John Wilkinson

Practitioner Directory

Services

One-to-one support for drug and alcohol problems

About me and my practice

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol use, I am here to help guide you through the process of change. My approach goes beyond addressing substance use alone, as I also help explore and resolve the emotional causes behind these challenges I aim to support your long-term recovery goals and help prevent relapse by increasing self-awareness and emotional regulation skills. I understand that for many people addiction recovery is a very private matter for them and their immediate people. My practice upholds the highest standards of professionalism and confidentiality, so you can trust that your treatment remains completely private and protected. Respect, dignity, and understanding are at the core of everything I do. I utilise my 26 years of experience and training working in front line clinical roles within drug and alcohol services. I am the founder of a private community treatment service, Cheshire Sobriety Clinic, which addresses both the conscious and subconscious aspects of dependency.

Experience

I’m now in my 26^th year helping people experiencing problematic drug or alcohol use. I started with a NHS arrest referral scheme, which provided access to drug treatment from police custody. For several years, I worked within the criminal justice system in partnership with the probation service, prisons, and the police. My role evolved, working on a police targeted offender scheme, assisting people identified as prolific offenders. This group is often viewed as challenging due to the complexity of their offending behavior, drug dependency, and often past trauma and mental health/personality/psychological difficulties. This experience reinforced my belief that everyone can achieve lasting change and improve their quality of life, no matter how stuck or hopeless they may feel. 

After nine years in the charitable sector, I returned to NHS substance misuse services and more recently, 6 years ago, I moved to NHS community and in-patient mental health services, in the role of Dual Diagnosis Practitioner. In this role, I support people receiving a mental healthcare service, who are also experiencing problematic drug or alcohol use and the significant consequences this can bring. 

I completed my BSc (Hons) degree in psychology in 2001 and later earned an MSc in Forensic Psychology from The University of Central Lancashire in 2008. I hold Advanced Practitioner status with Addiction Professionals and I’m accountable to their Standards of Conduct and Ethics, as well as requirements for continuous professional development. I also have enhanced DBS clearance and insurance cover for private practice.