Addiction Psychologists and Therapists in Australian Capital Territory
Riddhi Blackley is a highly qualified and accomplished Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with many years of experience providing practical, results-focused treatment to those seeking relief and recovery from a wide range of presenting difficulties. Riddhi's clients are supported to define their own goals by sharing their internal experience and desires for change. Riddhi uses compassionate, practical, and effective methods to help clients see and let go of damaging patterns, process emotion that is stuck, and awaken their innate abilities for growth and development.
Riddhi Blackley is a highly qualified and accomplished Counsellor, Psychotherapist and Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with many years of experience providing practical, results-focused treatment to those seeking relief and recovery from a wide range of presenting difficulties. Riddhi's clients are supported to define their own goals by sharing their internal experience and desires for change. Riddhi uses compassionate, practical, and effective methods to help clients see and let go of damaging patterns, process emotion that is stuck, and awaken their innate abilities for growth and development.
I help people understand emotional patterns, undiscovered needs, and past experiences that shape struggles like anxiety, perfectionism, loneliness, or coping habits (pornography, substance use, social media).
Coping rather than living? And old patterns no longer work the way they used to?
You may feel overwhelmed, lonely, disconnected, or unsure of who you are becoming. These experiences are more common than most people realise, and they often reflect a deeper internal shift or life reassessment. With over a decade of experience in mental health in Australia and the UK, I’ve seen how common these turning points are and how much relief comes from having a grounded, genuine space to talk about them.
I help people understand emotional patterns, undiscovered needs, and past experiences that shape struggles like anxiety, perfectionism, loneliness, or coping habits (pornography, substance use, social media).
Coping rather than living? And old patterns no longer work the way they used to?
You may feel overwhelmed, lonely, disconnected, or unsure of who you are becoming. These experiences are more common than most people realise, and they often reflect a deeper internal shift or life reassessment. With over a decade of experience in mental health in Australia and the UK, I’ve seen how common these turning points are and how much relief comes from having a grounded, genuine space to talk about them.
I am a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist based in Canberra who specialises in trauma and addiction.
I have received formal training in EMDR, CBT, Schema Therapy, ACT and Motivational Interviewing, and am a qualified Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) practitioner. I also worked as an Allen Carr’s Easyway therapist for several years (supporting individuals struggling with alcohol addiction) and have an in-depth understanding of that approach.
I am a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist based in Canberra who specialises in trauma and addiction.
I have received formal training in EMDR, CBT, Schema Therapy, ACT and Motivational Interviewing, and am a qualified Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) practitioner. I also worked as an Allen Carr’s Easyway therapist for several years (supporting individuals struggling with alcohol addiction) and have an in-depth understanding of that approach.
Struggling with pornography, gambling, substance use, or compulsive technology use?
In therapy we focus on practical strategies and psychological tools to reduce distress, manage anxiety, stress, and addictive behaviours, and regain control over your life. In a safe, supportive Telehealth environment, I tailor sessions to your needs, helping you navigate life transitions and move from short-term coping to lasting, values-driven change.
Struggling with pornography, gambling, substance use, or compulsive technology use?
In therapy we focus on practical strategies and psychological tools to reduce distress, manage anxiety, stress, and addictive behaviours, and regain control over your life. In a safe, supportive Telehealth environment, I tailor sessions to your needs, helping you navigate life transitions and move from short-term coping to lasting, values-driven change.
At the heart of my approach is a firm belief in an individual’s capacity for growth. I don’t use one particular therapy pathway; my method honours individuality, using a range of strategies for the best outcomes for you personally. Increasing self awareness is our biggest opportunity to grow. Most often, when we’re experiencing something challenging, the key piece of the puzzle is understanding why we’re feeling what we’re feeling, why we’re doing what we’re doing, and why we’re experiencing what we’re experiencing. This helps us change unhelpful cycles & behaviours. My approach is effective for a range of life’s challenges.
At the heart of my approach is a firm belief in an individual’s capacity for growth. I don’t use one particular therapy pathway; my method honours individuality, using a range of strategies for the best outcomes for you personally. Increasing self awareness is our biggest opportunity to grow. Most often, when we’re experiencing something challenging, the key piece of the puzzle is understanding why we’re feeling what we’re feeling, why we’re doing what we’re doing, and why we’re experiencing what we’re experiencing. This helps us change unhelpful cycles & behaviours. My approach is effective for a range of life’s challenges.
My name is Johan Torsteinsrud, and my private practice is called Human Puzzles. I am a PACFA-certified professional counsellor who works mostly with international clients, with over ten years of experience in helping people from all walks of life find their way through life’s many challenges. My counselling sessions are conducted online. This provides a convenient and safe way for people to access support without the added stress of travelling to an office. I strive to create a safe space for all genders, races, cultures, bodies, sexual orientations, family constellations, and relationships.
My name is Johan Torsteinsrud, and my private practice is called Human Puzzles. I am a PACFA-certified professional counsellor who works mostly with international clients, with over ten years of experience in helping people from all walks of life find their way through life’s many challenges. My counselling sessions are conducted online. This provides a convenient and safe way for people to access support without the added stress of travelling to an office. I strive to create a safe space for all genders, races, cultures, bodies, sexual orientations, family constellations, and relationships.
I support adults who feel stuck in patterns of unwanted sexual behaviours and want lasting change, including those seeking help to take responsibility and prevent harm. My approach is calm, structured, and non-judgemental, focusing on understanding underlying drivers, building practical strategies, and strengthening self-control and accountability. I provide a confidential space where clients can speak openly without shame. Sessions are goal-focused and paced to support sustainable growth rather than quick fixes. I offer online counselling for individuals ready to engage honestly in the change process.
I support adults who feel stuck in patterns of unwanted sexual behaviours and want lasting change, including those seeking help to take responsibility and prevent harm. My approach is calm, structured, and non-judgemental, focusing on understanding underlying drivers, building practical strategies, and strengthening self-control and accountability. I provide a confidential space where clients can speak openly without shame. Sessions are goal-focused and paced to support sustainable growth rather than quick fixes. I offer online counselling for individuals ready to engage honestly in the change process.
She works with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, childhood trauma, addiction, self-esteem and grief.
Ingrid is registered psychologist who provides in person therapy to clients in Melbourne and online therapy to clients Australia wide. In therapy, the environment Ingrid creates is compassionate, animated and genuine. She enjoys building long-lasting and meaningful connections with clients, knowing that this can be a catalyst for a successful experience in therapy. Ingrid is specifically interested in clients who present with developmental/relational-trauma and utilises her knowledge of attachment theory and family systems to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
She works with a range of issues including depression, anxiety, stress, childhood trauma, addiction, self-esteem and grief.
Ingrid is registered psychologist who provides in person therapy to clients in Melbourne and online therapy to clients Australia wide. In therapy, the environment Ingrid creates is compassionate, animated and genuine. She enjoys building long-lasting and meaningful connections with clients, knowing that this can be a catalyst for a successful experience in therapy. Ingrid is specifically interested in clients who present with developmental/relational-trauma and utilises her knowledge of attachment theory and family systems to help clients develop a deeper understanding of themselves.
I currently work part time in community drug and alcohol counselling, as well as running my own private practice.
Hi I'm Sian (pronounced 'see-arn') and I'm currently offering counselling to individuals, online and in-person. My person-centred approach provides you with a warm, safe space to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours. With a trauma-informed and strength-based approach I use validation, gentle challenging questions and psycho-education to support you and any life changes you may want to implement.
I currently work part time in community drug and alcohol counselling, as well as running my own private practice.
Hi I'm Sian (pronounced 'see-arn') and I'm currently offering counselling to individuals, online and in-person. My person-centred approach provides you with a warm, safe space to explore thoughts, feelings and behaviours. With a trauma-informed and strength-based approach I use validation, gentle challenging questions and psycho-education to support you and any life changes you may want to implement.
Perhaps you're struggling with your own or someone else’s addiction or problematic behaviour or depression or anxiety is keeping your stuck.
I offer a trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred approach – a safe, kind and understanding place where you can explore what’s happening for you, without judgement. You decide what want to get out of therapy, as you are the expert on your own life. I will walk beside you all the way.
Perhaps you're struggling with your own or someone else’s addiction or problematic behaviour or depression or anxiety is keeping your stuck.
I offer a trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred approach – a safe, kind and understanding place where you can explore what’s happening for you, without judgement. You decide what want to get out of therapy, as you are the expert on your own life. I will walk beside you all the way.
Maybe you've had a rough upbringing, made "bad" decisions, use substances and want to stop.
My practice Living Free Psychology is about having the Freedom to <'"Choose Your own way"'< whatever that may be. I want to help you create a better future, one that you choose and can be proud of, and know with work that anything is possible. It's about hope, belief, support and connection. I am down to earth, real, and will always be honest, no BS.
Maybe you've had a rough upbringing, made "bad" decisions, use substances and want to stop.
My practice Living Free Psychology is about having the Freedom to <'"Choose Your own way"'< whatever that may be. I want to help you create a better future, one that you choose and can be proud of, and know with work that anything is possible. It's about hope, belief, support and connection. I am down to earth, real, and will always be honest, no BS.
I am passionate about supporting thriving, connection and personal growth. Utilizing creative, reflective and trauma informed practices together we work to support positive change in life’s most difficult and complex circumstances. Working in the here and now with what emerges in the therapeutic relationship we discover and uncover new awareness's. Some people don't like being in closed rooms and some enjoy connecting to nature ask me about my walk and talk session for grounding and re-energizing, clearing the mind of rumination, improve circulation, practice deep breathing, relieve body tension, regulate moods and decrease anxiety.
I am passionate about supporting thriving, connection and personal growth. Utilizing creative, reflective and trauma informed practices together we work to support positive change in life’s most difficult and complex circumstances. Working in the here and now with what emerges in the therapeutic relationship we discover and uncover new awareness's. Some people don't like being in closed rooms and some enjoy connecting to nature ask me about my walk and talk session for grounding and re-energizing, clearing the mind of rumination, improve circulation, practice deep breathing, relieve body tension, regulate moods and decrease anxiety.
I work with all sorts of issues including mental health, addictions and relationship issues to name a few.
If you are struggling with any addictive behaviours, (or have concerns about a partner/family member) please reach out for non-judgemental support. Or if you are concerned about anxiety, depression, experiencing loss or are impacted by trauma, I can help. I am an approved counsellor with Victims Services NSW and a PACFA Clinical Supervisor.
I work with all sorts of issues including mental health, addictions and relationship issues to name a few.
If you are struggling with any addictive behaviours, (or have concerns about a partner/family member) please reach out for non-judgemental support. Or if you are concerned about anxiety, depression, experiencing loss or are impacted by trauma, I can help. I am an approved counsellor with Victims Services NSW and a PACFA Clinical Supervisor.
I am an experienced trauma-&IFS-informed therapist. I work well with people who are ready to do 'the work'. I briefly bring strategies that can be useful to your everyday life initially, relying on modalities such as mindfulness and polyvagal theory, before moving into deeper work based in Internal Family Systems (IFS), if and when the time is right. I assist/guide you to reveal and heal the parts of you that carry thoughts, feelings and behaviours that no longer serve you. It is not always doom and gloom. We work together light-heartedly to safely reveal your unconscious motivations and inner strength, towards lasting healing.
I am an experienced trauma-&IFS-informed therapist. I work well with people who are ready to do 'the work'. I briefly bring strategies that can be useful to your everyday life initially, relying on modalities such as mindfulness and polyvagal theory, before moving into deeper work based in Internal Family Systems (IFS), if and when the time is right. I assist/guide you to reveal and heal the parts of you that carry thoughts, feelings and behaviours that no longer serve you. It is not always doom and gloom. We work together light-heartedly to safely reveal your unconscious motivations and inner strength, towards lasting healing.
Hello, my name is Emma, and I am an LGBTQIA+ therapist and business consultant specialising in mental health and addiction support.
I specialise in LGBTQIA+ therapy, supporting individuals exploring their gender identity or transitioning. With a gentle, client-paced approach, I aim to create a safe space where you feel understood and respected. Having faced challenges myself, I’m here to offer compassion, guidance, and support tailored to your unique journey.
Hello, my name is Emma, and I am an LGBTQIA+ therapist and business consultant specialising in mental health and addiction support.
I specialise in LGBTQIA+ therapy, supporting individuals exploring their gender identity or transitioning. With a gentle, client-paced approach, I aim to create a safe space where you feel understood and respected. Having faced challenges myself, I’m here to offer compassion, guidance, and support tailored to your unique journey.
You have typically strived to get the most out of life. You love a challenge and until now felt pretty satisfied with life. Things are starting to look grey. You may be going through a difficult life transition or event such as divorce, grief, retirement, facing redundancy, bullying in the workplace, career change or aging? You have lost the energy and confidence you once had and may even feel depressed and anxious at times. This is effecting your interpersonal and family relationships, health, and effectiveness at work. You feel "stuck".
You have typically strived to get the most out of life. You love a challenge and until now felt pretty satisfied with life. Things are starting to look grey. You may be going through a difficult life transition or event such as divorce, grief, retirement, facing redundancy, bullying in the workplace, career change or aging? You have lost the energy and confidence you once had and may even feel depressed and anxious at times. This is effecting your interpersonal and family relationships, health, and effectiveness at work. You feel "stuck".
Is the pace of life leaving you drained, overwhelmed, or running on empty? You may feel caught between the weight of responsibility and the quiet question, "Am I doing enough?" This is often true for parents, caregivers, and neurodivergent adults. When you spend so much time looking after others, it is easy to lose sight of yourself. Therapy offers a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with who you are beyond the roles, expectations, and demands. You do not need to wait for things to fall apart before reaching for support. You matter too.
Is the pace of life leaving you drained, overwhelmed, or running on empty? You may feel caught between the weight of responsibility and the quiet question, "Am I doing enough?" This is often true for parents, caregivers, and neurodivergent adults. When you spend so much time looking after others, it is easy to lose sight of yourself. Therapy offers a space to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with who you are beyond the roles, expectations, and demands. You do not need to wait for things to fall apart before reaching for support. You matter too.
I specialise in anxiety, relationship conflict, emotional reactivity, addiction and long-standing patterns that feel hard to shift.
I work with many couples facing conflict, disconnection or communication issues, including those navigating separation or long-term patterns. I also support people dealing with anger, emotional reactivity and addiction, using calm, evidence-based approaches that focus on lasting change.
I specialise in anxiety, relationship conflict, emotional reactivity, addiction and long-standing patterns that feel hard to shift.
I work with many couples facing conflict, disconnection or communication issues, including those navigating separation or long-term patterns. I also support people dealing with anger, emotional reactivity and addiction, using calm, evidence-based approaches that focus on lasting change.
My name is Stefanie, I am a PaCFA clinically registered counsellor and supervisor. I am trauma informed, neurodiversity affirming and a level 3 IFS therapist. I have lived experience of neurodiversity being ADHD.
I work collaboratively, helping you to move beyond simply surviving and be able to deal with life stressors with greater ease. Working together, we will explore your experience and difficulties to achieve a deeper understanding of who you are; how you think, feel and behave. My goal is to encourage you to be curious about your internal world and to heal the parts of yourself that hold your emotional wounds.
My name is Stefanie, I am a PaCFA clinically registered counsellor and supervisor. I am trauma informed, neurodiversity affirming and a level 3 IFS therapist. I have lived experience of neurodiversity being ADHD.
I work collaboratively, helping you to move beyond simply surviving and be able to deal with life stressors with greater ease. Working together, we will explore your experience and difficulties to achieve a deeper understanding of who you are; how you think, feel and behave. My goal is to encourage you to be curious about your internal world and to heal the parts of yourself that hold your emotional wounds.
Types of counselling Darleen specialises in the following types of counselling: Relationship Counselling, Individual Counselling, Sex Therapy Desire & Intimacy Counselling Trauma, Counselling Porn Addiction, Online Counselling, , Counselling Narcissism Counselling, Pre-Marriage Program, Anger Management, LGBTQ+ Anxiety Counselling, Grief Counselling.
Special areas of interest Childhood trauma in adults, IVF fertility, post and pre-natal depression, pregnancy, parenting (young children/teenagers), same sex couples, young couples, couples with young families, senior couples, extended families/in-laws, affairs, couples in business, grief and loss/trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, sexual trauma.
Types of counselling Darleen specialises in the following types of counselling: Relationship Counselling, Individual Counselling, Sex Therapy Desire & Intimacy Counselling Trauma, Counselling Porn Addiction, Online Counselling, , Counselling Narcissism Counselling, Pre-Marriage Program, Anger Management, LGBTQ+ Anxiety Counselling, Grief Counselling.
Special areas of interest Childhood trauma in adults, IVF fertility, post and pre-natal depression, pregnancy, parenting (young children/teenagers), same sex couples, young couples, couples with young families, senior couples, extended families/in-laws, affairs, couples in business, grief and loss/trauma, anxiety, depression, addictions, sexual trauma.
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Addiction Therapists
What is the best therapy for addiction?
Addiction treatment will be tailored to the individual. People seeking help for addiction—whether with a psychotherapist, in an outpatient clinic, or in a residential program—should expect to engage in multiple types of treatments, sometimes including medication. For anyone recovering from addiction, avoiding situations in which one has typically used a substance is essential, as is the support of close connections. Since substance use disorders tend to co-occur with underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, those must also be addressed as part of any recovery plan.
How long does therapy for addiction take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from addiction. Patients and their families should expect the work to last several months, if not longer. Residential treatment programs may be based on a stay of 30, 60, or 90 days, with continuing work after release, but only about 1 percent of people are treated in such facilities. Ceasing use is just the first step; therapy to help maintain abstinence and effect behavior change must follow. The process of recovery, neuroscience has shown, involves brain cells recovering the capacity to respond to natural sources of reward and restore control over the impulse to use. Another definition of recovery is restoring voluntary control over one’s substance use and retaking all of one’s previous responsibilities.
How effective is drug addiction treatment?
Substance use disorders are treatable and remission is achievable for many who seek recovery; by some estimates, more than three-quarters of people who become addicted to alcohol or drugs recover. But that success rarely occurs quickly or on a set timeline; relapse is not only common, but many therapists and clinicians view it as a normal part of the process—not always a sign that a person has returned to addiction, but a signal that their treatment should be adjusted to help them regain control. Overall, research suggests, five years after the end of substance use, one’s risk of relapse is no greater than that of others who had not faced addiction. Other experts believe that complete abstinence is not the only measure of recovery, and that, through effective treatment, many people can learn to control their use.
How can you get addiction treatment for someone?
The most important factor in recovery from addiction is widely understood to be an individual’s commitment to change. For that reason,“interventions” in which friends and family gather to urge or force someone to begin immediate treatment often backfire; even when such efforts do lead someone to begin treatment, they may be less likely to stay than those who are self-driven. Still, family members can play an important role in supporting an individual who seeks help and can take part in family therapy as one element of a loved one’s treatment.