Support for people experiencing addiction and substance abuse concerns: Counselling in Palm Beach, Gold Coast
ADDICTION COUNSELLING
Addiction can affect people from all walks of life and may involve substances such as alcohol or drugs, as well as behaviours that become compulsive and difficult to control. What often begins as a way to cope, escape, numb pain or manage stress can gradually become a pattern that creates harm in health, relationships, work, finances or daily life.
Rebecca supports people experiencing addiction, substance use concerns and compulsive behaviours. Addiction is often understood as a chronic and relapsing condition, which means recovery is not always straightforward — but change is possible with the right support, understanding and strategies. A useful way to recognise addiction is through the “4 C’s”: craving, loss of control, compulsion to continue, and continued use despite consequences.
Therapy with Rebecca offers a safe and comfortable space to explore what may be driving the addiction without shame or judgement. Together, you can begin to understand the underlying pain, stress, trauma, disconnection, shame or overwhelm that may be contributing to the cycle. As Gabor Maté reminds us, the question is not simply “why the addiction?” but “why the pain?”
Rebecca can support you to identify where you are in the stages of change, strengthen motivation, reduce harm, manage relapse, and explore whether additional support or a more structured treatment setting may be needed.
Rebecca sees clients in person at her clinic room in Palm Beach, on the Gold Coast, and securely online.
Who I support
I support people who are questioning their relationship with alcohol, drugs or compulsive behaviours, whether this is something you have struggled with for some time or something you are only beginning to recognise.
You may be trying to cut back, feeling caught in a cycle, worried about relapse, or unsure whether your behaviour has moved from occasional use into something more difficult to manage. You may also be supporting your recovery and needing a safe space to stay connected to your goals without shame.
I also support people whose addiction may sit alongside anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship difficulties, burnout, loneliness, self-criticism or emotional pain.
Therapy can offer a space to slow down, be heard, and begin making sense of what is happening for you without judgement.
I am based in Palm Beach, Queensland and see clients in person from the surrounding areas including Mermaid Beach, Broadbeach, Robina, Burleigh Heads and all across the Gold Coast. Online sessions are also available.
How to book a session
Call for a free 15-minute initial consultation on +61414402408 to explore how I can support you. If you would like to go ahead we can book in your first appointment at the end of the call.
Related Therapies
Further evidence-based services are offered support people experiencing the impacts of addiction:
You may be seeking addiction or substance use support if you are experiencing:
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feeling concerned about your alcohol, drug use or compulsive behaviours
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finding it hard to cut down or stop, even when you want to
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using substances or behaviours to cope, numb, escape or switch off
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cravings or urges that feel difficult to manage
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feeling caught in a cycle of stopping and starting again
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using more, spending more or engaging more often than intended
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feeling shame, guilt or regret afterwards
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hiding, minimising or becoming secretive about your behaviour
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feeling defensive or conflicted when others raise concerns
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continuing despite negative consequences
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noticing the impact on your relationships, work, health or finances
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feeling unable to relax without using or engaging in the behaviour
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feeling disconnected from yourself, your values or the person you want to be
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struggling after a relapse or setback
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wanting support to reduce harm, stop, maintain recovery or understand your patterns
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wondering whether you may need more structured treatment or rehabilitation support
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feeling ready for change, but unsure where to begin
Healing from addiction is about more than stopping a substance or behaviour. It is about understanding what sits beneath it, strengthening safety and regulation within yourself, and creating space to reconnect with your values, your strengths, and a life that feels meaningful and purposeful again.
What to expect in a counselling session
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Your first counselling session is your opportunity to discuss what brings you to therapy and what you would like support with. I will take time to understand your current concerns, relevant history, any patterns that may be affecting you, and the goals you would like to work towards.
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Sessions are collaborative and paced in a way that feels comfortable for you. Depending on your needs, counselling may include reflection, practical tools, communication strategies, somatic exercises, nervous system and emotional regulation, and gentle exercises to help you apply what you are learning between sessions.
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Sessions are usually 60–90 minutes and can be held in person at Palm Beach or securely online. The frequency of sessions can be discussed together and may vary depending on your goals, current circumstances and level of support needed.
How to prepare for your counselling session
For your first session, you do not need to prepare anything formal. Simply come along as you are and bring any questions you may have.
It is natural to feel a little nervous, especially if you have not had counselling before. The first session is not about having everything figured out. It is a gentle starting point for you to feel comfortable, ask questions, and get a sense of whether the support feels right for you.
Connect if you would like to know more
About Rebecca Newman
Gold Coast Counsellor & Psychotherapist
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I am a Registered Social Worker and Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Social Work and a Graduate Diploma in Counselling and Psychotherapyy.
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I have worked within hospital-based mental health services across Sydney and the Gold Coast for over eight years, supporting people experiencing mood disorders, addiction-related concerns, complex trauma and chronic mental health conditions. This experience has shaped the way I work with compassion, clinical care and respect for the courage it takes to seek support.
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My approach is integrative, evidence-based, attachment-informed, trauma-aware and strengths-focused. I draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, alongside attachment theory, somatic approaches and nervous system regulation. This allows therapy to be tailored to the individual, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all model.
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I am passionate about helping people explore their inner world in a safe, supportive, non-judgmental space. A deeper sense of self-awareness and insight can support individuals to break free of self-defeating behavioural patterns, and step into newfound levels of self-empowerment. Life becomes enriched and purposeful through reconnecting and aligning with their core values and inner essence, and it is then that true healing can occur.
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I feel privileged to work in this field and to witness the different ways people can grow, transform and rebuild. I understand how challenging mental health, trauma and addiction concerns can be, but I also know that change is possible with the right support. There is no greater joy for people when they rediscover who they truly are and can rebuild a life with meaning and purpose. My work is inclusive and respectful of each person’s unique background, identity, relationships and lived experience.
Philosophy and Approach
My philosophy is grounded in the belief that meaningful change begins from the inside out. I take a strengths-based, client-centred approach, supporting people to explore the patterns, beliefs and behaviours that may be holding them back, and reconnect with who they are and what matters most.
I work collaboratively with clients to look beneath the surface and understand the deeper roots of what may be causing pain, distress or disconnection. Through this process, awareness can grow, inner resources can strengthen, and clients can begin making choices that feel aligned, empowered and true to who they are.
Some modalities I use are:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
CBT helps identify the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviours. I use CBT to support clients to recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours and develop more balanced, practical ways of responding.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT supports people to make space for difficult thoughts and emotions while reconnecting with their values. I use ACT to help clients move toward a life that feels more aligned and meaningful.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy
DBT offers practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, communication and managing overwhelm. These skills can be especially helpful when emotions feel intense or difficult to manage.
Attachment-Informed Therapy
Attachment-informed therapy explores how early relationships and past experiences may shape current patterns, relationships and emotional responses. It can be very helpful to understand your attachment style and your partners and family members in your interpersonal relationships.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
A trauma-informed approach recognises the impact of past experiences on the mind, body and nervous system. I work at a pace that supports safety, choice and stability.
Somatic and Nervous System Regulation
Somatic approaches recognise the connection between the body, mind and nervous system. I support clients to develop grounding and regulation tools so they can feel safer, steadier and more present.
Internal Family Systems-Informed Therapy
IFS-informed therapy explores the different “parts” of self that may hold emotions, protective responses or inner conflict. This can support greater self-understanding and compassion.
Narrative Therapy
Narrative therapy helps people explore the stories they hold about themselves, their relationships and their experiences. It can support clients to separate themselves from the problem and reconnect with preferred ways of seeing themselves.
Solution-Focused Therapy
Solution-focused therapy supports clients to identify strengths, resources and practical next steps. It can be helpful when clients want to build momentum and focus on what is possible.
Sessions are available in person in Palm Beach, Gold Coast, or securely online. Session length, frequency, fees and rebate options can be discussed at the time of booking or during your initial enquiry.
Health Fund rebates are available with all major providers, ask your provider if you are unsure
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I claim Medicare or a private health fund rebate?
Depending on your private health fund and your policy, you may be able claim a rebate with your insurer. It would be important to check to see if you are covered for counselling services with your provider first. Currently, it is not possible to claim a rebate from Medicare, this will change in the future.
How do I book a session if I haven't been to see you before?
Call for a free 15-minute initial consultation on +61 414 402 408 to explore how I can support you and we can schedule your first appointment after the session.
What types of people do you see?
I am totally inclusive and offer a safe, judgment-free space both in clinic and online, welcoming people from all walks of life, backgrounds, genders, sexualities, identities and religions.
How many counselling sessions do most people generally need?
This is down to the individuals need and can be discussed in the first session and reassessed on going as therapy progresses and completes.
Can I claim medicare or a private health fund rebate?
Depending on your private health fund and your policy, you may be able claim a rebate with your insurer. It would be important to check to see if you are covered for counselling services with your provider first. Currently, it is not possible to claim a rebate from Medicare, this will change in the future.
How to book a session
Call for a free 15-minute initial consultation on +61414402408 to explore how I can support you. If you would like to go ahead we can book in your first appointment at the end of the call.
Rebecca Newman is an accredited member of the Psychotherapists and Counsellors Federation of Australia (PACFA) as a Psychotherapist and Clinical Counsellor, and the Australian Association of Social Workers (AASW) as a Social Worker.
