Addiction Psychologists and Therapists in Blaxland, NSW

Photo of Aneta Zydzik-Plucinska, Psychotherapist
Aneta Zydzik-Plucinska
Psychotherapist
Serves Area
Strategic psychotherapy is a brief therapy which is solution-focused and outcome-based. It focuses on HOW you do what you do and not WHY. I won’t be delving into your past and seek “reasons” (ie tough childhood), I uncover and address the very pillars you have unconsciously developed that create and sustain the problem. The integration of hypnotherapy accelerates the therapeutic outcomes. Clients experience relief more rapidly, as the hypnotic state enhances receptivity to change, streamlining the path to recovery.
Strategic psychotherapy is a brief therapy which is solution-focused and outcome-based. It focuses on HOW you do what you do and not WHY. I won’t be delving into your past and seek “reasons” (ie tough childhood), I uncover and address the very pillars you have unconsciously developed that create and sustain the problem. The integration of hypnotherapy accelerates the therapeutic outcomes. Clients experience relief more rapidly, as the hypnotic state enhances receptivity to change, streamlining the path to recovery.
(02) 4501 7422 View (02) 4501 7422
Photo of Davinder Gill, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Davinder Gill
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Blaxland, NSW 2774
I support clients who are experiencing chronic stress, long standing anxiety or depression, relationship challenges, attachment or trauma related difficulties, going through difficult transitions, complex trauma or postnatal depression/anxiety.
I support clients who are experiencing chronic stress, long standing anxiety or depression, relationship challenges, attachment or trauma related difficulties, going through difficult transitions, complex trauma or postnatal depression/anxiety.
(02) 4703 7296 View (02) 4703 7296
Photo of Mauro Gagliardi - Mauro Gagliardi EMDR and Gottman Couples Therapy, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Mauro Gagliardi EMDR and Gottman Couples Therapy
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I work best with people who genuinely want to move toward greater peace, clarity, and connection. You might come to therapy because: You carry anxiety or depression that doesn’t feel resolved despite your best efforts You’ve experienced trauma, grief, or loss, and the past still shows up in your thoughts, moods, or relationships You find yourself repeating negative patterns—old schemas—that keep you frustrated, stuck, or in conflict Parts of you feel fragmented or in conflict. You’re in a relationship that’s struggling—communication is poor, trust is strained, or you feel disconnected
I work best with people who genuinely want to move toward greater peace, clarity, and connection. You might come to therapy because: You carry anxiety or depression that doesn’t feel resolved despite your best efforts You’ve experienced trauma, grief, or loss, and the past still shows up in your thoughts, moods, or relationships You find yourself repeating negative patterns—old schemas—that keep you frustrated, stuck, or in conflict Parts of you feel fragmented or in conflict. You’re in a relationship that’s struggling—communication is poor, trust is strained, or you feel disconnected
(02) 4503 8005 View (02) 4503 8005
Photo of Kristy Herring - Kristy - Innisfree Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kristy - Innisfree Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Telehealth Appointments Currently Available! If you would like to live a more fulfilling life, learn better ways to cope and feel more hope for the future, I encourage you to make contact. My style of therapy includes trauma-informed approaches that review underlying beliefs, address unwanted behaviours and thought patterns, and support improvements in your relationships. The aim of treatment is to guide you to process your emotions, talk about your feelings, and to develop practical skills that assist you to make meaningful change in your life.
Telehealth Appointments Currently Available! If you would like to live a more fulfilling life, learn better ways to cope and feel more hope for the future, I encourage you to make contact. My style of therapy includes trauma-informed approaches that review underlying beliefs, address unwanted behaviours and thought patterns, and support improvements in your relationships. The aim of treatment is to guide you to process your emotions, talk about your feelings, and to develop practical skills that assist you to make meaningful change in your life.
(02) 4503 8937 View (02) 4503 8937
Photo of Rowan Druce - Rowan Druce - Noetic Counselling, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Rowan Druce - Noetic Counselling
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
I am a psychotherapist who works with the person directly in front me. I collaborate with each person to unlock the inner knowing contained within their bodies. Our bodies hold an intuitive wisdom with a huge potential for healing and growth. We only need learn how to communicate the body’s language. Symptoms like depression and anxiety are not treated as problems but rather explored as experiences in the body being communicated. When we meet them as bound up processes that are seeking to be freed, we find these processes have a purpose with our best intentions at heart.
I am a psychotherapist who works with the person directly in front me. I collaborate with each person to unlock the inner knowing contained within their bodies. Our bodies hold an intuitive wisdom with a huge potential for healing and growth. We only need learn how to communicate the body’s language. Symptoms like depression and anxiety are not treated as problems but rather explored as experiences in the body being communicated. When we meet them as bound up processes that are seeking to be freed, we find these processes have a purpose with our best intentions at heart.
(03) 4054 5626 View (03) 4054 5626
Photo of Dr Jess Siegle - Empowered Mind and Body, Counsellor, PhD, PACFA
Empowered Mind and Body
Counsellor, PhD, PACFA
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
At Empowered Mind and Body, Jess creates a safe and supportive environment. One of care, hope, compassion, respect and empowerment. Jess works with clients who've experienced trauma or DV, a diagnosis of ASD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders or self-esteem issues. She also works with parents and families dealing with the challenges, stresses and pressures of modern living. In addition to counselling, Jess is an accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Facilitator, delivering Youth MHFA and teen MHFA to adults and teens, school teachers, first responders, workplaces, the general community.
At Empowered Mind and Body, Jess creates a safe and supportive environment. One of care, hope, compassion, respect and empowerment. Jess works with clients who've experienced trauma or DV, a diagnosis of ASD, depression, anxiety, mood disorders or self-esteem issues. She also works with parents and families dealing with the challenges, stresses and pressures of modern living. In addition to counselling, Jess is an accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Facilitator, delivering Youth MHFA and teen MHFA to adults and teens, school teachers, first responders, workplaces, the general community.
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More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Pat Wood-Collier, Counsellor, MA, CCAA
Pat Wood-Collier
Counsellor, MA, CCAA
Serves Area
I work with various addictions and traumas.
My experience is in trauma, addiction and crisis. I evaluate what the client needs and then together with them and will use various different therapies that will help them begin to manage and know themselves.
I work with various addictions and traumas.
My experience is in trauma, addiction and crisis. I evaluate what the client needs and then together with them and will use various different therapies that will help them begin to manage and know themselves.
(02) 5504 5434 View (02) 5504 5434
Photo of Vidhi Thakkar, Counsellor, PACFA
Vidhi Thakkar
Counsellor, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Alongside private practice, I currently work as a specialist drug and alcohol counsellor.
You might be the one everyone else leans on — holding your family, your work, and your cultural world together, while quietly wondering who holds you. Maybe something has shifted in a way you can't quite name. A transition that looked fine on paper but brought grief. A relationship that changed. A coping pattern — drinking, overworking, numbing — that once helped and now costs more than it gives. You don't need a diagnosis to come. You need somewhere to stop performing.
Alongside private practice, I currently work as a specialist drug and alcohol counsellor.
You might be the one everyone else leans on — holding your family, your work, and your cultural world together, while quietly wondering who holds you. Maybe something has shifted in a way you can't quite name. A transition that looked fine on paper but brought grief. A relationship that changed. A coping pattern — drinking, overworking, numbing — that once helped and now costs more than it gives. You don't need a diagnosis to come. You need somewhere to stop performing.
(02) 4703 7394 View (02) 4703 7394
Photo of Francesca Palazzolo, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Francesca Palazzolo
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Toongabbie, NSW 2146
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.
(03) 6411 0202 View (03) 6411 0202
Photo of Dina Soufy, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dina Soufy
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Milperra, NSW 2214
Common issues that my clients may face can include, all forms of Addiction, Childhood Trauma and PTSD, Mood and Anxiety disorders, Grief and Bereavement, Personality disorders, Anger issues and difficulty with emotion regulation, as well as family, parenting, and relationship difficulties.
I have several years of experience working in public and private health sectors with specific expertise in drug and alcohol treatment (moderate to severe), complex trauma and anxiety disorders. I am trained in several evidence based treatment modalities and prioritise maintaining a safe, non-judgemental, and open therapy space.
Common issues that my clients may face can include, all forms of Addiction, Childhood Trauma and PTSD, Mood and Anxiety disorders, Grief and Bereavement, Personality disorders, Anger issues and difficulty with emotion regulation, as well as family, parenting, and relationship difficulties.
I have several years of experience working in public and private health sectors with specific expertise in drug and alcohol treatment (moderate to severe), complex trauma and anxiety disorders. I am trained in several evidence based treatment modalities and prioritise maintaining a safe, non-judgemental, and open therapy space.
(02) 8105 6400 View (02) 8105 6400
Photo of Dijana Dzambic De Franca, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Dijana Dzambic De Franca
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Blacktown, NSW 2148
Addiction, Couples Therapy & Mental Health Support - Available Online Across Australia No waitlist - Free consultation.
I work with adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing addiction, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, emotional dysregulation, and other mental health concerns including suicide prevention. My approach draws on evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, DBT-informed strategies, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and relational therapy.
Addiction, Couples Therapy & Mental Health Support - Available Online Across Australia No waitlist - Free consultation.
I work with adolescents, adults, and couples experiencing addiction, depression, stress, relationship difficulties, emotional dysregulation, and other mental health concerns including suicide prevention. My approach draws on evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, DBT-informed strategies, mindfulness, trauma-informed care, and relational therapy.
(02) 8609 3067 View (02) 8609 3067
Photo of Heath Gerrard, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Heath Gerrard
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Online Only
The following quote continues to resonate and inspire me: ‘I think the most beautiful thing in the world is watching the light come back on in someone’s eyes when they have been lost in the dark for so long.’ The light slowly returned to my eyes when I embarked on my own recovery journey over 12 years ago. The unexpected gift that emerged from the struggle was a passion for this transformative process and helping guide others out of the darkness. I am a Registered Counsellor and have worked at treatment centers throughout Australia over the last 11 years, most recently at South Pacific Private in Sydney for 6.5 years.
The following quote continues to resonate and inspire me: ‘I think the most beautiful thing in the world is watching the light come back on in someone’s eyes when they have been lost in the dark for so long.’ The light slowly returned to my eyes when I embarked on my own recovery journey over 12 years ago. The unexpected gift that emerged from the struggle was a passion for this transformative process and helping guide others out of the darkness. I am a Registered Counsellor and have worked at treatment centers throughout Australia over the last 11 years, most recently at South Pacific Private in Sydney for 6.5 years.
(02) 9159 3729 View (02) 9159 3729
Photo of Nipunika Gunawardena, Counsellor, PACFA
Nipunika Gunawardena
Counsellor, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I’m a counsellor with ten years of experience supporting people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to navigate stress, anxiety, addiction, gambling, trauma, parenting challenges, or low self-esteem.
Together, we’ll work in a way that feels right for you, whether using harm minimisation or abstinence-based approaches, and at a pace that suits your needs. My approach is gentle, client-centred, and trauma-informed. I provide practical tools and strategies to help you cope, build confidence, and improve overall wellbeing.
I’m a counsellor with ten years of experience supporting people who feel overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure how to navigate stress, anxiety, addiction, gambling, trauma, parenting challenges, or low self-esteem.
Together, we’ll work in a way that feels right for you, whether using harm minimisation or abstinence-based approaches, and at a pace that suits your needs. My approach is gentle, client-centred, and trauma-informed. I provide practical tools and strategies to help you cope, build confidence, and improve overall wellbeing.
(02) 8403 2580 View (02) 8403 2580
Photo of Will Bonney, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Will Bonney
Psychotherapist, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with people who feel stuck - whether depressed; anxious; as a result of trauma; caught in a cycle of repetitive destructive behaviours like alcohol and drug use, gambling or sex addiction; dysfunctional relationships; or lacking direction, meaning and purpose.
I draw on a range of evidence-based therapies as appropriate for each client. These methods are accompanied by empathy for the human condition and are informed by insights gained as a partner, father, son, sibling, friend, colleague and community member. I bring my authentic self into the therapeutic relationship to walk beside those who come to see me.
I work with people who feel stuck - whether depressed; anxious; as a result of trauma; caught in a cycle of repetitive destructive behaviours like alcohol and drug use, gambling or sex addiction; dysfunctional relationships; or lacking direction, meaning and purpose.
I draw on a range of evidence-based therapies as appropriate for each client. These methods are accompanied by empathy for the human condition and are informed by insights gained as a partner, father, son, sibling, friend, colleague and community member. I bring my authentic self into the therapeutic relationship to walk beside those who come to see me.
(02) 8073 8335 View (02) 8073 8335
Jordan Woolley
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Bella Vista, NSW 2153
I provide focused support for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, OCD, addiction, stress, and life transitions.
I work with individuals who are navigating life's challenging times, from teenagers grappling with identity and school stress to adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex relationship dynamics. My clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, seeking not just relief but a deeper understanding of themselves. My goal is to empower them to reclaim their lives, find clarity amidst confusion, and build resilience. Together, we work towards transforming struggles into strengths, helping them create a life that is aligned with their values and aspirations.
I provide focused support for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges, OCD, addiction, stress, and life transitions.
I work with individuals who are navigating life's challenging times, from teenagers grappling with identity and school stress to adults facing anxiety, depression, trauma, and complex relationship dynamics. My clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed, seeking not just relief but a deeper understanding of themselves. My goal is to empower them to reclaim their lives, find clarity amidst confusion, and build resilience. Together, we work towards transforming struggles into strengths, helping them create a life that is aligned with their values and aspirations.
(02) 6399 2282 View (02) 6399 2282
Photo of Petra Lansdown, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Petra Lansdown
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Ryde, NSW 2112
Petra has specialised training and working experience in fields of addiction and disordered eating.
Petra is a Registered Counsellor with almost 10 years of experience supporting individuals across a variety of counselling settings. She provides a safe, confidential, and supportive space where clients can explore their challenges. Petra values each client’s individuality and takes a person-centred approach, working alongside them to uncover the roots of their struggles, develop practical coping strategies, and support their journey with resilience and hope.
Petra has specialised training and working experience in fields of addiction and disordered eating.
Petra is a Registered Counsellor with almost 10 years of experience supporting individuals across a variety of counselling settings. She provides a safe, confidential, and supportive space where clients can explore their challenges. Petra values each client’s individuality and takes a person-centred approach, working alongside them to uncover the roots of their struggles, develop practical coping strategies, and support their journey with resilience and hope.
(02) 7804 4695 View (02) 7804 4695
Photo of Jackson Goding - Jackson Goding - Find Reason Therapy, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Jackson Goding - Find Reason Therapy
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work closely with codependency, substance use and behavioural addictions with my experience working at South Pacific Private Hospital
Do you ever struggle with how you see yourself and how you show up in relationships? Is something getting in the way of allowing you to meet your needs, trust yourself, or connect with others? At Find Reason Therapy, we help people understand the patterns, beliefs, and emotional wounds that may be keeping them stuck. Through a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, we create a space to build self-worth, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with who you are beneath the pain. Together, we work toward greater clarity, confidence, purpose, and meaningful connection.
I work closely with codependency, substance use and behavioural addictions with my experience working at South Pacific Private Hospital
Do you ever struggle with how you see yourself and how you show up in relationships? Is something getting in the way of allowing you to meet your needs, trust yourself, or connect with others? At Find Reason Therapy, we help people understand the patterns, beliefs, and emotional wounds that may be keeping them stuck. Through a compassionate, trauma-informed approach, we create a space to build self-worth, strengthen relationships, and reconnect with who you are beneath the pain. Together, we work toward greater clarity, confidence, purpose, and meaningful connection.
(02) 9100 0013 View (02) 9100 0013
Photo of Charlotte Ritchie - Charlotte Ritchie Counselling and Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Charlotte Ritchie Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
I have decades of lived and years of clinical experience with Alcohol and Other Drugs use and abuse and the traumas that so often lead to it and arise from it.
I am trained to help people with crisis and trauma in a number of ways. EMDR works to reconnect the two brain hemispheres, providing a new way to process memories that were intrusive or holding them back in some way. I also have training in various psychological modalities (DBT, IFS, Gestalt, for example) but feel this is just therapist babble!
I have decades of lived and years of clinical experience with Alcohol and Other Drugs use and abuse and the traumas that so often lead to it and arise from it.
I am trained to help people with crisis and trauma in a number of ways. EMDR works to reconnect the two brain hemispheres, providing a new way to process memories that were intrusive or holding them back in some way. I also have training in various psychological modalities (DBT, IFS, Gestalt, for example) but feel this is just therapist babble!
(02) 9100 0566 View (02) 9100 0566
Photo of Layla Oueidat - Layla at Time and Space Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L3
Layla at Time and Space Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Online Only
People come to counselling for so many reasons; maybe they're navigating traumatic memories/experiences, difficult feelings, the complexities of belonging & identity, or their relationship with drugs &/or alcohol.
In our sessions, I offer a culturally-responsive space, walking alongside you using antioppressive, intersectional, trauma- & addiction-informed lenses grounded in evidence-based therapies. Here, you can bring your identity, body & stories into a space that invites connection, choice & the unfolding of what has been held, unspoken, or ready to heal.
People come to counselling for so many reasons; maybe they're navigating traumatic memories/experiences, difficult feelings, the complexities of belonging & identity, or their relationship with drugs &/or alcohol.
In our sessions, I offer a culturally-responsive space, walking alongside you using antioppressive, intersectional, trauma- & addiction-informed lenses grounded in evidence-based therapies. Here, you can bring your identity, body & stories into a space that invites connection, choice & the unfolding of what has been held, unspoken, or ready to heal.
(03) 8771 4367 View (03) 8771 4367
Photo of Kristen Titchener - Hills to Hawkesbury Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Hills to Hawkesbury Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
1 Endorsed
Bella Vista, NSW 2153
In addition to improving general wellbeing, we can also help treat a range of issues including addiction, trauma, anxiety, stress, depression, personality disorders, forensic/offending issues, anger management and self-esteem issues.
In addition to seeing clients within the general population, Kristen is an endorsed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and has experience working with perpetrators of crime. Kristen offers treatment via private billing, Mental Health Treatment Plans, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and SIRA (Workers Compensation/CTP).
In addition to improving general wellbeing, we can also help treat a range of issues including addiction, trauma, anxiety, stress, depression, personality disorders, forensic/offending issues, anger management and self-esteem issues.
In addition to seeing clients within the general population, Kristen is an endorsed Clinical and Forensic Psychologist and has experience working with perpetrators of crime. Kristen offers treatment via private billing, Mental Health Treatment Plans, the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and SIRA (Workers Compensation/CTP).
(02) 8609 3304 View (02) 8609 3304
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.