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Drug & Substance Use Counselling
Drug and substance use can begin as a coping strategy for stress, trauma or emotional overwhelm—but over time it often becomes difficult to control. At iflow Psychology in Gladesville, our experienced psychologists provide respectful, evidence-based support to help you understand your triggers, reduce harmful patterns, and rebuild stability in your life.
What We Help With
• Cravings, urges and loss of control
• Substance dependence or risky use
• Alcohol, prescription medication, cannabis, stimulants or other substances
• Stress, trauma, anxiety or depression linked to substance use
• Relationship strain caused by use
• Emotional dysregulation and relapse cycles
• Sleep problems, burnout and lifestyle impacts
What’s Included
• Comprehensive assessment of substance use patterns and contributing factors
• Identification of psychological, behavioural and environmental triggers
• Evidence-based treatments (CBT, ACT, MI, trauma-informed therapy)
• Development of coping skills, emotional regulation and relapse-prevention strategies
• Personalised goals—harm minimisation, controlled use or abstinence
• Optional involvement of partners/family if appropriate
• In-person and telehealth options across NSW
What to Expect
Your psychologist will help you explore what drives your substance use and support you to make meaningful, sustainable changes. Sessions focus on strengthening motivation, understanding patterns, reducing reliance on substances, and building healthier coping strategies. Therapy is non-judgmental, collaborative, and tailored to your goals—whether you want to reduce use, stop completely, or regain control over specific behaviours.
Benefits
• Understand the psychological, emotional and environmental triggers behind substance use
• Reduce cravings and develop healthier coping strategies
• Strengthen motivation and relapse-prevention skills
• Improve emotional regulation, sleep, mood and daily functioning
• Repair and strengthen relationships impacted by substance use
• Build long-term resilience, stability and confidence
Why Choose iflow Psychology?
We take a compassionate, evidence-based approach to drug and substance use counselling. Our psychologists understand that substance challenges are often rooted in stress, trauma, emotional overwhelm or long-standing patterns of coping. We work with you to understand what drives your use, help you stabilise your routines, and support your goals—whether that means reducing use, achieving abstinence, or managing relapse risk. Your therapy is tailored, respectful and grounded in proven psychological treatment.
Fees / Funding
Counselling for drug and substance use may be eligible for Medicare rebates when referred under a Mental Health Treatment Plan. Private health rebates may also apply depending on your fund. Sessions are available in-person at our Gladesville clinic or via telehealth across NSW. Our reception team can help you understand your funding options prior to booking.
How to Access Support
You can book directly online, contact our clinic, or email us with any questions. No referral is needed, though many clients choose to obtain a Mental Health Treatment Plan for Medicare rebates. Telehealth is available for clients throughout NSW, offering flexible access to psychological care from home or work.
Drug and substance use counselling is not just for people with severe addiction. Many clients seek help early, when their use is increasing or becoming harder to manage. Early intervention can significantly reduce harm, protect relationships, and prevent escalation. We support you at every stage of the journey.
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
What if someone relapses or slips back into use?
A relapse is not a failure.
Counselling explores:
✔ what led to the setback
✔ how to restore goals
✔ more adaptive responses
✔ resilience building
Relapse planning is part of treatment—not a sign therapy has failed.
Is this service suitable for young adults or adolescents?
Yes. Support may focus on:
🞂 peer influence
🞂 difficulty with limits
🞂 anxiety or identity development
🞂 motivation or emotional coping
🞂 transitions into university/work
Confidentiality and autonomy are prioritised, while ensuring safety.
Can family or partners be included?
Yes, when beneficial.
Involving others may support:
✔ safe communication
✔ shared limits or expectations
✔ collaborative planning
✔ emotional support
Involvement is guided by client wishes.
Is the service confidential?
Yes. Sessions remain confidential except where legal or safety obligations require disclosure in the context of significant risk. Psychologists will explain this clearly at commencement.
What if substance use is linked to anxiety, trauma or mood issues?
Counselling addresses both behaviour and underlying causes, which may include:
▸ stress or burnout
▸ relationship pressure
▸ unresolved trauma
▸ low self-confidence
▸ shame or avoidance
▸ emotional regulation
Treating drivers of use often produces more sustainable outcomes.
How long does treatment take?
This depends on goals and the complexity of substance use.
Typical support durations include:
🞂 Short-term (3–6 sessions) for early intervention or minor difficulties
🞂 Medium-term (6–12 sessions) for change and relapse prevention
🞂 Longer-term support for entrenched patterns or co-occurring mental health needs
Therapy duration is reviewed collaboratively.
What evidence-based therapies are used?
Treatment recommendations may include:
✔ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
✔ Motivational Interviewing (MI)
✔ Relapse prevention planning
✔ Emotional regulation strategies
✔ Habit-tracking and goal planning
✔ Behavioural activation
These approaches align with Australian clinical guidelines.
Do I need to stop completely?
Not necessarily.
Goals may include:
✔ reducing frequency
✔ moderating quantity
✔ safer use patterns
✔ learning alternatives
✔ establishing substance-free days
✔ abstinence
Goals are developed collaboratively without judgment.
What happens in counselling?
Your psychologist will explore:
🞂 patterns of use
🞂 emotional triggers
🞂 coping strategies
🞂 underlying stressors
🞂 beliefs and habits around substances
🞂 self-esteem, identity or situational pressures
Therapy focuses on harm reduction, healthy coping tools and long-term wellbeing.
What substances do you provide support for?
Counselling can address:
Alcohol
Cannabis
Prescription medication misuse
Recreational drugs
Emotional reliance on substances
Polysubstance use
Support is tailored to each person’s goals, readiness for change, and psychological needs.
Do I need a referral?
No referral is required. Individuals can book directly.
If counselling is part of treating anxiety, depression or trauma, a GP referral under a Mental Health Treatment Plan may provide Medicare rebates for eligible sessions.
When should someone seek counselling for substance use?
Counselling is recommended when substance use begins to affect daily life, including:
✔ mental health
✔ relationships
✔ work or study
✔ financial stability
✔ sleep, mood or energy
✔ personal goals
People often seek support when cutting back becomes difficult, or when substance use is used as a coping strategy rather than a choice.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If substance use is impacting your health, relationships or daily life, now is the right time to seek support. Our psychologists provide a safe, judgment-free space to help you regain clarity, control and confidence. Change is possible—you don’t have to do it alone.