Drug addiction therapy
Recover from drug abuse
Counselling for substance addiction
My drug addiction treatment program offers strategies and supports to help you quit your drug habit, and achieve complete recovery - .
Regardless of whether your substance dependence involves ice, cannabis, cocaine, heroin or prescription medication, we’ll work together to address the physical and psychological aspects of your reliance.
I’ll also share my own experience with substance abuse and long term recovery with you, and together we’ll build you a life that is healthy, fulfilling, and free of drugs.
"True recovery means not just stopping drug use, but building a life that makes drugs unnecessary."
My drug addiction therapy
I use a specialised addiction treatment method known as Wellness Recovery with my clients. It is designed to help individuals overcome drug dependence, and develop healthier ways to deal with the issues that are causing the drug use.
Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on abstinence, my therapy addresses the stress, trauma, relationship issues, and mental health challenges behind the addiction.
Benefits of wellness recovery therapy
My wellness recovery services are beneficial for anyone who:
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Feels their substance use has become problematic or out of control
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Has tried to cut back or quit but struggled to maintain changes
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Uses drugs and/or behaviours to cope with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions
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Has experienced negative consequences from drug use
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Wants to reduce or stop using drugs
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Is in early recovery, withdrawal or rehabilitation and needs support to prevent relapse
My approach to substance abuse recovery
My approach to wellness recovery is based on the understanding that substances can hijack the brain's reward system, affecting both brain chemistry and behaviour patterns.
I recognise that a drug problem is not a moral failing or lack of willpower, but a complex condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors.
I’ll explain how the drugs have disrupted your brain’s normal function and teach you techniques to rewire your neural pathways for healthier functioning.
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I use a combination of evidence-based techniques including:
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Motivational enhancement: strengthening your internal motivation for change
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Transformational identity shift: developing awareness of triggers and cravings of a version of yourself who 'previously’ used alcohol as a coping mechanism, as well as creating a whole new self-identity where your needs and wants are met
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Solution-focused brief therapy: building on the strengths and successes that have kept you alive, and applying these resources to a conscious new way of being.
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Subconscious Dynamics™: addressing unconscious patterns and creating new associations
The Drug Recovery Program
Here is an outline of a typical drug wellness recovery program that we’ll adapt to your specific needs and circumstances. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes, and occur weekly during the initial phase, then gradually decrease in frequency as you build confidence in your recovery. You are in control and decide how and what support you require from me.
Assess & plan
1-2 sessions
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Evaluate your substance use patterns & history
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Assess your physical dependence & withdrawal risk
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Identify your triggers & high-risk situations
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Develop specific recovery goals & plan
Core recovery work
2-6 sessions
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Build motivation & commitment to change
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Develop effective strategies to manage cravings & triggers
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Address underlying issues contributing to substance use
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Create healthy routines & support systems
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Learn relapse prevention techniques
Maintain & grow
4-6 sessions
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Reinforce new habits & thought patterns
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Develop long-term strategies for sustained recovery
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Build a fulfilling drug-free lifestyle
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Plan for ongoing support & growth
Outcomes
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Freedom from compulsive drinking
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Improved physical & mental health
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Better sleep, energy, & cognitive function
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Healthier relationships & communication
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Enhanced stress management
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Greater self-awareness & personal growth
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Renewed sense of purpose & direction
Book an appointment
Appointments are available at my private practice in Hamilton, Newcastle or online via a secure Zoom session at these times:
In person: Tue, Wed, Thu 8.00am - 6.30pm
Zoom: Mon, Wed, Thu 8.00am - 6.30pm
Whether we meet online or in-person, I will provide a confidential, safe, non-judgemental space for us to work together.
Book a free consult
If you're ready to reclaim your life and become the best version of yourself, I invite you to book a confidential, no-obligation consultation call via Zoom, so we can discuss how to help you achieve lasting recovery.
Book a free 15 minute consult on a Monday, Wednesday or Thursday between 8.00am and 6.30pm.
Success story
After a back injury, I became dependent on pain meds that were originally prescribed by my doctor. It all began as legitimate pain management but became uncontrollable. I knew I had a problem but was too ashamed to tell anyone.
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Rob changed everything. He helped me understand how there are physical and psychological reasons as to why I had developed an addiction, and helped me create a plan to work with my health team to reduce my meds and find alternative ways to manage my pain.
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The hypnotherapy and mindfulness techniques he taught me were for managing my pain and cravings were game-changers . He also helped me stop thinking I was an "addict" to "someone in recovery who was taking positive steps forward."
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One year later, I'm free from pain medication, my relationships have improved, I'm back at work, and I feel like ‘me’ again. Most importantly, I'm in control of my life and I love it.