Programme

We have indicated below the administrative arrangements for our seminars. We hold our Tuesday Seminars online and our two Saturday workshops in person.

Past Presentations

Summaries of RTG's past presentations can be found by following this link.

NEXT TUESDAY MEETING

Lessons Learned from Working with Addiction

Presented by Anita Andrews
Tuesday, 9th June 2026 at 8pm

Synopsis: This talk aims to provide a broad overview of addiction and factors which are known to influence addiction vulnerability and recovery. Addiction, like other mental health problems is complex and does not exist in isolation. It is influenced by a multitude of interacting factors including the following: genetic and developmental vulnerability,social context, stress, trauma and the co-occurrence of other mental health problems. We will look at how these factors may impact ourselves and our clients. Example case studies will be used to illustrate these factors. On an individual level, addiction is experienced as an inner conflict in triggering situations which are unique to each person. There is no treatment for addiction that is universally successful for all. Despite this many individuals overcome their addictions and mental health problems. The key to sustaining successful behaviour change lies within each individual and their self-awareness and personal motivation to create permanent identity and lifestyle changes. Through gaining a deeper understanding of the factors which impact and influence addiction, we can increase our capacity to facilitate recovery.

Biography: I have been working as an integrative therapist and coach in private practice in Northwest London for the last six years. I started my career as a research biochemist working on oestrogenic hormones involved in breast cancer cell growth at St Mary’s Hospital, Imperial college, London, during which time I completed a PhD in this field. Later, I retrained as a psychologist while working part-time and doing psychological research and teaching because I was interested in thinking more holistically about health. My research was on how people with an addiction selectively respond to environmental cues associated with their addiction. I have also always been interested in the impact of stress on health and in its role in addiction. I completed a second PhD in information processing in addiction and my wider interest in addiction culminated in my co-authoring a textbook: Addiction: a biopsychosocial perspective with Professor Chris Chandler, published by Sage.I have always been interested in people and their personal stories and in the link between the mind and the body in illness and health. Training in Integrative counselling and coaching in my later years and working with people struggling with addiction has given me the opportunity to integrate my personal interest in this subject with my previous knowledge and life experience to work more holistically with clients. I am amazed and inspired by the people I have worked with and how they have endured and come through so many challenges in their lives.

Both members and non-members who wish to attend will need to register with  Katrina Likhtman  in advance. Non-members will need to pay £12 by bank transfer. The Zoom link will then be sent to those attending prior to the event.

RTG talks are approved for Royal College of Psychiatrists CPD: 1.5 external units per session. Sessions may also be used as proof of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) as part of re-accreditations. Certificates and records of attendance are available at each meeting.

Disclaimer: All details are subject to change without notice and RTG cannot be held responsible for any financial losses incurred as a result.

RTG respectfully ask that all mobile phones are turned off during meetings