As a registered psychologist based in Sydney CBD, I work with people experiencing addiction and problematic use across a range of behaviours — alcohol, substances, gambling, and pornography. Sessions are available in-person at my Elizabeth Street practice or via telehealth anywhere in Australia, with Medicare rebates available through a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Common Forms of Addiction and Problematic Use

People often seek support for a range of addictive behaviours, including:

• Substance use — alcohol, nicotine, marijuana or other drugs

• Gambling — including online betting

• Pornography use — particularly when it becomes compulsive, secretive, or misaligned with values

What Keeps Addictive Patterns Going

Addictive behaviours often persist because they serve a function, usually related to avoiding or managing negative thoughts and emotions. Common maintaining factors include:

• stress, burnout, or emotional overload

• avoidance of difficult thoughts or emotions

• relief from anxiety, loneliness, or boredom (negative reinforcement)

• habit and conditioning over months or years

• shame and secrecy

• physiological dependence

Addiction in High-Functioning Individuals

Many people with addictive patterns are disciplined, driven, and capable in other areas of life.

They may:

• feel frustrated by the gap between their values and behaviour

• hide their use to avoid judgement

• tell themselves it’s “not bad enough” to seek help

• worry that others would see them differently if they knew

In these cases, addiction isn’t about lack of discipline — it’s often about unmet emotional needs or chronic stress without effective outlets..

Abstinence vs Control

Therapy doesn’t assume a one-size-fits-all solution.

For some, abstinence is appropriate. For others, the goal may be reducing harm, regaining control, or changing the relationship with the behaviour. The approach depends on:

• the nature of the behaviour

• your personal goals

• risk factors

• what feels realistic and sustainable

This is always discussed openly and collaboratively.

When It’s Worth Getting Support

It may be worth seeking professional support if:

• you feel stuck in a cycle you can’t break on your own

• behaviour clashes with your values

• guilt or secrecy is increasing

• stress or emotion reliably triggers use

• attempts to control or stop haven’t worked

• the behaviour is affecting mood, relationships, or work

You don’t need to wait for things to fall apart before getting help.

How I Help With Addiction

My approach in therapy to working with clients experiencing addiction focuses on evidence-based principles and draws from various psychological interventions that I tailor to your specific needs and goals.

This generally involves:

• understanding what role the behaviour plays in your life

• identifying triggers, patterns, and emotional drivers

• strengthening motivation for change without force

• building alternative ways to regulate emotions and stress

• addressing shame and self-criticism

• developing strategies aligned with your values rather than fear

Frequently Asked Questions

• Do I need to have hit rock bottom before seeking help? No. Many people seek support well before things have become severe — because they've noticed a pattern they can't break on their own, or because the gap between their behaviour and their values has become uncomfortable. Early intervention is always easier than late intervention. You don't need a crisis to justify reaching out.

• What if I'm not sure I have a "real" addiction? The label matters less than the experience. If a behaviour is causing distress, affecting your relationships or functioning, or feels outside your control despite wanting to change it, that's a reasonable basis for seeking support. Therapy can help clarify what's going on and what, if anything, needs to change.

• Is the goal always abstinence? Not necessarily. The goal depends on the nature of the behaviour, your personal values, and what feels realistic and sustainable for you. For some presentations abstinence is the appropriate aim. For others, harm reduction or regaining a healthy relationship with the behaviour is more appropriate. This is always discussed openly and without assumption.

• Does Medicare cover psychology sessions for addiction? Yes. With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you're eligible for Medicare rebates on individual psychology sessions. Addiction and problematic use are recognised presentations that qualify for a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

• Is therapy for addiction confidential? Yes. All sessions are confidential. There are narrow legal exceptions relating to imminent risk of harm or mandatory reporting requirements involving children, but these are specific and limited. What you discuss in sessions is not shared with employers, family members, or other services without your explicit consent.

• Is telehealth available for addiction therapy? Yes. Telehealth sessions are available Australia-wide. For many people dealing with addiction, the privacy and accessibility of telehealth removes a significant barrier to seeking support.

Related Services

If addiction is part of a broader pattern, you may also find these pages relevant:

• Anxiety — anxiety is one of the most common drivers of addictive behaviour, often functioning as emotional avoidance

• Depression — low mood and loss of meaning frequently underlie addictive patterns

• Burnout & Stress — chronic stress without effective outlets is a major maintaining factor in problematic use

• Trauma & PTSD — trauma and addiction are closely linked, with substance use frequently functioning as self-medication

If you'd like to discuss your situation and whether therapy might help, please get in touch here, or by using the form below.