NZ.
Specialist Sexual Behaviour Support
For compulsive sexual behaviours or pornography-related concerns, use our specialist service through Intimacy Counselling NZ rather than CTNZ's general addiction counselling service.
Online Addiction Counselling NZ
Confidential Online Counselling NZ is available nationwide.
Understanding the Pattern Is the First Step Towards Changing It
You don't need to wait until a behaviour has caused serious consequences before seeking help.