Substance Use Psychologists and Therapists in Mildura, VIC
I have extensive experience working with substance use, anger, anxiety, low mood, stress and more with both men and women.
I provide support for most concerns, from needing a mindset refresh, self-improvement to major distress. However, have a special interest in substance use, behaviour change, anger, anxiety, stress, improving mood and emotions. I'm experienced with those who struggle to talk or open up- telehealth can sometimes work well if you're unsure about counselling.
I have extensive experience working with substance use, anger, anxiety, low mood, stress and more with both men and women.
I provide support for most concerns, from needing a mindset refresh, self-improvement to major distress. However, have a special interest in substance use, behaviour change, anger, anxiety, stress, improving mood and emotions. I'm experienced with those who struggle to talk or open up- telehealth can sometimes work well if you're unsure about counselling.
Sometimes the most honest thing a person can say is: I'm not okay, and I don't know why. That is more than enough to start.
I'm George an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 20 years of experience, I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship stress, trauma, grief, burnout, and the quieter forms of suffering that don't always have a name.
A significant part of my practice is neurodiversity-affirming counselling — supporting adults with (or carers) of ADHD, autism, PDA who are done misunderstood by a world not built for us. I also offer Gottman Method couples and relationship therapy.
Sometimes the most honest thing a person can say is: I'm not okay, and I don't know why. That is more than enough to start.
I'm George an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 20 years of experience, I work with adults navigating anxiety, depression, relationship stress, trauma, grief, burnout, and the quieter forms of suffering that don't always have a name.
A significant part of my practice is neurodiversity-affirming counselling — supporting adults with (or carers) of ADHD, autism, PDA who are done misunderstood by a world not built for us. I also offer Gottman Method couples and relationship therapy.
Marie Bourke is our lead counsellor and has spent a lifetime dedicated to education, counselling, and community work across the globe. She has spent many years supporting people through anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and addiction (their own or a loved one’s).
She has helped hundreds of people improve, their emotional and mental wellbeing, improve their relationships, increase their resilience and confidence, and live more connected and fulfilling lives.
Marie Bourke is our lead counsellor and has spent a lifetime dedicated to education, counselling, and community work across the globe. She has spent many years supporting people through anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, trauma, and addiction (their own or a loved one’s).
She has helped hundreds of people improve, their emotional and mental wellbeing, improve their relationships, increase their resilience and confidence, and live more connected and fulfilling lives.
Life can be overwhelming - stress, relationships, work pressures, and old struggles that keep resurfacing. I offer a grounded, plain-spoken talk things through, so men can get clear on what matters. The counselling I provide is high-quality and caters to regional rural men across Victoria, including Shepparton, Seymour, and Benalla.
You are not expected to have the answers, just open to try getting things back on track
Life can be overwhelming - stress, relationships, work pressures, and old struggles that keep resurfacing. I offer a grounded, plain-spoken talk things through, so men can get clear on what matters. The counselling I provide is high-quality and caters to regional rural men across Victoria, including Shepparton, Seymour, and Benalla.
You are not expected to have the answers, just open to try getting things back on track
Hi there! I'm a country girl at heart, living most of my life in Far West NSW and regional Victoria, and now WA. These foundational years have been valuable to my own psychological development and eventual career in the field. I've had exposure to diverse populations, presentations and contexts. My clientele ranges from police, FIFO folk in the mining industry, healthcare professionals and defense personnel across the ADF. I've provided outreach to Aboriginal communities, mine sites and farmers. I work primarily with adults (18+) however will accept younger clients if specifically referred for eating disorder treatment by their GP.
Hi there! I'm a country girl at heart, living most of my life in Far West NSW and regional Victoria, and now WA. These foundational years have been valuable to my own psychological development and eventual career in the field. I've had exposure to diverse populations, presentations and contexts. My clientele ranges from police, FIFO folk in the mining industry, healthcare professionals and defense personnel across the ADF. I've provided outreach to Aboriginal communities, mine sites and farmers. I work primarily with adults (18+) however will accept younger clients if specifically referred for eating disorder treatment by their GP.
Substance Use Therapists
How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?
In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counsellors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.
How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?
Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.
How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.
Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?
There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.