Mrs Jeanette Sweeney

Jeanette Sweeney was a trauma and addiction recovery specialist at Abbington House, where she is dedicated to helping people reclaim their lives by addressing the trauma that often underpins addiction. Through Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Jeanette works with clients to heal deep-rooted pain and develop new coping skills that allow them to navigate life without relying on substances. She believes that trauma does not define a person, and by working through its layers, she helps clients find their path to recovery.

Jeanette’s approach is holistic, focusing on the whole person-mind, body, and spirit. She believes that addiction treatment is not just about addressing substance use but also about understanding and treating the mental and emotional challenges that accompany it. Group therapy is an essential part of the journey at Abbington House, where Jeanette encourages clients to share their experiences, realise they are not alone, and build a strong support system. Her passion lies in helping people move beyond merely surviving, empowering them to build fulfilling lives. She also works closely with families, helping them establish healthy boundaries and a supportive environment to facilitate long-term recovery.

Jeanette specialises in trauma therapy using EMDR, originally developed for PTSD but now applied to various mental health challenges, including phobias and eating disorders. She also delivers DBT groups, which supports clients in developing skills such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotion regulation, and interpersonal effectiveness-crucial tools for those struggling with addiction. 

She strongly advocates for group therapy, helping clients see the commonalities in their experiences and find strength in shared stories. Jeanette is an adept facilitator of medication and relaxation breathing.

At Abbington House, Jeanette is committed to addressing addiction alongside the mental health issues that often co-occur, including depression, social anxiety, OCD, and eating disorders. Her role involves helping clients gain emotional regulation and guiding them toward recovery by addressing the full spectrum of their needs.

Jeanette holds a BSc in Psychology from Middlesex University and an a post Grad BTEC Advanced Level 5 Diploma in Therapeutic Psychotherapy from Barnet & Southgate College.

She is a Certified EMDR Therapist and a Certified DBT Therapist, as well as a specialist in loss and bereavement, inner child therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT),  and facitates Twelve Step, sleep hygiene & emotional intelligence workshops. With almost 16 years of experience in mental health.

Jeanette has worked as a Senior Addiction Therapist since 2021, supporting clients at Abbington House. She has also gained valuable experience through her previous roles at UKAT and Spectrum CRI, where she worked as an Addiction Counselling Psychotherapist.

Jeanette’s commitment to helping others extends beyond her professional role. She has volunteered with organisations such as MIND, CRUSE, and GCL, where she provided mental health support and counselling.