Alcohol Counselling with FASS

Referral

FASS provides free, confidential, one to one Alcohol Counselling throughout Fife for people in difficulty because of binge drinking, excessive regular drinking and dependency.

To refer yourself or someone else for counselling please telephone: 01592 206200

You can also read about other ways of arranging Alcohol Counselling with FASS in our Contacts section here.

When we receive your referral, FASS will be in touch with information about our Alcohol Counselling service. We will also provide details of a first appointment. FASS arranges 99% of appointments within 21 days. Most within 14 days.

Availability

FASS Alcohol Counselling is available throughout Fife during the day and evening. Our counsellors are based in many Health Centres, Surgeries and other venues within the community.

With a variety of venues and times available, we try to arrange counselling at a time and in a place that is most suitable for you. So if the venue we offer you is not suitable, telephone us on 01592 206200 and we will discuss alternatives with you. It may also be possible to arrange a visit to your home if you are unable to attend one of our counselling venues.

You can view where we provide Alcohol Counselling in the Locations section of the website here.

What is Alcohol Counselling?

Alcohol Counselling is a therapeutic relationship or partnership between a professionally trained counsellor and a client. It’s a relationship that enables the client to explore problems, stresses and ambitions and find personal strengths and resources to take control and deal with life’s issues:

regular drinking or binge drinking
underlying causes including personal, relationship, employment and lifestyle issues
consequences of drinking including accidents, physical and mental health, relationship and financial problems

The aim of counselling is to help you change. In fact the only demand counselling will ask of you is that you try to make positive changes.

Starting out

Many people are optimistic about their counselling and look forward to good changes. For some these are times of doubt.

FASS counselling is about making changes, exploring what is important to you and achieving your hopes and dreams.

It is an opportunity for you to work with one of our alcohol counsellors. Someone who has been specially trained to help.

Feeling nervous?

Talking about yourself may be a new experience and therefore can feel a bit overwhelming at first. This is quite natural. Your counsellor will soon put you at ease.

What will I say?

Just be yourself. You can talk about anything that is bothering you. You may feel emotional about what you are telling your counsellor, and this is completely normal. Your counsellor will gently guide you through the process.

What to expect?

Your counsellor will welcome you into a comfortable, private room. Explain confidentiality to you fully.

He or she will listen to your story and your reasons for coming to counselling.

Your counsellor will also take a note of who you are and your feelings about alcohol. Your first session is likely to last up to 60 minutes

What happens next?

Your counsellor will help you to look at any issues or difficulties that you are currently experiencing. Help you set your own goals to make positive changes. And will arrange another appointment if you would like one.

How will I feel afterwards?

Many clients often experience a sense of relief, especially after the first session. There is something calming about knowing that your problems are already starting to be addressed.