Ben Kaye Therapy

19/11/2025

A lapse or relapse doesn’t mean you’re back at the beginning. It doesn’t erase your progress, your strength, or the work you’ve already done.
Relapse usually happens when you’re overwhelmed, lonely, dysphoric, disconnected, or carrying more than you can hold - not because you ‘don’t care enough’.

Most people don’t talk about the shame that lands afterwards…the silence, the overthinking, the fear of being judged.

But lapse or relapse isn’t a moral failure it’s your body saying, ‘som**hing needs attention’.

This video is a reminder that you’re not broken, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to carry this quietly.
Recovery isn’t linear. It’s human. And you deserve support, compassion and connection - especially after a lapse or relapse

Follow me on instagram - link below

https://www.instagram.com/justbenkaye?igsh=emYwNHVoNWU2cnV4

*xSupport ***rHealing *x

11/09/2025

I know what it feels like to be at rock bottom and with today being Su***de Prevention Day, I've spent that little bit longer thinking about those who couldn't quite find their way out...

I recently joined Michaela McCarthy McCarthy & Dipti Solanki Grief Coach on A Bunch of Therapists podcast to share my journey.

We spoke about addiction, recovery, identity, chems*x, and the turning points that changed the direction of my life. I also reflect on what inspired me to retrain, study psychology, and eventually become the therapist I am today.

It’s an honest and hopeful conversation that I hope will resonate with anyone who feels stuck, can't seem to find their way, is questioning their identity, or is on their own path of change.

Have a listen here when you can:

https://theawarenesscentre.com/rock-bottom-to-award-winning-therapist-ben-kaye/

*xSupport ***rVoices

10/07/2025

It was a real privilege to join Dr Dallas Bragg on his podcast to talk about som**hing that means a lot to me and has also been the driving force of my own recovery - 'Turning Pain into Purpose!'

In this episode, released this afternoon, we explore how my own experiences have shaped the work I do today supporting LGBTQIA+ people around addiction, chems*x, and recovery.

The episode discusses:

The power of lived experience in creating meaningful change

Why compassion, connection, and honesty matter in harm reduction

How we can challenge stigma and support people without judgement

How I've used my own challenges to help drive change and focuses on how we can all grow through what we go through

A huge thank you to Dallas for creating such a thoughtful, open space and for all the work he does raising awareness about chems & chems*x.

Watch the episode here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vnn-EnevrfQ

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Supplemental Study Guide: https://www.drdallasbragg.com/newsletters/blog/posts/purposeIn this powerful episode, host Dr. Dallas Bragg sits down with Ben Kaye...

25/06/2025

'The Chems*x Survivor Who Is Empowering LGBTQIA+ Recovery'

I recently had the honour of being invited onto the Recovery Matters podcast who are based in Connecticut, USA - to share my journey through chems*x, addiction, and recovery, and how it led me to the work I now do supporting LGBTQIA+ people with no judgement, compassion and empathy.

I speak honestly about:
💔 What chems*x cost me
🌱 What recovery gave me
🌈 And why representation, inclusion and understanding matter

🎥 You can watch the full episode here:
https://youtu.be/Hw3zmTY29u4?feature=shared

This conversation is for anyone who’s ever felt alone, ashamed, or uncertain about where to turn. Healing is possible and you are never alone. 💖

Please give it a watch, share it with anyone it might help, and let me know what you think...

This episode is also available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5NqgmnmDD4BQCtyvcTFDQp?si=aec12b59e53a4b95

https://podcasts.apple.com/ie/podcast/recovery-matters-podcast/id1538504096

*xAwareness

Ben Kaye shares his powerful story of recovery after years caught in the world of chems*x—a term used to describe using drugs like crystal m**h, GBL, and mep...

26/10/2024

An absolute privilege to be representing the organisation I work for whilst supporting and working with Project Sagamore in Belfast this week in association with The Metropolitan Police & The Police Service of Northern Ireland as the newly appointed Project Sagamore Lead Ambassador.

'Project Sagamore is a collaborative effort bringing together probation services, the police, prison service, courts, and organisations focused on s*xual health and addiction. The project addresses issues surrounding chems*x and associated problematic behaviours, including drug offenses (such as possession, supply, and production), crimes linked to drug procurement and distribution (like acquisitive crime and violence), and offenses committed under the influence of drugs (including s*xual offenses, violence, and unsafe s*xual practices). Many of the substances involved also pose significant dangers on their own.

The team provides guidance on chems*x-related issues and advises on suitable legal responses, interventions, and support services for courts, police, prisons, and probation officers. This helps frontline workers better understand and manage the risks involved. Additionally, they gather and analise data on chems*x activities and related groups, sharing relevant intelligence with the National Crime Agency to support their efforts in policing chems*x-related crime.

02/10/2024

Are you or anyone you know who know looking for a safe, supportive space to explore your thoughts or work through challenges?

My in-person private practice is now open I am really pleased to announce that I will be joining the team at The Awareness Centre in Tooting on a Tuesday evening, for those looking for specific support relating to:

Common Mental Health Issues
Addiction
LGBTQ+ substance misuse
LGBTQ+ mental health
Intersectionality
Chems*x
..help/ support is not far away however you identify and whatever you may wish to discuss. Online sessions can also be accommodated.

Please reach out for more information if needed, and I am always available for an informal chat to discuss your specific needs prior to engagement.

11/09/2024

This afternoon, I officially graduated, and I can’t find enough words to express what this photo and today mean to me on so many levels!

A huge thank you to my incredible colleagues and tutors at Chichester University and an extra special thank you to my loved ones for supporting me every step of the way.

In 2017, I began a journey of self-discovery and a career change, which led me to find my true passion and grow in ways I never imagined.

As the journey continues, today is truly a celebration of this monumental path and everything it represents.

24/08/2024

Last week I celebrated my 7 year recovery birthday, and as time evolves recovery for me isn’t about sobriety like it was when I first landed; nowadays it’s about continually discovering who I truly am as a person, healing my spirit, embracing my strengths, and learning to love myself in ways I never thought possible growing into the person I was always meant to be, nurturing the relationship with myself and others, and always living with a sense of purpose and gratitude.

The hugest thank you to those special ones who have supported and encouraged me along the way as I continually build a life that’s authentic, meaningful, and full of hope for myself and those around me.

If anyone is even thinking of that change, reach out and know you are NEVER alone 🙏🏽✨️🤍💙

24/07/2024

In 1997 my education suddenly stopped through no fault of my own and I vowed that one day I would rectify it. Yesterday that dream came to fruition.

Since coming into recovery in 2017, after nearly 7 years of continuous study in my own time and qualifying as a counsellor in 2022, yesterday afternoon I was notified that I had been awarded a 1st class Ba (Hons) degree in Humanistic Counselling at The University of Chichester and I am utterly blown away!

My academic journey will most certainly continue later this year but for now I am completely enjoying the present and am extremely grateful for the 2nd chance I have been given to live the life it feels that I was always meant too.

For anyone who is doubting themselves, feeling stuck, lost or unhappy with whatever they might be doing - remember its NEVER too late. If I can do it so can you...

06/05/2024

Chems*x - it's not taboo!
Episode 6 of Really Q***r is out now...

In this episode Silva Neves and I are joined by 2 guests - Monty Moncrieff MBE & Yvonne Shell.

Monty Moncrieff - MBE is The Chief Exec of London Friend, a charity working to promote the health and well-being of LGBTQ+ people and is the oldest LGBTQ+ charity in the UK providing support since 1972 and Yvonne Shell is a Consultant Clinical and Forensic Psychologist, and senior academic. Yvonne currently works with the Metropolitan Police Service and HMPPS as a member of the London Chems*x Working Group, Project Sagamore, acting as research lead for crime within the chems*x context.

Over the past few years as professionals we have seen startling increases in problematic use of crystal m**hamphetamine (including injecting), dependent GHB/GBL use requiring medically supported detoxification, and use in highly s*xualised contexts including a high level of risky s*xual behaviour, which has become known as chems*x.

Engaging in chems*x can be managed by some. This can mean that there is minimal impact on an individual’s general wellbeing, work, relationships with partners, friends, and family. For others though it can prove problematic.

This episode explores the crimes, risks and vulnerabilities associated with chems*x, which is so very often a taboo subject. Talking about chems and chems*x is extremely important to ensure that those who need it get the help support they deserve as well as know they are not alone!

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https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/really-queer-podcast/episodes/Chems*x---Monty-Moncrief-MBE--Yvonne-Shell-e2j9epc

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/chems*x-monty-moncrief-mbe-yvonne-shell/id1737601299?i=1000654626199

*all views are my own

‎Show Really Q***r, Ep Chems*x - Monty Moncrief MBE & Yvonne Shell - 5 May 2024

03/05/2024

Thank you Attitude Magazine for the opportunity to talk about my new and exciting project with Silva Neves - Really Q***r Podcast and discuss what life for me has been like since receiving an Attitude Pride Award in 2021, qualifying as a counsellor; and what drives my continued journey of self discovery and recovery whilst living as my true authentic self.

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"I would not be where I am without being able to share my truth" the Really Q***r podcaster and 2021 Attitude Pride Award winner writes

30/01/2024

My new website is now live, so please check it out when you can.

I have limited spaces available in my private practice but look forward to supporting those who reach out and feel like they might need a helping hand.

This feels like a huge step in my career but as the exciting journey continues I would like to express huge gratitude for all of the love and support I have had along the way.

Sometimes you’ve just got a sinking feeling that som**hing isn’t right, but can’t identify the problem or find the right words.