Addiction Psychologists and Therapists in Whittlesea, VIC

Photo of Chris Van Der Pluym, Counsellor, AASW
Chris Van Der Pluym
Counsellor, AASW
Serves Area
In Brunswick, Bundoora and Whittlesea Victoria. Check my website for more information on locations. Let's discover your story together and understand why it feels as though you're stuck and look for ways to move forward. We can demystify your anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other challenges to find out what they are and where they have come from, and apply grounded strategies with support to help you make changes, move forward, and start kicking goals.
In Brunswick, Bundoora and Whittlesea Victoria. Check my website for more information on locations. Let's discover your story together and understand why it feels as though you're stuck and look for ways to move forward. We can demystify your anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other challenges to find out what they are and where they have come from, and apply grounded strategies with support to help you make changes, move forward, and start kicking goals.
(03) 9716 3322 View (03) 9716 3322
Photo of Jamie Camamile, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Jamie Camamile
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
With over 10 years experience I work with a range of presentations including depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, grief and loss, interpersonal issues, sleep assistance and work place injuries. I also have a strong interest and experience working with trauma, including veterans and both survivors and perpetrators of family violence. I am a strong believer in positive psychology and the concept of accessing psychological support to accomplish self-growth.
With over 10 years experience I work with a range of presentations including depression, anxiety, stress, OCD, grief and loss, interpersonal issues, sleep assistance and work place injuries. I also have a strong interest and experience working with trauma, including veterans and both survivors and perpetrators of family violence. I am a strong believer in positive psychology and the concept of accessing psychological support to accomplish self-growth.
(03) 4713 9244 View (03) 4713 9244
Photo of Demi Bereza - Monument Counselling Kilmore, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Monument Counselling Kilmore
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
At Monument Counselling Kilmore we provide individualised counselling support to adults and children experiencing lifes challenges. Our practice is led by principal counsellor Demi Bereza who specialises in trauma support, as well as stress, anxiety, depression and relationship challenges. We want you to achieve your wellbeing goals and understand the importance of support that meets your needs. In your first session our priority is to make you feel comfortable with your counsellor, and build therapeutic goals. Future sessions will implement meaningful strategies. We aim to provide 'take aways' so you can build your growth.
At Monument Counselling Kilmore we provide individualised counselling support to adults and children experiencing lifes challenges. Our practice is led by principal counsellor Demi Bereza who specialises in trauma support, as well as stress, anxiety, depression and relationship challenges. We want you to achieve your wellbeing goals and understand the importance of support that meets your needs. In your first session our priority is to make you feel comfortable with your counsellor, and build therapeutic goals. Future sessions will implement meaningful strategies. We aim to provide 'take aways' so you can build your growth.
(03) 4421 6682 View (03) 4421 6682
Photo of Lavinia McSwain - Lavinia McSwain, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Lavinia McSwain
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I have experience working with individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, OCD, bipolar disorder, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, and other life challenges.
I believe that everyone has a story and that each story is remarkable. I consider it a privilege to be part of your story and to support you along your journey. I am a registered psychologist and a lecturer with more than 16 years of experience working across hospital, community mental health, forensic, and university settings. I have provided psychological assistance to people from all walks of life. I am very aware that one size does not fit all in therapy, so I tailor individual treatment utilising evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, DBT and EMDR.
I have experience working with individuals facing a variety of mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, trauma, grief and loss, addiction, OCD, bipolar disorder, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, and other life challenges.
I believe that everyone has a story and that each story is remarkable. I consider it a privilege to be part of your story and to support you along your journey. I am a registered psychologist and a lecturer with more than 16 years of experience working across hospital, community mental health, forensic, and university settings. I have provided psychological assistance to people from all walks of life. I am very aware that one size does not fit all in therapy, so I tailor individual treatment utilising evidence-based approaches, including CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, DBT and EMDR.
(03) 7303 3862 View (03) 7303 3862

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Mike Daniel Carroll - Mike Carroll, MC Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Mike Carroll, MC Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
I am a professional counsellor with lived experience of addiction and mental health challenges.
MC Counselling provides a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to talk openly about your concerns. Together we work to reduce feelings of shame and stigma while building understanding and self-compassion. I specialise in helping people make sense of their experiences and process what they are going through.
I am a professional counsellor with lived experience of addiction and mental health challenges.
MC Counselling provides a supportive, non-judgmental space where you can feel safe to talk openly about your concerns. Together we work to reduce feelings of shame and stigma while building understanding and self-compassion. I specialise in helping people make sense of their experiences and process what they are going through.
(03) 6419 9437 View (03) 6419 9437
Photo of Mark Roper - Ballarat online Counselling, Social Worker, AMHSW
Ballarat online Counselling
Social Worker, AMHSW
Online Only
Mark has worked in drug & alcohol, relationships and mental health.
Hi, I’m Mark — a counsellor based in Ballarat. I work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and trauma. Together, we’ll uncover the strengths and qualities within you that can spark your recovery. Building self-esteem and nurturing healthier relationships can open the way to a more fulfilling life.
Mark has worked in drug & alcohol, relationships and mental health.
Hi, I’m Mark — a counsellor based in Ballarat. I work with people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship challenges, and trauma. Together, we’ll uncover the strengths and qualities within you that can spark your recovery. Building self-esteem and nurturing healthier relationships can open the way to a more fulfilling life.
(03) 4327 9601 View (03) 4327 9601
Photo of Wendy Corliss, Psychotherapist, MSc, ANZAP Graduate
Wendy Corliss
Psychotherapist, MSc, ANZAP Graduate
Serves Area
I am a calm, compassionate, and non-judgmental individual and couple therapist. I work to develop relationships of deep trust and understanding with you. I have a great deal of experience helping people overcome complex and persistent problems. I will never give up on you. I will hold the hope for you even if you are feeling discouraged or hopeless. As a nurse practitioner as well as a psychotherapist, I can prescribe psychotropic medication if needed. I can provide medicare rebates for every session because I am also a nurse practitioner.
I am a calm, compassionate, and non-judgmental individual and couple therapist. I work to develop relationships of deep trust and understanding with you. I have a great deal of experience helping people overcome complex and persistent problems. I will never give up on you. I will hold the hope for you even if you are feeling discouraged or hopeless. As a nurse practitioner as well as a psychotherapist, I can prescribe psychotropic medication if needed. I can provide medicare rebates for every session because I am also a nurse practitioner.
(02) 9158 6638 View (02) 9158 6638
Photo of Cristian Mcheileh - Hourglass Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Hourglass Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Richmond, VIC 3121
I work with young people and adults treating anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, relationship issues, self-harming, addictions, stress, amongst other problems.
My treatment approach is informed by a range of evidence-based therapies including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Harm Minimisation/Relapse Prevention, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Psychotherapy.
I work with young people and adults treating anxiety, depression, grief, low self-esteem, adjustment difficulties, relationship issues, self-harming, addictions, stress, amongst other problems.
My treatment approach is informed by a range of evidence-based therapies including but not limited to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Harm Minimisation/Relapse Prevention, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Mindfulness, Interpersonal Psychotherapy.
(03) 7003 2053 View (03) 7003 2053
Photo of Paul McCarthy - Ethos Psychotherapy, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Ethos Psychotherapy
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
I can assist clients who have experienced trauma, are managing substance issues, grief, or are experiencing relationship issues.
Are you experiencing difficulties within yourself or in your relationships? How do you get through life? Do you feel things need to change? I maintain clients' mental health by helping them better understand themselves and their situations so they can find peace, balance and positivity.
I can assist clients who have experienced trauma, are managing substance issues, grief, or are experiencing relationship issues.
Are you experiencing difficulties within yourself or in your relationships? How do you get through life? Do you feel things need to change? I maintain clients' mental health by helping them better understand themselves and their situations so they can find peace, balance and positivity.
(03) 4410 8579 View (03) 4410 8579
Photo of Richard Norrish, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
Richard Norrish
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
South Yarra, VIC 3141
Richard has substantial experience working with Borderline Personality Disorder, Chronic Depression and Addictions ( drug, alcohol, sex, gambling, etc) in both hospital and counselling centres.
Richard aims to help clients achieve an improved quality of life, working towards a greater sense of personal control. With 20 years’ experience in counselling and clinical settings, he provides a supportive, non-judgmental and confidential space. He works collaboratively with the client in tailoring therapy to their unique set of circumstances. Therapy may range from a few sessions when targeting a specific problem, to medium and longer-term therapy when addressing long-held problematic behaviours, interpersonal patterns and emotion difficulties.
Richard has substantial experience working with Borderline Personality Disorder, Chronic Depression and Addictions ( drug, alcohol, sex, gambling, etc) in both hospital and counselling centres.
Richard aims to help clients achieve an improved quality of life, working towards a greater sense of personal control. With 20 years’ experience in counselling and clinical settings, he provides a supportive, non-judgmental and confidential space. He works collaboratively with the client in tailoring therapy to their unique set of circumstances. Therapy may range from a few sessions when targeting a specific problem, to medium and longer-term therapy when addressing long-held problematic behaviours, interpersonal patterns and emotion difficulties.
(03) 9068 5866 View (03) 9068 5866
Photo of Derek Goodlake, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Derek Goodlake
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Serves Area
We may feel overwhelmed with negative thoughts and memories from our past and fears about the future. Often no amount of arguing with ourselves seems to help. Maybe you've tried therapy before but the underlying problems are still there. Perhaps you're fed up with telling your story again and again. With the right therapies, from an experienced Counsellor, we can be free from the past's hold on our present and future wellbeing. As an experienced Counsellor, EMDR Practitioner and a Clinical Hypnotherapist, I can work with you to be all you can be.
We may feel overwhelmed with negative thoughts and memories from our past and fears about the future. Often no amount of arguing with ourselves seems to help. Maybe you've tried therapy before but the underlying problems are still there. Perhaps you're fed up with telling your story again and again. With the right therapies, from an experienced Counsellor, we can be free from the past's hold on our present and future wellbeing. As an experienced Counsellor, EMDR Practitioner and a Clinical Hypnotherapist, I can work with you to be all you can be.
(03) 7500 5043 View (03) 7500 5043
Photo of Amanpreet Kaur, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Amanpreet Kaur
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialise in supporting clients with addiction and physical health condition along with mental health concerns.
I support you in building holistic and balanced routine. I support in building emotional mastery, in building healthy coping mechanisms, sustained growth, build resilience under pressure. In short, I will show you the way out emotionally and physically when you are going through tough life and health situations.
I specialise in supporting clients with addiction and physical health condition along with mental health concerns.
I support you in building holistic and balanced routine. I support in building emotional mastery, in building healthy coping mechanisms, sustained growth, build resilience under pressure. In short, I will show you the way out emotionally and physically when you are going through tough life and health situations.
(03) 7302 2715 View (03) 7302 2715
Photo of Natalie Susan Burfurd - Heart and Hope Counselling, Social Worker, AMHSW
Heart and Hope Counselling
Social Worker, AMHSW
Footscray, VIC 3011
I provide counselling, therapy and social work services in both the Ballarat and Footscray areas as well as online. I provide supportive, empathic and flexible responses to individual needs, taking the body, mind and soul into consideration. I have over thirty years of counselling experience and have particular expertise in grief and loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, mental health issues and working with many other concerns. I am passionate about holding the hope and working from the heart as well as utilising diverse knowledge and skills. It is important to me that counselling is affordable to people who need it.
I provide counselling, therapy and social work services in both the Ballarat and Footscray areas as well as online. I provide supportive, empathic and flexible responses to individual needs, taking the body, mind and soul into consideration. I have over thirty years of counselling experience and have particular expertise in grief and loss, trauma, depression, anxiety, mental health issues and working with many other concerns. I am passionate about holding the hope and working from the heart as well as utilising diverse knowledge and skills. It is important to me that counselling is affordable to people who need it.
(03) 8658 2101 View (03) 8658 2101
Photo of Daniel Brightwell, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Daniel Brightwell
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Online Only
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.
(02) 8000 1158 View (02) 8000 1158
Photo of Bess Grant - ArchStone Creative, Counsellor, ACA-L1
ArchStone Creative
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Serves Area
I have qualifications in mental health, alcohol and drug addiction and therapeutic arts practice.
I love working with teens and adults who are facing challenges in their lives that they may feel are insurmountable. They may be struggling with grief, identity, big transitions or general feelings of demotivation, depression and anxiety. They may be having problems communicating or setting boundaries in relationships and need someone to walk alongside them in finding ways to build healthier coping strategies, begin to notice the beauty in life or get their spark back.
I have qualifications in mental health, alcohol and drug addiction and therapeutic arts practice.
I love working with teens and adults who are facing challenges in their lives that they may feel are insurmountable. They may be struggling with grief, identity, big transitions or general feelings of demotivation, depression and anxiety. They may be having problems communicating or setting boundaries in relationships and need someone to walk alongside them in finding ways to build healthier coping strategies, begin to notice the beauty in life or get their spark back.
(03) 5907 1103 View (03) 5907 1103
Photo of Diandra Peters, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Diandra Peters
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Thornbury, VIC 3071
Waitlist for new clients
You might be drinking, using substances or engaging in other unhelpful behaviours to cope.
I work with adults experiencing trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties. I am particularly passionate about working with men, helping them feel at ease in the therapy space - especially if it's new territory! I also bring experience in EMDR, to support clients to to work through trauma.
You might be drinking, using substances or engaging in other unhelpful behaviours to cope.
I work with adults experiencing trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression and relationship difficulties. I am particularly passionate about working with men, helping them feel at ease in the therapy space - especially if it's new territory! I also bring experience in EMDR, to support clients to to work through trauma.
View
Photo of Mat Tibbenham, Social Worker, AMHSW
Mat Tibbenham
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
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.
(02) 5135 5340 View (02) 5135 5340
Photo of Alexander J Karkar, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Alexander J Karkar
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Carlton North, VIC 3054
Formally I practice as a psychoanalyst both in private practice and the public mental health and addiction sectors.
Psychoanalysis in Melbourne. If a psychoanalyst is in a position to listen, then the patient - the one said to be 'in analysis', is certainly in a position to speak. Nevertheless, there is very little that is certain about being in a position to speak, especially speaking under the directive of the fundamental rule: Say whatever comes to mind, censor nothing, no matter how insignificant, Idiotic, perverse, or crazy you think it is. Proceeding in this manner for a while would it be at all surprising if we came to learn something?
Formally I practice as a psychoanalyst both in private practice and the public mental health and addiction sectors.
Psychoanalysis in Melbourne. If a psychoanalyst is in a position to listen, then the patient - the one said to be 'in analysis', is certainly in a position to speak. Nevertheless, there is very little that is certain about being in a position to speak, especially speaking under the directive of the fundamental rule: Say whatever comes to mind, censor nothing, no matter how insignificant, Idiotic, perverse, or crazy you think it is. Proceeding in this manner for a while would it be at all surprising if we came to learn something?
(03) 6146 1675 View (03) 6146 1675
Photo of Ange Bishop, Counsellor, PACFA
Ange Bishop
Counsellor, PACFA
South Yarra, VIC 3141
I am a trauma-informed therapist with experience in family violence and addictions.
Do you find yourself reacting strongly to things that shouldn’t feel so overwhelming, or noticing emotional and relationship patterns that don’t seem to make sense? If you struggle with low mood, anxiety, anger, emotional ups and downs, or coping strategies that no longer serve you, you’re not alone. I work with clients to gently explore and make sense of difficult thoughts, uncomfortable emotions, unhelpful behaviours, and challenging relationships. Together, we can identify what’s getting in the way of your wellbeing and work toward meaningful, lasting change that helps you feel more grounded, resilient, and at ease in your life.
I am a trauma-informed therapist with experience in family violence and addictions.
Do you find yourself reacting strongly to things that shouldn’t feel so overwhelming, or noticing emotional and relationship patterns that don’t seem to make sense? If you struggle with low mood, anxiety, anger, emotional ups and downs, or coping strategies that no longer serve you, you’re not alone. I work with clients to gently explore and make sense of difficult thoughts, uncomfortable emotions, unhelpful behaviours, and challenging relationships. Together, we can identify what’s getting in the way of your wellbeing and work toward meaningful, lasting change that helps you feel more grounded, resilient, and at ease in your life.
(03) 4059 5454 View (03) 4059 5454
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
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.