EDAS is a charity based in Dorset that offers therapeutic support to adults and young people throughout the UK affected by any addiction and/or mental distress. EDAS also offers a variety of accredited training and diplomas to those looking to take either their first steps in a career in care, or those who want to strengthen their existing knowledge.

Once you’ve signed up to the service, choose a Therapist that is best suited to support your needs. If, at any time, you feel like you would prefer to work with someone else, we can match you with a different Therapist without issue.

EDAS follows a strict practice and is an affiliate member of Addictions Professionals Registration Body and Network. All staff have been rigorously interviewed and have full DBS checks completed. Our team consists of a range of professionals requiring either a minimum Level 4 Advanced Counselling Diploma, a Level 3 Practitioner in Substance Misuse qualification or are BACP accredited Counsellors. We work under guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). All staff are required to undertake regular clinical supervision to ensure safe practice is being provided.

EDAS will be suitable for you if you are seeking to make positive changes in your life. Such as change your behaviours, overcome stress or grief, learn to set boundaries, manage addictions etc.  EDAS will NOT be suitable for you if:  - You require urgent medical care  - You have an urgent mental health need that requires crisis support  - You need to fulfil a court ordered Alcohol Treatment Requirement (ATR) or Drug Rehabilitation Requirement (DRR)  - You are seeking funding support for inpatient or residential rehabilitation treatment  - You are seeking a mental health diagnosis or a prescription for medication

An auto-renew subscription is billed monthly at either £130 or £160 per month depending on the type of therapy you choose. There is no limit to how long you can engage with First Connect. Some people tend to find that after 3 months they are ready to move on. You can cancel your monthly subscription at any time with no additional cost and without explanation. Upon cancellation, you will be billed for the full month period in which you cancel. If you cannot afford this, please speak to a member of the team as a limited number of charity spaces may be available.

Information shared during therapy sessions is strictly confidential and is not shared to any person outside of the EDAS organisation and / or the Therapist’s Clinical Supervisor. Staff are bound to a duty of care, meaning that they are permitted to break confidentiality should they feel that:  - You are at risk of seriously harming yourself  - You are at risk of seriously harming another person, including children and strangers  - You are at risk of being seriously harmed by another person The main limitations of confidentiality in therapy in the UK: If a client discloses involvement in, or information about acts of terrorism, the Therapist is legally obliged to inform the authorities, and cannot inform the client of their intention to do so.

Our therapy rooms are located at our offices at 54a Ashley Road, Poole, Dorset BH14 9BN. If you are able to make it to our offices we will be able to facilitate in person meetings. Please let your therapist know if any special requirements.