Addiction counselling in Fitzroy, Melb.

Addiction isn't a character flaw. It usually starts as a way of coping with stress, loneliness, shame, boredom or feelings that felt too big to sit with. For a while it works. Then the costs build up.

You don't need to have hit rock bottom to talk to someone. If a habit is taking more from your life than it gives, that is reason enough.

• Alcohol
• Drugs, including cannabis, stimulants, opioids and prescription medication
• Gambling
• Gaming, pornography, compulsive spending and other behaviours that feel out of your control
• Early recovery, and what to do after a slip or relapse
• Cutting down or stopping, whichever you decide is right for you

Some people come wanting to stop. Some want to cut down. Some aren't sure there's a problem, only that something isn't working. All of that is fine. I won't push you towards a goal you haven't chosen. We work out what you want and start from there.

I spent two and a half years as an addiction program counsellor at Malvern Private Hospital, and I still work there on a casual basis.

I now teach the Addiction and Recovery unit in the Bachelor of Counselling at IKON.

I'm a PACFA-registered counsellor and psychotherapist with a Master of Counselling and Psychotherapy from Cairnmillar Institute.

Primarily, I am focused on you and what you need. How you recover from addiction is unique to you. Yes, I have lots of experience in ways to recover, but you are the one dealing with the addiction and what you know is equally important. By working together we can come up with a way to move forward.

One of ways I approach addiction is using an Emotion-Focused Therapy framework (EFT). We look at what the substance or habit has been doing for you, and what you have been trying not to feel. When those feelings are understood and have somewhere to go, the pull of the habit can loosen.

My approach is both practical and non-judgemental.

1. Free 15-minute phone call. Ask questions and see if we're a good fit. No pressure.
2. First session. We talk about what's going on, what you're using or doing, what you've tried and what you want. You set the pace.
3. Ongoing sessions. 50 minutes, in Fitzroy or online. Most people start weekly, then adjust. We review how it's going together.

Sessions are $160 for 50 minutes. Low-fee sessions are available for eligible clients. Medicare rebates are not accepted.

If you drink heavily every day, or regularly take benzodiazepines or opioids, don't stop suddenly. Withdrawal from alcohol and benzodiazepines can be life-threatening, and opioid withdrawal can be severe. Speak to your GP or call DirectLine first. I'm a counsellor, not a medical detox service, but I can help you find one and work alongside your doctor.

• DirectLine (Victoria): 1800 888 236. Free, confidential, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015.
• Emergency: call 000.

• Do I have to want to stop?

No. You can come to work out whether you want to change anything, or to cut down rather than stop.

• What if I slip or relapse?

It's common, and it doesn't mean you've failed or that counselling isn't working. We treat it as information about what you need.

• Can you help after a rehab or hospital program?

Yes. Many people want ongoing support once a program ends. I can help you stay on track and deal with what comes up.

• Is it confidential?

Yes. What you tell me stays between us, except where there is a serious risk of harm to you or someone else.

Book a free 15-minute phone call. No pressure, no commitment.