John Wilkinson

ABOUT JOHN WILKINSON

My story

So what makes me skilled in helping people with problematic drug and alcohol use and recovery?

 

 

My background

​

 

I have worked in drug, alcohol and mental health services since 1999. My career began with an NHS-run arrest referral scheme, helping people access drug treatment through police custody.

I went on to work closely with probation, prisons and the police. This included a targeted offender scheme, supporting people whose lives involved a complex combination of offending, drug dependency, mental health difficulties and, often, trauma.

​

That experience continues to shape my practice. It strengthened my belief that meaningful, lasting change is possible, even when someone feels stuck or has lost hope.

​

I then spent nine years in the charitable drug and alcohol treatment sector before returning to NHS substance misuse services. Since 2019, I have also worked in NHS community and inpatient mental health services as a Dual Diagnosis (COMHAD) Practitioner. This involves supporting people who experience mental health difficulties alongside problematic drug or alcohol use.

​

My qualifications and professional memberships include:

​

• BSc (Hons) Psychology, completed in 2002.

• MSc Forensic Psychology, University of Central Lancashire, completed in 2008.

• Advanced Practitioner with Addiction Professionals, registration number 3133.

• Full Member of the British Psychological Society, membership number 825845.

​​

As an Advanced Practitioner, I am accountable to Addiction Professionals’ Standards of Conduct and Ethics, complaints and disciplinary procedures, and continuing professional development requirements. I also hold an enhanced DBS check and insurance for private practice.

 

 

Why I set up a private practice

​

 

After more than twenty years in the treatment sector, I wanted to offer a more personal way of helping people address problematic alcohol and drug use.

​

I had seen how limited time and resources could make it difficult for services to explore the emotional needs, experiences and patterns that may contribute to someone’s substance use. I wanted to create space for those conversations, alongside practical support for making changes.

​

Cheshire Sobriety Clinic brings together talking therapy and RTT® hypnotherapy, aiming to address both the conscious and subconscious aspects of problematic alcohol and drug use.

You are seen one to one, with time to understand your circumstances, agree your goals and work at a pace that reflects your needs.

 

 

How I help

​

 

We begin with a complimentary 30-minute consultation. This is an opportunity to talk about what has brought you to us, ask questions and get a feel for our approach, without any obligation to proceed.

​

If you decide to continue, we assess your circumstances and agree a personalised treatment plan together.

​

For some people, the starting point is understanding what makes change difficult and finding ways to overcome those barriers. For others, it is exploring goals around reducing or stopping substance use and developing practical ways to manage cravings, stress and difficult emotions. Where medical advice or specialist support is needed, we discuss how to access this before making changes.

​

My aim is to help you understand the role alcohol or drugs play in your life, recognise the patterns that keep difficulties going, and develop more helpful ways of responding. We may also explore your emotional needs, relationships and the experiences that have shaped how you cope.

​

Throughout treatment, the focus is on building the understanding, confidence and practical skills to manage your wellbeing and support longer-term recovery.

​

Taking the first step

​

I often meet people when they are distressed, embarrassed or unsure where to turn. You do not need to have everything worked out before getting in touch, and you can speak openly without judgement.

​

If you are concerned about your own alcohol or drug use, or worried about someone you love, we can start with a conversation.

​

Email john@cheshiresobrietyclinic.co.uk, or call 01925 500385 (Altrincham) or 01625 682863 (Alderley Edge). If I am unavailable, please leave a confidential message and I will return your call.

 

Many thanks,