top of page
Green Leaves

Alcohol addiction therapy

Break free from alcohol addiction

Recovery counselling for drinking problems

As a specialist in alcohol recovery therapy, I help individuals who are ready and committed to breaking free from alcohol abuse, who want to stop drinking and rebuild their lives. 

 

My own addictions, including alcohol, are the reason I combine evidence-based techniques with compassionate support to address both the physical and psychological aspects of alcohol addiction. 

 

Whether you're concerned about your drinking patterns or have tried to quit multiple times without success, I provide the structure and strategies needed for lasting recovery.

"I know alcohol addiction and recovery, & I'm passionate about guiding you to a better life of sobriety that is lasting & transformative"

What is alcohol addiction therapy?

Alcohol Recovery Therapy is a specialised treatment approach designed to help individuals overcome alcohol dependence. Unlike traditional approaches that focus solely on abstinence, my therapy addresses the underlying causes of alcohol misuse, including stress, trauma, relationship issues, and mental health challenges. 

 

This comprehensive approach helps you not just stop drinking, but build a fulfilling life where alcohol no longer controls you, or plays a central role.

Benefits of alcohol therapy

My counselling practice welcomes people at all stages of alcohol use disorder, from those beginning to question their relationship with drinking to those who have a severe dependence. 

 

Please get in touch if you:

  • Feel your drinking has become problematic or out of control

  • Have tried to cut back or quit but struggled to maintain changes

  • Use alcohol to cope with stress, anxiety, or difficult emotions

  • Have experienced negative consequences with relationships or work due to alcohol

  • Want to reduce or remove alcohol from life

  • Are in early recovery and need support to prevent relapse

My journey with alcohol addiction

For over a decade, I used alcohol as a coping strategy and form of self-medication, consuming 8-12 standard drinks daily whilst telling myself I was in control because I ‘only’ drank after 4pm. The destructive pattern escalated when work stress became unmanageable, leading to increased usage alongside depression and anxiety. 


It wasn't until my relationship began falling apart that I recognised I was heading towards a cliff edge with only one way down.


The wake-up call came through honest conversations with my GP and attending a support group where I heard heart-wrenching stories that mirrored my own trajectory. 

"The turning point wasn't when I stopped drinking - it was when I understood that removing alcohol from my life didn’t fill the underlying hole that drove me to drink in the first place."

"I wish I'd known that while medication and traditional therapy have their place, finding the root cause of why drinking became my coping mechanism was the game-changer."

For over a decade, I used alcohol as a coping strategy and form of self-medication, consuming 8-12 standard drinks daily whilst telling myself I was in control because I ‘only’ drank after 4pm. The destructive pattern escalated when work stress became unmanageable, leading to increased usage alongside depression and anxiety. 


It wasn't until my relationship began falling apart that I recognised I was heading towards a cliff edge with only one way down.


The wake-up call came through honest conversations with my GP and attending a support group where I heard heart-wrenching stories that mirrored my own trajectory. 

My therapeutic approach to alcohol recovery

My approach to helping you quit alcohol is based on the understanding that addiction affects both brain chemistry and behaviour patterns. 

 

I recognise that a drinking problem is not a moral failing or lack of willpower, but a complex condition influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. 

 

I also acknowledge that alcohol addiction often involves problematic dopamine reward.

I will help you see how alcohol hijacked your brain's reward system and teach you techniques to rewire these pathways for healthier functioning, using:

  • Motivational enhancement: strengthening your internal motivation for change

  • Transformational Identity Shift: developing awareness of triggers and cravings of the person who once coped with alcohol and creating a whole new identity who has their wants and needs met, with ways and means that are as good as or better than alcohol.

  • Solution-focused brief therapy: building on your strengths & successes that have kept you alive and here. Taking these resources and applying them to a conscious new way of being.

  • Subconscious Dynamics™: addressing unconscious patterns & creating new associations

The Alcohol Recovery Program

My support and recovery program is structured yet flexible. We'll adapt it to your specific needs and circumstance. 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. Below is an outline of a typical program.

Assess & plan
1-2 sessions

  • Evaluate your drinking patterns & history

  • Assess your physical dependence & withdrawal risk

  • Identify your triggers & high-risk situations

  • Develop specific recovery goals & plan

Core recovery work
3-6 sessions

  • Build motivation & commitment to change

  • Develop effective strategies to manage cravings & triggers

  • Address underlying issues contributing your heavy drinking

  • Create healthy routines & support systems

  • Learning relapse prevention techniques

Maintain & grow
4-6 sessions

  • Reinforce new habits & thought patterns

  • Develop long-term strategies for sustained recovery

  • Build a fulfilling alcohol-free lifestyle

  • Plan for ongoing support & growth

Outcomes

  • Freedom from compulsive drinking

  • Improved physical & mental health

  • Better sleep, energy, & cognitive function

  • Healthier relationships & communication

  • Enhanced stress management

  • Greater self-awareness & personal growth

  • 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 change your relationship with alcohol and reclaim your life, I offer a confidential, no-obligation consultation via Zoom so we can discuss how we can 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

Nick was drinking a bottle of wine every night when he came to me, “just to cope with stress and sleep.” He'd tried to cut back many times but always returned to his old patterns in a few days. His health was suffering, and his relationship was strained. 

During his recovery program I helped him understand how alcohol had become his primary coping mechanism and showed him healthier ways to manage cravings and the anxiety that drove his drinking. We also did some hypnotherapy sessions to change his unconscious association with drinking.

 

Six months later he rarely thinks about alcohol anymore, he has developed successful relaxation tools, his relationship is great, and he has rediscovered hobbies from the past. I’m so happy that Nick is genuinely enjoying life.

Nick

  • Are your services for young people too?
    Yes. I help people of any age - teenagers, young adults, or older. If you’re a parent or carer looking for support for a younger person, feel free to reach out to me too. The same applies to gender, sexual orientation, nationality or background. My practice is open to and respectful of everyone.
  • Can I do sessions online?
    Yes. I offer both in-person sessions in Newcastle, NSW, and online counselling for clients across Australia and internationally. You can choose what works best for your comfort, schedule, and location.
  • What is hypnosis and how does it help?
    Hypnotherapy is a gentle approach that helps you relax deeply so your subconscious mind is more open to new, helpful thoughts, and behaviours and suggestions. It can support you in changing habits, cravings, and how you see yourself — without force or fear.
  • Do I have to take medication as part of your therapy?
    No. My approach is holistic and medication-free. We focus on natural methods, including talk therapy, life coaching, and hypnosis, to support your recovery. If you are on medication or working with a doctor, we can work together alongside that support.
  • How long does therapy treatment take?
    Recovery is a personal journey. For some, changes happen quickly; for others, it takes as long as is exactly right for you.’s a slower process. My job is to walk beside you and help you stay on track. Whether you’re early in your journey or have tried other forms of treatment, we’ll build a plan that works for you.
  • What is Subconscious Dynamic™ therapy?
    Subconscious Dynamics™ is a therapeutic approach that combines modern hypnosis with neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), to access the powerful subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is a powerful and neutral beast. By combining hypnosis with Subconscious Dynamic™ therapy we can bypass the overthinking conscious mind and delve into your deep mind, where you can rapidly address and rewire the brain for lasting recovery, growth, or change.
  • What does 'holistic therapy' mean?
    Holistic therapy means we look at all parts of your life—your body, thoughts, feelings, relationships, and even your purpose. Addiction, poor mental health and self-identity issues affect everything, so healing and growth should involve everything too.
  • Is this service just for drug and alcohol addiction?
    Not at all. While I provide drug and alcohol counselling for people struggling with drug abuse, and alcohol misuse, or any form of substance addiction, I also support people to resolve and eliminate other unhelpful compulsive behaviours and coping strategies - like gambling, emotional eating and screen addiction. If something in your life feels out of control, we can work on it together.
  • What are signs of alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence?
    Needing more drinks to feel the same effect Drinking alone or in secret Feeling anxious or irritable without alcohol Missing work, arguments with loved ones, or health issues caused by drinking Feeling guilt or shame after drinking—but still continuing Relying on alcohol rather than enjoying it
  • How do I get a loved one with addiction issues to seek help?
    This is a common situation. Start by approaching the person with care not criticism. Avoid confronting them when they’re under the influence, or calling them an ‘addict’. Share your concerns gently and focus on how their behaviour is affecting their health, relationships, or life goals. Offer support, not shame. If they’re not keen to commit to therapy, you can suggest doing one of my 15 minute free consultation calls to “get things off their chest,” or attending just one session. You could offer to join them if that makes them feel more comfortable, or even to book the appointment. Ultimately, you can’t force someone to change—but you can plant a seed, and be there when they’re ready. Many of my clients who once denied needing addiction help, came to me later, and made powerful, lasting changes when the timing was right for them.
  • Can I get drug and alcohol help online?
    Yes. I offer online drug and alcohol help across Australia, as well as in-person sessions in Newcastle, NSW. Online therapy is private, flexible, and a great option if you live regionally or prefer support from home.
  • What happens if I relapse?
    Relapse is common during recovery, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. We’ll use it as a learning moment and adjust your plan to make it even stronger. You’ll have tools in place to bounce back and keep moving forward.
  • How long does recovery take?
    Everyone’s journey is different. Some people feel better quickly, while others need more time. Recovery is a process, not a quick fix—but with the right support, you can expect steady, meaningful progress.
  • Is this a rehabilitation program?
    While this is not a residential rehabilitation facility, my one-on-one therapy offers a personalised recovery pathway that is ideal for people looking for addiction help without going into full-time rehab. It’s flexible, private, and tailored to your needs.
  • When does alcohol intake become an addiction?
    In Australia, drinking is a big part of our social culture. At barbecues, parties, even casual get-togethers, it’s common to see almost everyone with a drink and an esky full of alcohol nearby. But alcohol intake can become an alcohol addiction when it starts to negatively affect your health, work, relationships or wellbeing — and when you feel like you can’t stop, even if you want to. Don’t wait until things get worse — early support can help you take control and stop the habit before it becomes a serious problem.
  • Why do you feel depressed or anxious?
    Depression and anxiety are the brain’s response to long-term stress, trauma, or imbalance. In depression, areas of the brain that regulate mood and motivation—like the prefrontal cortex and amygdala—can fall out of sync. This reduces important brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, making it harder to feel joy, energy or connection. In anxiety, the brain’s “alarm system” becomes overactive. The amygdala can stay on high alert, even when there’s no real danger. This can make ordinary situations feel overwhelming and exhausting.
  • What are the signs and symptoms of depression?
    Some examples are listed here, but see our How to Tell If You’re Experiencing Depression blog post for full details: Ongoing low mood or irritability Withdrawing from people or activities Feeling worthless or guilty Headaches, stomach pain, or other physical symptoms Thoughts of self-harm or suicide

Contact

hello@robmcclintock.com.au
+61 405 559 532

Newcastle, NSW, Australia
 

Follow

  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • Facebook

Subscribe

Name

Thanks for coming onboard!

Email

 

Indigenous Acknowledgement: I acknowledge and pay my respects to the Traditional Custodians of the land on which I work — the Awabakal people — and to the Custodians of all the lands where this content is read or shared. I honour the Elders past and present, the Ancestors, and the old people of every Nation across this continent and its islands. I also acknowledge the beings, seen and unseen, who continue to uphold the Lore of the Land.

 

© 2025 Rob McClintock  |  Designed by Virtuelle  |  Powered by Wix 

 

bottom of page