Addiction Psychologists and Therapists in Chatswood, NSW

Photo of Andrew McPherson, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Andrew McPherson
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Chatswood, NSW 2067
As a clinical psychologist I treat adolescents and adults with a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction.
Whilst treating a wide range of issues I've worked in mental health settings as both a psychologist and psychiatric nurse in inpatient and outpatient hospital treatment for over 19 years. I’ve presented at national conferences and published research on attitudes to alcohol amongst people with an alcohol use disorder in international peer-reviewed journals.
As a clinical psychologist I treat adolescents and adults with a wide range of mental health issues including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and addiction.
Whilst treating a wide range of issues I've worked in mental health settings as both a psychologist and psychiatric nurse in inpatient and outpatient hospital treatment for over 19 years. I’ve presented at national conferences and published research on attitudes to alcohol amongst people with an alcohol use disorder in international peer-reviewed journals.
(02) 9100 0856 View (02) 9100 0856
Photo of Elizabeth Lee - Elizabeth Counselling Clinic Pty Ltd, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Elizabeth Counselling Clinic Pty Ltd
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
Elizabeth is warm and non-judgmental in her practice. Elizabeth has about 15 years of counselling experience and has worked for both NGOs (Non-profit organizations) and governments to learn to treat people with different issues. Elizabeth also works as a clinical supervisor and has a passion to raise the next generation of therapists. Elizabeth is involved in different community boards to raise more awareness on some of the common mental health topics.
Elizabeth is warm and non-judgmental in her practice. Elizabeth has about 15 years of counselling experience and has worked for both NGOs (Non-profit organizations) and governments to learn to treat people with different issues. Elizabeth also works as a clinical supervisor and has a passion to raise the next generation of therapists. Elizabeth is involved in different community boards to raise more awareness on some of the common mental health topics.
(02) 8074 3828 View (02) 8074 3828
Photo of Sarah Bays, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Sarah Bays
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
I've worked in large NGOs, with multi-disciplinary teams, in small grass roots organisations and in private practice providing therapeutic support to people with complex mental health, trauma, addiction, relationship issues & family conflict.
Want to create the life you want and reach your potential? Could you do with a little help to solve your problems? Need some support to fast track some of your goals? Well that's what I'm all about! I'm an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist and I work from a trauma-informed and client-led perspective. I'm kind but direct when needed, and support in a solutions focused manner. I love to laugh, and enjoy helping people work through challenges and achieve their goals. I'm a certified DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) practitioner and run DBT Skills groups or individual DBT sessions in person and online.
I've worked in large NGOs, with multi-disciplinary teams, in small grass roots organisations and in private practice providing therapeutic support to people with complex mental health, trauma, addiction, relationship issues & family conflict.
Want to create the life you want and reach your potential? Could you do with a little help to solve your problems? Need some support to fast track some of your goals? Well that's what I'm all about! I'm an experienced counsellor and psychotherapist and I work from a trauma-informed and client-led perspective. I'm kind but direct when needed, and support in a solutions focused manner. I love to laugh, and enjoy helping people work through challenges and achieve their goals. I'm a certified DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy) practitioner and run DBT Skills groups or individual DBT sessions in person and online.
(02) 9100 0134 View (02) 9100 0134
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 Carol Marando, Psychotherapist, MA, ANZAP
Carol Marando
Psychotherapist, MA, ANZAP
Serves Area
I believe we are all doing the best we can with what we've got, but sometimes we don't have the right skills or viewpoint from which to understand and resolve the issues that cause us to suffer. Our old coping strategies fail and we become stressed, depressed, anxious, isolated, angry, fed up, stuck, lost or hopeless. And there's a voice in us that says we've got to figure it out for ourselves, we mustn't burden others or others won't understand us. I'll listen deeply and work beside you to find your own answers, in a confidential, non judgemental, safe space. We all need to be seen and understood and to understand ourselves.
I believe we are all doing the best we can with what we've got, but sometimes we don't have the right skills or viewpoint from which to understand and resolve the issues that cause us to suffer. Our old coping strategies fail and we become stressed, depressed, anxious, isolated, angry, fed up, stuck, lost or hopeless. And there's a voice in us that says we've got to figure it out for ourselves, we mustn't burden others or others won't understand us. I'll listen deeply and work beside you to find your own answers, in a confidential, non judgemental, safe space. We all need to be seen and understood and to understand ourselves.
(02) 8074 1972 View (02) 8074 1972
Photo of Jimmy Muecke, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Jimmy Muecke
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Chatswood, NSW 2067
I'm a neurodivergent-affirming practitioner who works with Autism and ADHD. My focus is on creating an approach that aligns with your unique needs, helping your environment work for you. We'll collaborate on practical, doable strategies and accommodations rather than trying to change who you are. I can even provide a written action plan after each session to help you practice what we've covered. I often assist clients with: - Overstimulation & burnout - Emotional regulation - Life transitions - Habit building & procrastination - Perfectionism - Self-advocacy & boundary-setting - Skill development
I'm a neurodivergent-affirming practitioner who works with Autism and ADHD. My focus is on creating an approach that aligns with your unique needs, helping your environment work for you. We'll collaborate on practical, doable strategies and accommodations rather than trying to change who you are. I can even provide a written action plan after each session to help you practice what we've covered. I often assist clients with: - Overstimulation & burnout - Emotional regulation - Life transitions - Habit building & procrastination - Perfectionism - Self-advocacy & boundary-setting - Skill development
(02) 9100 0913 View (02) 9100 0913
Photo of Grace Foo, Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Grace Foo
Counsellor, MC, ACA-L2
Chatswood, NSW 2067
Are you in constant conflict with your partner? Do you find yourself disconnecting from each other over time? Relationship issues like conflicts are an integral part of a relationship. However, there is a good chance that the toxicity in the relationship has deeply wounded both. The needs of each other are ignored and arguments become less on the important issues as both are too emotionally detached to care anymore.
Are you in constant conflict with your partner? Do you find yourself disconnecting from each other over time? Relationship issues like conflicts are an integral part of a relationship. However, there is a good chance that the toxicity in the relationship has deeply wounded both. The needs of each other are ignored and arguments become less on the important issues as both are too emotionally detached to care anymore.
(02) 9538 7874 View (02) 9538 7874
Photo of Stephen O'Malley, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Stephen O'Malley
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Chatswood, NSW 2067
I’m Stephen O’Malley, a registered psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and couples move beyond conflict, disconnection, and self-doubt. I provide a supportive space to explore emotions, strengthen communication, and rebuild trust using approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy and Imago Relationship Therapy. My goal is to help you create healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
I’m Stephen O’Malley, a registered psychologist with over 25 years of experience helping individuals and couples move beyond conflict, disconnection, and self-doubt. I provide a supportive space to explore emotions, strengthen communication, and rebuild trust using approaches like Emotionally Focused Therapy and Imago Relationship Therapy. My goal is to help you create healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
(02) 9100 0438 View (02) 9100 0438
Photo of Alex Whyburn, Psychologist, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Alex Whyburn
Psychologist, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Chatswood, NSW 2067
I have over 18 years experience working with adults and adolescents with a wide range of clinical presentations including anxiety and depression, grief and loss, bipolar, eating disorders, trauma and personality disorders. I am also experienced in working with the LGBTQ+ community.
I have over 18 years experience working with adults and adolescents with a wide range of clinical presentations including anxiety and depression, grief and loss, bipolar, eating disorders, trauma and personality disorders. I am also experienced in working with the LGBTQ+ community.
(02) 9100 0815 View (02) 9100 0815
Photo of Lorena Portocarrero Koechlin, Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Lorena Portocarrero Koechlin
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Chatswood, NSW 2067
I provide personalised counselling for adults and young people to explore life’s challenges and work toward growth, purpose, and meaningful change. In a safe, collaborative space, you can be heard, reflect on your experiences, and move forward at your own pace.
I provide personalised counselling for adults and young people to explore life’s challenges and work toward growth, purpose, and meaningful change. In a safe, collaborative space, you can be heard, reflect on your experiences, and move forward at your own pace.
0487 714 063 View 0487 714 063
Photo of Kylie McIntosh, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Kylie McIntosh
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I support adults and adolescents experiencing distress including anxiety, depression, anger, addiction, relationships, self esteem, motivation, trauma, parenting.
The therapy journey can help us understand and address distress in our lives through understanding how the past has stayed alive in our current experience. It is no longer about what happened, it is how it lives on in parts of ourselves.. "Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it" (Brene Brown). I offer a safe therapeutic environment for you to navigate and resolve the concerns and difficulties you face with gentle curiosity and mindfulness, and will support you in building self-compassion, understanding and connection, strength, self-esteem and a sense of empowerment.
I support adults and adolescents experiencing distress including anxiety, depression, anger, addiction, relationships, self esteem, motivation, trauma, parenting.
The therapy journey can help us understand and address distress in our lives through understanding how the past has stayed alive in our current experience. It is no longer about what happened, it is how it lives on in parts of ourselves.. "Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it" (Brene Brown). I offer a safe therapeutic environment for you to navigate and resolve the concerns and difficulties you face with gentle curiosity and mindfulness, and will support you in building self-compassion, understanding and connection, strength, self-esteem and a sense of empowerment.
(02) 8074 1570 View (02) 8074 1570
Photo of Canan Suucak - Release Your Mind Counseling and Therapy, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Release Your Mind Counseling and Therapy
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I’m a good fit for you if you’re dealing with anxiety, low mood, trauma, ADHD, addiction, overwhelm, or relationship stress — especially if you’re busy and just need a space that feels calm and real.
Online psychologist based in Sydney, offering after-hours and weekend sessions for clients across Australia.
I’m a good fit for you if you’re dealing with anxiety, low mood, trauma, ADHD, addiction, overwhelm, or relationship stress — especially if you’re busy and just need a space that feels calm and real.
Online psychologist based in Sydney, offering after-hours and weekend sessions for clients across Australia.
(02) 9437 5400 View (02) 9437 5400
Photo of Sylvia Chen, Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Sylvia Chen
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
I am a trauma-informed clinical counsellor, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), gong sound healer, breathwork facilitator that firmly believes in the value of human life. I have experience in a range of areas including marriage/relationship, anxiety and stress, trauma, depression, attachment, family of origin issues, parenting, grief & loss, personal growth & development, special need supports and chronic health related concerns. ​I am warm, caring and insightful. I am here to support your integration, and all of the various parts of your personality and being, into a balanced and joyful whole, made up of body, mind and soul.
I am a trauma-informed clinical counsellor, Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), gong sound healer, breathwork facilitator that firmly believes in the value of human life. I have experience in a range of areas including marriage/relationship, anxiety and stress, trauma, depression, attachment, family of origin issues, parenting, grief & loss, personal growth & development, special need supports and chronic health related concerns. ​I am warm, caring and insightful. I am here to support your integration, and all of the various parts of your personality and being, into a balanced and joyful whole, made up of body, mind and soul.
(02) 8403 0049 View (02) 8403 0049
Photo of Bevan Pfeiffer, Psychotherapist, MSc, PACFA
Bevan Pfeiffer
Psychotherapist, MSc, PACFA
Serves Area
Couples therapy offers a space to reconnect when you’re caught in patterns of distance, tension, or misunderstanding. You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells, having the same fights, or living more like roommates than partners. Maybe trust feels fragile, affection has faded, or you can’t seem to reach each other no matter how hard you try. Beneath the frustration, you both long to feel safe, desired, and understood, to find your way back to the love that once felt easy.
Couples therapy offers a space to reconnect when you’re caught in patterns of distance, tension, or misunderstanding. You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells, having the same fights, or living more like roommates than partners. Maybe trust feels fragile, affection has faded, or you can’t seem to reach each other no matter how hard you try. Beneath the frustration, you both long to feel safe, desired, and understood, to find your way back to the love that once felt easy.
0425 380 908 View 0425 380 908
Photo of Magdalena Pietrusik, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Magdalena Pietrusik
Counsellor, ACA-L1
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I'm also a SMART Recovery facilitator and ASIST-trained, supporting individuals with addiction, emotional regulation, and crisis intervention.
Hi, I’m Magdalena, but you can call me Maggie. I’m a counsellor with a background in psychology who supports people feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next steps. Life’s demands can leave you feeling low or confused by your emotions. I offer a calm, non-judgmental space to explore what’s going on and understand your feelings better, so you can work with them, not against them. My strength-based approach helps you build self-esteem, recognize your inner resources, and move toward a life that feels more aligned and empowering.
I'm also a SMART Recovery facilitator and ASIST-trained, supporting individuals with addiction, emotional regulation, and crisis intervention.
Hi, I’m Magdalena, but you can call me Maggie. I’m a counsellor with a background in psychology who supports people feeling stuck, anxious, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next steps. Life’s demands can leave you feeling low or confused by your emotions. I offer a calm, non-judgmental space to explore what’s going on and understand your feelings better, so you can work with them, not against them. My strength-based approach helps you build self-esteem, recognize your inner resources, and move toward a life that feels more aligned and empowering.
(02) 4012 8016 View (02) 4012 8016
Photo of Safari Lee - Safari Lee - Sex Therapist and Counsellor, Counsellor, ACA-L3
Safari Lee - Sex Therapist and Counsellor
Counsellor, ACA-L3
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I also help people understand and manage changes in erections and libido, sexual urges and addictions including online porn, sexual services, social media and substance use, understanding fetishes and kinks, and pain and fear of sex and intimacy.
Many of my clients come to see me with intimate concerns that they have never shared with anyone before. I pride myself on my highly confidential and compassionate support, and I offer the same to you. I have postgraduate qualifications in counselling, rehabilitation, sex and relationship therapy and pain education.
I also help people understand and manage changes in erections and libido, sexual urges and addictions including online porn, sexual services, social media and substance use, understanding fetishes and kinks, and pain and fear of sex and intimacy.
Many of my clients come to see me with intimate concerns that they have never shared with anyone before. I pride myself on my highly confidential and compassionate support, and I offer the same to you. I have postgraduate qualifications in counselling, rehabilitation, sex and relationship therapy and pain education.
(02) 9100 0930 View (02) 9100 0930
Photo of Carolina Souto-Jones, Counsellor, PACFA
Carolina Souto-Jones
Counsellor, PACFA
Serves Area
I draw on my many years of experience in helping clients gain skills and coping mechanism to help treat and resolve anxiety, addictions, PTSD, depression as well as grief and loss.
I work with a person-centred approach, within it I pull from my years of experience in all areas of mental health. The therapeutic strategies and interventions I predominantly work with are the behaviour focused therapies of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Above all I hold the up most importance in developing a good therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, within it a emotional bond of trust, caring and respect is created, which allows for a safe space where healing can take place.
I draw on my many years of experience in helping clients gain skills and coping mechanism to help treat and resolve anxiety, addictions, PTSD, depression as well as grief and loss.
I work with a person-centred approach, within it I pull from my years of experience in all areas of mental health. The therapeutic strategies and interventions I predominantly work with are the behaviour focused therapies of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, (DBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). Above all I hold the up most importance in developing a good therapeutic relationship between client and therapist, within it a emotional bond of trust, caring and respect is created, which allows for a safe space where healing can take place.
(02) 8403 0054 View (02) 8403 0054
Photo of Josh Stevenson, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Josh Stevenson
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I am passionate about helping you live a fulfilling and meaningful life. I seek to make you feel comfortable, help you share your story, and assist you to overcome the barriers that stand in the way of achieving your goals. I work with both adults and young people (aged from 14years). I have a passion for working with men of all ages on their mental health journey. I am committed to creating a space where men feel comfortable opening up, exploring their experiences, and working towards their best self. I work with people experiencing: - Low mood - Anxiety - Stress and challenging life transitions - Emotion dysregulation
I am passionate about helping you live a fulfilling and meaningful life. I seek to make you feel comfortable, help you share your story, and assist you to overcome the barriers that stand in the way of achieving your goals. I work with both adults and young people (aged from 14years). I have a passion for working with men of all ages on their mental health journey. I am committed to creating a space where men feel comfortable opening up, exploring their experiences, and working towards their best self. I work with people experiencing: - Low mood - Anxiety - Stress and challenging life transitions - Emotion dysregulation
(02) 9100 0334 View (02) 9100 0334
Photo of Kristy-Lee Ferry, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Kristy-Lee Ferry
Psychotherapist, PACFA
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma (CPTSD - PTSD), relationships, sex, sexuality, addiction, trust, boundaries, or the courage to express your needs, we’ll explore why.
I am a Somatic Trauma Psychotherapist and Counsellor. I specialise in: •Relationships - divorce, codependency, infidelity, ethical non-monogamy, domestic abuse. •Sexuality - empowerment, diversity, addiction, fetishes and kinks. •CPTSD - PTSD - Developmental Trauma •Anxiety, stress, childhood, attachment. •Meditation and the mind-body connection.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma (CPTSD - PTSD), relationships, sex, sexuality, addiction, trust, boundaries, or the courage to express your needs, we’ll explore why.
I am a Somatic Trauma Psychotherapist and Counsellor. I specialise in: •Relationships - divorce, codependency, infidelity, ethical non-monogamy, domestic abuse. •Sexuality - empowerment, diversity, addiction, fetishes and kinks. •CPTSD - PTSD - Developmental Trauma •Anxiety, stress, childhood, attachment. •Meditation and the mind-body connection.
(02) 9100 0218 View (02) 9100 0218
Photo of Belle Higgins, Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
Belle Higgins
Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My ideal client is a high-functioning, emotionally intelligent woman blindsided by betrayal- infidelity, porn use, or secret-keeping. She feels anxious, disoriented, and unsafe. She needs clinical healing, clarity, and real support. Her goal is to reclaim her voice, rebuild self-trust, and feel whole again- not just surviving, but rising stronger, wiser, and deeply empowered. I offer EMDR intensives specifically designed for betrayed partners, combining deep clinical healing with focused, trauma-informed support.
My ideal client is a high-functioning, emotionally intelligent woman blindsided by betrayal- infidelity, porn use, or secret-keeping. She feels anxious, disoriented, and unsafe. She needs clinical healing, clarity, and real support. Her goal is to reclaim her voice, rebuild self-trust, and feel whole again- not just surviving, but rising stronger, wiser, and deeply empowered. I offer EMDR intensives specifically designed for betrayed partners, combining deep clinical healing with focused, trauma-informed support.
(02) 8403 0210 View (02) 8403 0210

See more therapy options for Chatswood

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.