Christopher Paling

Practitioner Directory

Services

• Addiction Counselling • Harm reduction • Gambling • Friends and Family Support • Veterans • Group work facilitation and training • SMART recovery UK facilitator • Emotional regulation • Equine Facilitator for human development (EFHD) 

About me and my practice

WHO AM I?

Hi, I’m Chris. I help people who are feeling stuck, addicted, overwhelmed, or just trying to hold it together trying take their next right step. 

I'm an Addictions Counsellor and Advanced Practitioner registered with Addiction Professionals UK. I served in the Royal Navy from 1985 to1993. Since then, I’ve spent over two decades helping people navigate recovery, trauma, and complex transitions. 

I work with anyone struggling with addictive behaviours, anxiety, veterans, first responders, professionals or anyone looking for clear, consistent support. I also offer Equine Facilitation for Human Development (EFHD) through the IFEEL Method. It’s an alternative to or can complement talking therapy when words aren’t enough. 

This work isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about building safety, honesty, and clarity so change becomes possible. 

People often ask what kind of therapy I do. The short answer is, I meet you where you are. 

Some sessions are quiet. Some are messy. Some are full of insight. What matters most is that we’re honest with each other, and with what’s happening in your life. 

We’ll go at your pace, not mine. There’s no pressure to talk if talking isn’t your thing. Sometimes we’ll work with story. Sometimes with sensation, memory, or what your body’s holding. And sometimes we’ll just need to try and stay present in the room. 

I bring in what helps from structured psychological tools to equine-based reflection, but I never force it. You lead. I walk beside you. 

WHAT MAKES A DIFFERENCE?

I’ve walked through it, not just read about it. 

This work isn’t theory to me. I’ve spent over 20 years helping people navigate addiction, trauma, and deep personal shifts. And I’ve lived through a few myself, during and after my time in the Royal Navy. You’ll get experience, not a script. 

No buzzwords. No pretending. 
You won’t find therapy jargon or motivational slogans here. You’ll find a calm, grounded space where you can just be honest, whether that means talking, swearing, being silent, or falling apart a little. 

We figure it out together. 
This isn’t me “fixing” you. It’s us working with what’s real. At your pace. In your language. With room to breathe, reflect, and build something solid from where you are right now. 

SERVICES SNAPSHOT 

Addiction Counselling 
Support for alcohol and substance use, prescription drugs, gambling, and all other addictive related behaviours. Rooted in compassion, without pressure or shame. 

Veteran Support 
Counselling tailored for ex-service members, based on lived experience in the military and years of veteran mental health work. 

Equine Facilitation for Human Development (EFHD) 
In-person sessions with horses using the IFEEL Method. For clients who want to explore connection, regulation, and emotional insight beyond talking therapy. No riding required.