Background: Adults with addictions may turn to professional counsellors and psychotherapists for help. Addictions work comprises a specialist counselling skillset. This article summarises the literature review and analysis that underpins the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy's (BACP) Addictions Competence Framework.

Aims: This study aimed to identify the specialist knowledge, skills and experience associated with effective counselling for adults seeking help with addictions, whether active or in recovery.

Materials and Methods: We systematically reviewed empirical research and wider literature. The EBSCO database was searched following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines, using a range of search terms and appropriate inclusion and exclusion criteria. Relevant data were extracted, reviewed and thematically synthesised.

Results: Forty-seven relevant articles were identified. Five superordinate themes were developed: (1) specialist addiction knowledge; (2) assessment and treatment planning; (3) training, supervision and professional practice; (4) client-focused approach; (5) specific therapeutic techniques. Findings from this study indicate that addictions counselling work is enhanced when therapists have knowledge of different addiction models and are able to offer suitable interventions for the pre-treatment phase, relapse prevention and for supporting the recovery process.

Discussion: Effective therapy adopts an integrative, client-focused approach that fosters safety and collaboration. It focuses on managing cravings/urges, addressing emotional concerns and helping clients challenge self-defeating thoughts and beliefs. Techniques associated with effective addictions counselling include psychoeducation, motivational interviewing and mindfulness-based strategies. Delivery style is characterised by empathy and a non-confrontational stance.

Conclusion: This review identifies specialist knowledge, skills and experience associated with effective counselling for adults seeking help with addictions and provides evidence to underpin the BACP's Addictions Competence Framework.

Implications for practice and policy

• This paper summarises the systematic review that underpins BACP's Addictions Competence Framework (2024), identifying the key knowledge and skills associated with effective addictions counselling for adults.
• Five superordinate themes were identified: specialist addiction knowledge, assessment and treatment planning, training/supervision and professional practice, a client-focused approach and specific therapeutic techniques. These themes highlight addictions work as a specialist area requiring specialist knowledge, skilled practice and ongoing professional development.
• Findings show that addictions counselling is strengthened when therapists understand different addiction models and can support clients at different stages (pre-treatment, relapse prevention and recovery). Effective therapy is integrative, empathic and collaborative, with a clear focus on building trust and therapeutic relationship.
• The review highlights the importance of trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice, recognising the impact of diversity, co-occurring difficulties and wider systemic factors. The framework outlines key useful interventions (e.g., psychoeducation, motivational interviewing and mindfulness) to support clients with cravings/urges, emotional distress and longer-term recovery.