.png)
Compulsive Behaviour Counselling
At iflow Psychology in Gladesville, we provide confidential, evidence-based counselling for people experiencing compulsive or repetitive behaviours that feel difficult to control. This includes compulsive spending, organising, scrolling, exercising, or other habits that cause stress, conflict or emotional distress.
Our psychologists help you understand the triggers behind these behaviours and develop healthier, sustainable patterns for long-term well-being.
What We Help With
Common concerns supported in counselling include:
Compulsive spending or shopping
Compulsive organising, cleaning, or household routines
Compulsive exercising or overtraining
Repetitive behaviours used for stress relief
Inability to stop certain habits despite negative consequences
Emotional reliance on behaviours (to cope, escape or feel relief)
Guilt, secrecy, shame or financial strain
Conflict with partners or family over habits
Overuse of screens, social media, or digital browsing
Impulsive or addictive reward-seeking patterns
Co-occurring anxiety, stress, trauma or low mood
What’s Included
Your psychologist will provide:
A structured assessment of behavioural patterns
Exploration of emotional, cognitive and situational triggers
Identification of reward cycles maintaining the behaviour
Evidence-based CBT, ACT, MI and emotion regulation strategies
Practical skills for reducing urges and regaining control
Tools for managing stress without relying on compulsive habits
Strategies for rebuilding confidence, boundaries and self-regulation
Optional partner/family involvement where helpful
A tailored plan for long-term behavioural stability
What to Expect
Initial Assessment – explore your behaviour patterns, triggers, routines and goals
Behavioural Mapping – identifying reinforcement cycles, emotional drivers and avoidance behaviours
Skills Development – managing urges, replacing habits, improving self-regulation
Underlying Issues – addressing stress, trauma, anxiety or mood concerns contributing to the behaviour
Relapse Prevention – building insight, routines, boundaries and sustainable lifestyle changes
Sessions are available in-person in Gladesville or via telehealth across NSW.
Benefits
Reduced compulsive urges and behaviours
Healthier coping strategies that are sustainable
Better emotional regulation and self-awareness
Improved financial, family or relationship stability
Increased sense of control and confidence
Reduced shame, guilt and secrecy
Stronger boundaries and healthier routines
Supportive, confidential space to understand your behaviour
Why Choose iflow Psychology?
Clients choose iflow Psychology for compulsive behaviour counselling because we combine clinical depth with discretion, structure, and ethical care.
Experienced, registered psychologists
All counselling is provided by AHPRA-registered psychologists with experience in behavioural patterns, impulse control, anxiety, trauma, and emotional regulation.
Evidence-based, non-judgemental approach
We work with the psychology behind the behaviour—not shame or labels—using therapies supported by research and best-practice guidelines.
Structured yet flexible treatment
Sessions are goal-focused and practical, while remaining responsive to your pace, readiness for change, and individual circumstances.
Focus on underlying drivers, not just symptoms
We address emotional triggers, reinforcement cycles, stress, trauma, perfectionism, and avoidance—so change is sustainable, not superficial.
Confidential, professional environment
We understand the sensitivity around compulsive behaviours and provide a respectful, discreet space with clear boundaries and ethical care.
Practical tools you can apply immediately
You’ll leave sessions with concrete strategies for managing urges, reducing risk, and building healthier routines between appointments.
Support for individuals, couples, and families (when appropriate)
Where helpful, we can include partners or family members to improve communication, accountability, and long-term outcomes.
Accessible care options
In-person sessions in Gladesville and secure telehealth across NSW, with Medicare, private health, and approved funding pathways available.
Our focus is not on perfection—but on restoring choice, control, and psychological balance so behaviours no longer run your life.
Fees / Funding
Medicare rebates available with a Mental Health Treatment Plan
Private health fund rebates depending on your policy
Telehealth sessions eligible for Medicare with a valid referral
SIRA / WorkCover accepted when pre-approved
NDIS (self- and plan-managed) accepted
How to Access Support
You can access Compulsive Behaviour Counselling by:
Booking online anytime
Calling our admin team
Emailing us for guidance on rebates and referral options
Attending in-person at our Gladesville clinic or via telehealth across NSW
No referral is required unless you want Medicare rebates.
Many clients find it helpful to include partners or family members in selected sessions to improve communication, reduce conflict and strengthen support systems.
Your psychologist will discuss whether this is appropriate for your situation.
Finding iflow Psychology in Gladesville
iflow Psychology is located on Victoria Road in the heart of Gladesville, close to The Guitar Factory and easily accessible by public transport. Free and timed parking options are available in the surrounding streets, and major bus routes stop only a short walk from the clinic.
We also offer secure telehealth appointments for employees across NSW.
📍 Get directions on Google Maps — Suite 2, 260–274 Victoria Road, Gladesville NSW 2111
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this service suitable for teenagers or young adults?
Yes. Compulsive behaviours in youth often relate to emotional coping, identity development, social pressures, gaming, online interactions or risk-taking.
Sessions are developmentally appropriate, with a focus on safety, wellbeing and independence.
Can partners or family members be involved?
Yes—when appropriate and aligned with client goals.
Involving others can help with:
✔ relationship stability
✔ boundary setting
✔ support during behavioural change
✔ accountability
Participation is always voluntary.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Information remains confidential except in situations where there is risk of harm or legal requirements. These boundaries are explained clearly at the beginning of treatment.
How long will counselling take?
This varies based on complexity, readiness for change, and goals.
Typical patterns include:
🞂 4–6 sessions for early-stage behavioural change
🞂 8–12 sessions for deeper psychological change
🞂 extended support for long-standing compulsive patterns
Progress is reviewed regularly.
What if compulsive behaviour is linked to trauma, anxiety or stress?
This is common.
Psychological treatment may explore:
past experiences
emotional triggers
self-esteem issues
perfectionism
shame or avoidance
relationship patterns
Addressing underlying drivers often results in more sustainable behavioural change.
What approaches do psychologists use?
Evidence-based approaches may include:
✔ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
✔ Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) strategies
✔ Motivational Interviewing
✔ Habit reversal and exposure-based approaches
✔ Relapse prevention planning
✔ Emotional regulation and coping-skills training
These approaches are consistent with best-practice guidelines.
Do I need to completely stop the behaviour?
Not always. For many, counselling begins with:
reducing frequency/intensity
developing safer limits
creating alternative coping strategies
building awareness and accountability
For others, abstinence may be recommended—particularly if risks are high or harmful behaviours persist.
Goals are collaboratively developed and reviewed at each stage.
What happens in counselling?
Sessions help individuals identify:
✔ emotional and situational triggers
✔ underlying needs being met
✔ protective factors and strengths
✔ patterns of thinking, avoidance or shame
✔ alternative coping strategies
Treatment focuses on reducing harm, improving self-control, and addressing psychological drivers.
How do I know if behaviour has become compulsive?
Signs may include:
– feeling unable to stop
– hiding or minimising the behaviour
– spending excessive time or money
– acting impulsively and regretting it later
– using the behaviour to escape distress
– damage to relationships, finances or wellbeing
Many people seek help when control feels reduced or when consequences begin to accumulate.
What kinds of behaviours can this support?
Counselling can assist with a wide range of compulsive patterns, including:
✔ gambling
✔ alcohol or substance use
✔ emotional eating
✔ compulsive spending
✔ pornography or online behaviours
✔ gaming
✔ exercise or performance-based behaviours
✔ relationship-seeking or reassurance-seeking patterns
Treatment focuses on the psychological factors underlying the behaviour—not only the behaviour itself.
What is compulsive behaviour counselling?
Compulsive behaviour counselling helps individuals understand and change repetitive behaviours that feel difficult to control. These behaviours often occur despite negative consequences and may serve as a way of reducing stress, anxiety or emotional discomfort.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Compulsive behaviours don’t have to control your life.
Our psychologists can help you regain balance, confidence and clarity.
Call (02) 6061 1144
📧 admin@iflowpsychology.com.au
💻 Book Online (Halaxy)