Drink Less Booze. Live How You Choose.

What It’s Like to Go to an Alcohol Service in the UK: In Conversation with Luna, Recovery Worker. Ep.8

Hi, I’m Dr Fiona Dowman, a qualified HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist in the UK.

🎧 Episode Summary:
If you’ve ever wondered what actually happens when someone accesses an alcohol service, or if you've been curious but nervous about what to expect, this episode is for you.

I’m joined by Luna Ng, a recovery worker from ...

The Anxiety-Alcohol Loop. Drinking in the Evenings Might Be Fuelling Your Anxiety Rather Than Fixing It. Ep. 7

Hi, I’m Dr Fiona Dowman, a Clinical Psychologist helping high-achieving professionals ease anxiety and unwind—without relying on alcohol.

🎙 Episode Summary:

In today’s episode, I’m breaking down a pattern I see all too often: the anxiety-alcohol loop. That moment at the end of the workday when your mind won’t stop racing and...

Episode Title: 🎙️ Are You Drinking to Numb Emotional Pain?

With Dr Fiona Dowman, Clinical Psychologist, UK

Episode Summary:
Do you find yourself reaching for a drink after a stressful day, an argument, or when you’re just feeling… off? You're not alone. In this episode, I unpack emotional drinking—why it happens, how emotions work, and what to do if alcohol has become your go-to coping mechanism.

I explore the emotional dri...

Episode Title:
Cravings, Part 2: How to Respond Without Giving In

👋🏾Hi, I’m Dr Fiona Dowman, a qualified Clinical Psychologist in the UK.

🔍 Episode Summary:
In this second part of our cravings series, we’re taking everything we learned about what cravings are—and now focusing on what to do when they show up.

You’ll hear a powerful metaphor (involving a very persistent stray cat!) that helps explain why cravings feel so re...

🎙 Episode Title: Understanding Cravings: Why You Get Them and What To Do About It. Ep.4

Hi, I’m Dr Fiona Dowman, a qualified Clinical Psychologist in the UK.

Episode Summary:
Cravings can feel overwhelming and out of your control, but they don’t have to be. In this episode, I break down what cravings really are, why they happen, and how they affect your drinking behaviour.

You'll learn how cravings show up in your body and ...

🎙 Episode Title: Mastering Mindfulness: A Simple Skill to Help You Drink Less and Live More Intentionally.

Hi, I’m Dr Fiona Dowman, a qualified Clinical Psychologist in the UK.

Episode Summary:
Mindfulness is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but what does it actually mean, and how can it help you change your drinking?

In this episode, I take you through the real meaning of mindfulness and why it’s such a powerful skill for ...

Episode Title: Watch Your Thoughts: Skills for Drinking Less and Living More Mindfully. 

I'm Dr. Fiona Dowman, a qualified Clinical Psychologist in the UK.

Episode Summary:
 Have you ever found yourself reaching for a drink and wondering, “Why am I doing this?” You might think it’s because you’re stressed, but what if it’s actually your thoughts about stress that are driving the urge?

In this episode, I explore the powerful r...

Episode Title: Why Goals Alone Won't Help You Drink Less: Embracing Your Values.

Welcome to the Drink Less Booze Live: How You Choose podcast, I'm your host Dr Fiona Dowman, a qualified Clinical Psychologist in the UK. 

Episode Summary:
In this first episode, I delve into the importance of values when attempting to cut back on alcohol. I illustrate these insights with a story about Ian, a fictional character whose strug...

Welcome to Drink Less Booze. Live How You Choose! If you're sober curious, a mindful drinker or simply looking to change your relationship with alcohol, you're in the right place. I'm Dr Fiona Dowman, a HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist, and in this podcast I'll share expert, evidence-based tools grounded in mindfulness to help you drink less—one manageable step at a time. 

In each episode you'll get pra...