The SWAN Project

“Start Winning against Alcohol Now”

0117 989 2521

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ANSWERED.

Q      How do people get referred to the SWAN Project?

A Referrals can be made by GPs, the statutory services, employers, other professional agencies or by the individual.   If an individual would like to self-refer, they can telephone for an assessment appointment.

Q      How long do clients have to wait to be seen?

A          After the initial contact The SWAN Project will normally offer an appointment within 7 days.

Q      What age groups do the SWAN Project cater for?

A          We work with anyone who is over 12 years of age.

Q      Will there be a long time before clients then start in the group?

A          We try our best to accommodate new clients into the group as soon as possible.   If however the groups are full, we can offer the individuals 1:1 counselling. The advantage of this is that the individual can start to make small changes in relation to his/her drinking and prepare to join the group.   They can also choose to use the Tranquillity Zone and the self help group for extra support.

Q       Are clients expected to have completely stopped drinking before they are seen?

A          NO - The SWAN Project will see individuals who are still drinking provided they are not overtly intoxicated when coming to the project.   Often individuals find it impossible to come along for help without having a drink or two for courage.   If we feel that you have had too much to drink, we will make another assessment appointment for you.

Q       Do clients have a choice about their drinking goals?

A          YES - clients are encouraged to make an informed decision about their drinking, clients will then be supported in achieving and maintaining their drinking goal. We are happy to work with anyone who wants to control their drinking as well as anyone who wants to be abstinent. 

Q       What if an individual relapses during the group programme?

A          We acknowledge that there is a difference between a lapse and a relapse.   We would only consider that a client had relapsed if they had returned to their original drinking pattern for a long period without contacting the Project. A lapse, on the other hand, can be seen as a part of the cycle of change and although it may feel like a step backwards, it is often an experience which results in a lot of self-learning.   The group itself acts as a support and it can turn into a positive experience leading to a re-focusing back onto the drinking goal and further self –change.

Q     What other changes are individuals likely to make?

A        As individuals reduce or become abstinent other changes take place.   After a short period of time their appetite, sleep patterns and their energy levels return.   Clients tend to take more care of their general health and appearance.   They begin to feel more confident and start new interests or activities.   Life no longer revolves solely around the next drink.

Q     What advantages does the SWAN Project have over a residential rehabilitation centre?

A        First the cost is lower because accommodation is not a factor that needs to be included.   Secondly, some people find that although while they are in a residential situation, they are protected from every day stresses, it can be harder when they return to the community.   At the SWAN Project, individuals rely on the Project and the group members to deal with these stresses.   As group members come from the same locality, it is easier to maintain these friendships and create ongoing personal support networks.

Q      Can I use just part of the SWAN Project?

A         YES.   If you just want to come to the self-help group, that is fine.   Some individuals will find it useful to use the project after a having attended a residential rehabilitation centre.   Part of discharge from a rehabilitation centre usually includes having an aftercare plan in place. The SWAN Project can become part of an individual's aftercare and they are able to decide how many sessions to attend and what is needed for them to continue with their own personal change/growth.

Q What qualifications do the counsellors and facilitators have?

A           All the facilitators and 1:1 counsellors used on the programme are qualified counsellors/psychotherapists with specialist alcohol training and experience.   Both project leaders have extensive experience, knowledge and understanding of alcohol misuse and the effects that this has on not just individuals but also theirs families.   

PROJECT LEADERS

Sarah House has a BA (Hons) in Psychology and a Postgraduate Diploma in Integrative Counselling (Bristol University) and a diploma in supervision (BCPC) Sarah has worked for four years in an Employee Assistance Agency undertaking generic counselling and has worked within the field of alcohol and drug addiction for over 10years. Experience in this area has been gained by being a counsellor involved in 1:1 counselling and group work and as a Project Team leader of an Alcohol & Drug Day Rehabilitation Programme. She also has a private practice working as a counsellor and supervisor.

Ronnie Aaronson has a B.ED(Hons) (London University), an MA in Psychodynamic Counselling (Reading University). She has a diploma in Supervision (SPTI) and has an Integrative Psychotherapist training (SPTI). Ronnie worked for three years in primary care and for nine years working with addiction clients both in her private work and in drug and alcohol agency. She also has a private practice working as a counsellor/psycotherapist and supervisor.

They have both had specific alcohol and drug training including Motivational Interviewing training (Broadway Lodge Rehabilitation Centre) and Group work training for those working in the addiction field (Bournemouth University). Ronnie has also had Brief therapy training (Reading University).

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