How we help Your First Day Your First Day at The Living Room Welcome. If you’re nervous about taking that first step or concerned about what might happen on your first day with us, don’t worry we’ve got everything you need to know right here. It may not feel like it now, but you really can live free from addiction. Whatever you are addicted to, or however powerless you feel, recovery is possible, and we’ve got your back. If you have any type of addiction (drugs, gambling, sex, anything), we can help you change your life for the better. Our groups are free, confidential and everyone is welcome so book an appointment today. What to expect on your first visit “You come here broken, scared and nervous and the first counsellor you meet is someone who says, ‘I’ve been there too’. When they said that to me I felt special.”– Chris* We understand it can be nerve-wracking coming to us for the first time. When you first visit us, an experienced counsellor (who has been through addiction personally) will sit down and get to know you and understand your needs, and run you through the group support we offer. This conversation usually lasts for an hour. If this conversation is in the morning, we will invite you to join your first group session on the same day, so you can get support straight away. If not, we will ask you to join us the next day. If you’re not comfortable speaking much during your first group, that’s okay. The rest of the group will have plenty to say, so sit back and listen until you feel a bit braver. This is a confidential setting and we take your privacy very seriously. Don’t worry, fighting addiction is nothing to be ashamed of and we won’t judge you. What Next? "I was nervous for my first day in main group at The Living Room, but my nerves evaporated very quickly because it's such a warm, welcoming and accepting place to be."- Natasha* Group therapy sessions are held five days a week (four days a week in Watford) and usually we expect you to join us for all sessions. If you are struggling with childcare, work or other commitments, let us know and we will work out a more flexible plan for you. I hope you’re feeling more confident about coming to The Living Room. Stepping through that door is hard but it will be the best decision you ever make. My team and I look forward to helping you with your journey. Adrienne Chief Executive When and where is my first appointment? Read more Your first appointment will be at 9:15am in Stevenage (or 9:30am in St Albans or Watford) and will be either at your local centre or on the phone or via video call. Your counsellor will complete our paperwork with you, hear your story and make sure that we are the right service for you, noting what support you have received in the past and what position you are in now. If you need help elsewhere, we will help you get in touch with the right people. When and where are groups held? Read more Groups are usually held in our Stevenage, St Albans or Watford centres in the main room. Currently, we’re running our groups online using Zoom because of lockdown restrictions. The morning group runs from 10:30am –12:00pm, then we break for lunch and return for the afternoon group from 1.00–2.30pm. What happens in the groups? Read more Our morning sessions are about discussing the problems that people are facing with their addictions. The counsellors will help the group talk about and deal with these issues. If you’re new, everyone will introduce themselves and share their stories with you. If you’re uncomfortable speaking on your first day, don’t worry, there’s no pressure to talk if you don’t want to. The afternoon sessions are a chance to explore issues raised in the morning and find solutions to those problems. These are workshop-style groups, where we give you the tools to cope with addiction. I have children. Can I still attend? Read more If you have young children and this might make it difficult for you to attend your groups, let us know so we can work out a solution. Our Stevenage centre has a free, onsite crèche available Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays – we can look after your children here to help you attend the groups. I don't think The Living Room is for me. Where else can I go? Read more Sorry to hear that, but we understand that everyone has different needs and If you can’t find what you're looking for with us, take a look at other organisations that can help here. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Give us a call and we’ll help you find support elsewhere. *name changed to protect identity