Sylvia Friend

Sylvia Friend is a Registered Counsellor based in High Wycombe, providing specialist addiction counselling to individuals and families affected by Addiction. With professional training in evidence-based therapeutic approaches, Sylvia Friend offers a confidential, compassionate and non-judgemental space for anyone seeking support with addiction and recovery.

Choosing to seek help for addiction is a courageous step, and having the right professional by your side makes a significant difference to recovery outcomes. Sylvia Friend's specialist knowledge and person-centred approach means that each client receives support tailored to their unique circumstances — not a one-size-fits-all programme.

Whether you are at the beginning of your recovery journey, have tried to stop before, or are a family member supporting a loved one with addiction, Sylvia Friend in High Wycombe has the experience and expertise to provide meaningful, lasting support.

Sylvia Friend works with a person-centred philosophy, meaning that therapy is led by the client's needs, goals and pace of recovery. The therapeutic relationship is built on trust, respect and genuine collaboration.

Clinical approaches drawn upon may include: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Relapse prevention planning, Mindfulness-based approaches. The specific methods used will depend on each client's individual needs, goals and the nature of their addiction.

Sessions are typically 50 minutes in duration and may be offered weekly or at a frequency agreed between client and counsellor. Sylvia Friend may offer sessions in-person in High Wycombe or online via video consultation, depending on individual preference and circumstances.

Your first session with Sylvia Friend is typically an assessment or introductory meeting. This is an opportunity for both you and Sylvia Friend to explore whether you are a good fit, to discuss what brings you to counselling, and to outline what you hope to achieve from the work. There is no obligation to continue after a first session.

Subsequent sessions focus on deepening your understanding of your relationship with addictive behaviour, working through underlying issues, and developing practical strategies for change. Recovery is rarely linear, and Sylvia Friend will support you through both progress and setbacks with consistency and care.

Everything discussed in sessions is confidential. Information will only be shared in exceptional circumstances where there is a significant risk of harm — and even then, wherever possible, Sylvia Friend would discuss this with you first.

Sylvia Friend provides addiction counselling to clients in High Wycombe and the surrounding area. Sessions may be available in person or online, depending on the client's circumstances and preference. Online therapy via video call has been shown to be as effective as face-to-face sessions for addiction counselling, and allows clients to work with Sylvia Friend from the comfort of their own home.

If you are based outside High Wycombe and are looking for a specialist addiction counsellor, SoberNation lists qualified professionals across the UK. You can also browse all counsellors in High Wycombe.