ADDICTION AND BEHAVIOURAL CHALLENGES

Addiction counselling with compassion and practical support

Non-judgemental counselling for alcohol, drug, gambling and other addictive behaviours, whether you want to cut back, stop or understand your patterns.

We build on your strengths and what matters to you, with skills for cravings, triggers and relapse prevention.

Start with a free 15-minute call

Talk briefly with me about what’s happening, ask your questions and see whether working together feels right.

IN PERSON
Bella Vista, Liverpool and Inner West
ONLINE
Zoom and telehealth, across Australia and overseas
HOURS
Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 7pm
Call 0452 369 407Or send a message
URGENT SUPPORTCall Lifeline on 13 11 14 at any hour, or 000 in an emergency.

Addictive behaviours often begin as a way to cope with stress, pain or difficult emotions.

Counselling helps you understand the role the behaviour plays in your life and build other ways to meet those needs.

I work with alcohol and substance use, gambling, gaming and other compulsive behaviours.

I also support family members affected by a loved one’s addiction.

Addiction counselling may help if you

  • Are drinking or using more than you’d like
  • Have tried to cut back before and want more support this time
  • Notice gambling, gaming or another behaviour taking up more time, money or attention
  • Are in recovery and want to strengthen your relapse prevention
  • Love someone with an addiction and want support for yourself

Concerns I work with

  • Addiction
  • Alcohol and substance use disorders
  • Behavioural addictions
  • Gambling
  • Relapse prevention
  • Emotional regulation

How I work with addiction

I use motivational interviewing, CBT and DBT skills, within a warm and non-judgemental relationship.

We set goals together, whether that’s reducing harm, cutting back or stopping completely.

  1. Understand your patternsWe look at when, where and why the behaviour happens, and what it gives and costs you.
  2. Build new coping skillsYou learn practical ways to manage cravings, stress and difficult emotions.
  3. Plan for the long termWe create a relapse prevention plan and strengthen the supports around you.

Working with your GP and other services

If you’re dependent on alcohol or other drugs, please speak with your GP before cutting back, because stopping suddenly can be unsafe.

With your consent, I’m happy to work alongside your GP, detox or rehabilitation services.

In person or online

I see clients in person in Bella Vista, Liverpool and the Inner West, and online by Zoom or phone, anywhere in Australia or overseas.

Appointments run Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 7pm, subject to availability, and the days at each room vary.

You can book directly, with no GP referral needed, and your first step is a free 15-minute call.

Read more about online counselling, or about fees, rebates and booking.

Common questions

Do I have to stop completely?

The goals are yours to choose.

Some people want to stop, others want to cut back or reduce harm, and we start from wherever you are.

Is counselling for gambling confidential?

Yes.

Everything you share stays private within the usual limits of confidentiality, which I’ll explain at our first session.

Can family members come for support?

Yes.

Someone else’s addiction affects the whole family, and counselling can help you look after yourself and set healthy boundaries.

Support at any hour

Mind Therapy Room offers booked appointments, so for urgent support please use one of these services.

See more support services and helpful resources.

YOU’LL SPEAK WITH LOUIS DIRECTLY

Let’s talk.

Call, or send a message, and we’ll take the next step at a pace that feels right for you.

FREE 15-MINUTE CALL · IN PERSON OR ONLINE · MONDAY TO FRIDAY, 8:30AM TO 7PM
Louis Chalouhi, counsellor at Mind Therapy Room, in his counselling room
Call LouisMessage