Support for
Therapy that meets you where you are for substance use and addiction.
Compassionate, non-judgmental therapy for substance use, problem drinking, and behavioural addictions — at your pace, with your goals.
Key information you should know
- Therapy for substance use works best when it's collaborative — your goals, your pace, no judgement.
- We use evidence-based approaches including motivational interviewing, CBT, and relapse-prevention work.
- Many people experience substance use alongside trauma, anxiety, or depression — we work with the whole picture.
Signs you might benefit from addiction and substance use support
- Drinking or using more than you intended, or for longer than you planned
- Wanting to cut down but finding it hard
- Spending significant time using, recovering, or thinking about using
- Continuing despite consequences — at work, in relationships, with health
- Loved ones expressing concern about your use
- Using to manage difficult emotions, stress, or sleep
- Withdrawal symptoms when you don't use
How therapy can help with addiction and substance use
Substance use and behavioural addictions can start as coping and become hard to shift alone. Therapy is non-judgemental and goal-directed: your targets might include reduction, abstinence, or harm minimisation.
Motivational interviewing, CBT, and relapse-prevention strategies are commonly used. Many people also need support for trauma, anxiety, or depression underneath the addiction pattern.
Psychologists who support addiction and substance use
3 psychologists with experience in addiction and substance use.
Accepting new clientsBook with CarolineCaroline Gorman
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Caroline is an experienced psychologist who supports clients across the lifespan to work towards meaningful therapeutic outcomes. With more than 15 years of experience, she brings a thoughtful, non-judgemental approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Nikita Kettlewell
Clinical Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Nikita works collaboratively with clients to identify goals and strategies for each individual, using a warm, empathic and non-judgemental approach. She has a background in individual and group therapy.
Works from Succoris Bendigo
Accepting new clientsBook with StaceyStacey Howes
Psychologist
Stacey offers a warm, collaborative therapeutic space for adults navigating a range of psychological concerns. She is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for every client.
Works from Succoris Tweed Heads
Common questions about addiction and substance use
What is addiction?
Addiction, or substance use difficulty, is when using alcohol, drugs, or certain behaviours becomes hard to control and starts causing harm to health, relationships, or daily life. It is a health issue, not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. It often develops alongside stress, trauma, anxiety, or depression. With support, people can and do change their relationship with substances or behaviours.
How do I know if my substance use is a problem?
It may be worth seeking support if you are using more than you intend, finding it hard to cut down, needing more for the same effect, or continuing despite consequences to your health, work, or relationships. Using to cope with difficult feelings is also a sign worth paying attention to. You do not have to hit a low point to reach out, and earlier support often helps.
How does therapy help with substance use?
Therapy takes a collaborative, non-judgmental approach built around your goals and pace, whether that is reducing use or stopping. Evidence-based methods such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, and mindfulness-based relapse prevention are commonly used. Because substance use often sits alongside trauma, anxiety, or depression, therapy works with the whole picture, not just the behaviour. Where medical support is needed, we can help you connect with your GP or appropriate services.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes. What you discuss with your psychologist is confidential, with limited exceptions where there is a serious risk of harm, which your psychologist will explain. A non-judgmental space is central to this work. No referral is needed to book, and a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may provide Medicare rebates. Contact us and we can match you with a psychologist experienced in substance use.
Is addiction a disease or a choice?
Addiction is best understood as a health condition, not a moral failing or simply a matter of willpower. It involves real changes in how the brain responds to reward and stress, which is why stopping can be so hard even when someone genuinely wants to. That said, change is possible, and people play an active part in their recovery. Seeing addiction as a health issue tends to open the door to help rather than shame.
Prefer to reach out directly? We're happy to help.