Clarity Psychological Services, 28b/255 Drummond Street, Melbourne (2025)

23/08/2024

Coregulation - how we learn to manage emotions with the help of others - plays a powerful role in both childhood and adulthood. Without it, substance use can become a way to cope. Swipe through to learn how coregulation impacts addiction and why support is key to healing. 💚

15/08/2024

🌈 I am so excited that I am going to be able to offer neurodiversity affirming assessments for adult autism and ADHD after this week.

We know that both autistic and ADHD folk have higher rates of substance use for various reasons - and until now, I’ve referred clients on for these assessments. I feel lucky to have the opportunity to upskill from another psychologist doing amazing work in this space so that I can better serve my clients and the broader community!

This so important to me as the mum of the most wonderful neurodivergent kid. Bring on day two tomorrow!!

22/06/2024

💊 The Hidden Dangers of Prescription Medications 💊

Prescription medications can be lifesavers, helping us manage pain, anxiety, and other health issues. However, there’s a hidden danger that many patients aren’t warned about: iatrogenic dependence.

Iatrogenic dependence happens when a patient develops an addiction to a medication that was initially prescribed by a healthcare professional for a legitimate medical condition. This is not the result of misuse or abuse, but rather a consequence of prolonged use and the body’s natural adaptation to the medication. So, why does this happen?

1. Addictive Potential: Many medications, especially opioids, benzodiazepines, and certain stimulants, have a high potential for addiction. Patients may not be fully informed about this risk, leaving them unaware of the dangers. 
2. Short-term Use: These medications are often intended for short-term relief. However, without proper guidance, patients might continue using them beyond the recommended period, increasing the risk of dependence. Far too often I see clients who have been on benzodiazepines to “treat” their anxiety for years - and these clients have been under the care of a medical professional who continues to prescribe such medications.  
3. Clear Stopping Instructions: It’s crucial for patients to know when and how to taper off these medications safely. Abruptly stopping can lead to withdrawal symptoms (and, with benzodiazepines, can be highly dangerous), making it even harder to quit.

If you find yourself dependent on a prescription medication, know that it’s not your fault. The responsibility lies in the lack of comprehensive information and guidance provided. Blaming yourself only adds to the stigma and shame, making it harder to seek help.

If you suspect you might be developing a dependence, reach out for help. There are resources and professionals available to guide you through a safe and effective recovery process 🫶🏻🤍

08/06/2024

💫 Exciting Announcement 💫

I am absolutely thrilled to share that Clarity Psychological Services St Kilda is officially open!

It is so amazing to see my vision for a warm, inviting, therapeutic space to come to life. I have invested so much of myself into creating this space, where I hope clients will feel at ease to be vulnerable and empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives.

As a psychologist who has substantial experience working with substance use and addiction, I am acutely aware of how the clients I work with also struggle with other mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, disordered eating, and relationship difficulties. I am proud to be able to work from a dual diagnosis perspective, simultaneously addressing clients’ substance use and mental health concerns.

I practice from a neurodiversity affirming framework, and hope the space feels inclusive, where clients can express their needs and the accommodations that will support them in their therapeutic journey. 🌈

None of this would have been possible with the support of my loved ones and, of course, the Director of Clarity, Dr Simon Vincenzi. I am so excited for this next chapter, and the privilege to walk alongside some amazing clients.

If you’d like to work with me, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! 🫶🏻 contact details are at the link in bio 🔗

02/06/2024

🌟 Ambivalence in Early Recovery 🌟

Are you feeling uncertain about whether you’re ready to change your substance use?

Ambivalence is a completely normal part of the early stages of treatment for substance use. And guess what? It’s okay to feel this way - it’s actually part of the process!

Starting therapy when you’re unsure about change might seem daunting, but you’re not expected to have it all figured out! It’s important to remember that therapy is a safe space to explore these feelings. The goal isn’t to pressure you into immediate change, but to help you understand and navigate your ambivalence.

In therapy, we’ll work together to:

1. Reduce Ambivalence: We’ll explore both the pros and cons of your substance use and your reasons for wanting to change. This helps clarify your thoughts and feelings, making it easier to see the benefits of recovery.

2. Increase Motivation: By identifying your personal reasons for wanting to change, we can increase your motivation to take those first steps.

3. Boost Self-Efficacy: It’s common to feel hopeless or unsure about your ability to make lasting changes. In therapy, we’ll work on building your confidence and self-efficacy, so you believe in your capacity to change and sustain recovery.

Remember, ambivalence doesn’t mean you’re not ready for therapy. It means you’re human, and change is hard. But with the right support, you can navigate these feelings and move towards a healthier, more fulfilling life.

29/05/2024

MODERATION of alcohol use is a challenging yet achievable goal for some people. While the journey to moderation isn’t easy, it’s dangerous to dismiss it entirely. Here’s why:

For many, the idea of complete abstinence from alcohol feels impossible and daunting. Telling someone that moderation isn’t an option can push them to a place of hopelessness, where they may not seek any change at all. It can feel like an all-or-nothing approach, which can be overwhelming and discouraging for those who can’t envision life without alcohol.

Moderation acknowledges that each person’s relationship with alcohol is unique. It allows for a more flexible, personalised approach to drinking that can still lead to healthier behaviours and improved well-being. While it’s true that moderation isn’t suitable for everyone - particularly those with severe alcohol dependence - it’s a viable path for others who are looking to reduce their intake and regain more control.

It’s important to approach moderation with caution and support. Here are a few steps that can help:

1. **Set Clear Limits:** Decide on specific boundaries for your alcohol consumption, such as the number of drinks you will have.
2. **Slow your pace:** alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic drinks.

Dismissing the possibility of moderation can be harmful and counterproductive. For some, it may be the first step toward a healthier lifestyle and, eventually, full sobriety. Let’s support each person’s unique journey and offer compassionate guidance, whether they aim for moderation or abstinence.

Remember, your path to a healthier relationship with alcohol is your own. Progress is progress, no matter the pace. 💪

Follow .g.psychology for more tips to moderate your alcohol use 🍷

health

20/05/2024

Ever wake up after a night out feeling anxious and uneasy?
That’s hangxiety— the nasty combo of a hangover and anxiety.

Hangxiety happens because alcohol affects the chemical balance in your brain, leading to those intense feelings of worry and stress. But there are practical ways to manage it when it strikes.

💧 **Tip 1:** Hydrate and nourish your body. Look after yourself. Catch up on sleep.

🧘‍♂️ **Tip 2:** Practice mindfulness and deep breathing. These activities can calm your mind and reduce anxiety by keeping you grounded in the present.

🫶🏻 ** Tip 3: ** Practice self-compassion. Beating yourself up is only going to make that anxiety worse.

Taking care of your mental health is essential, and with these tips, you can manage hangxiety effectively.

14/05/2024

“Not why the addiction, but why the pain?”🌱

This powerful quote reminds us to look deeper into the underlying causes of substance use disorders and addiction. In my clinical practice, I see firsthand how underlying pain, trauma, and mental health issues often fuel substance use.

When we fail to look beyond the substance or addictive behaviour, we miss the crucial opportunity to address the deeper emotional wounds that drive it. By understanding and treating these underlying causes, we can pave the way for more meaningful and lasting recovery. As Gabor Maté states: to treat the addiction, which is a symptom, without treating the pain that underlies it is to deal in effects rather than in causes, and therefore dooms many to ongoing cycles of suffering.

If you’re struggling, please know that you’re not alone. Reach out, seek help, and work with a practitioner who can support you to address the pain underneath your substance use / addiction.

11/05/2024

With Mother’s Day approaching, I think it’s important to acknowledge that for some people, this day can bring up a range of difficult emotions. Hold yourself tenderly, and please know, all emotions are valid 🤍

04/05/2024

The relationship between substance use and offending is not straightforward. While substances like drugs or alcohol can increase the likelihood of engaging in criminal behaviour, it’s crucial to recognise that they don’t operate in isolation and substance use alone does not cause offending.

01/05/2024

Speed bumps are a normal part of the recovery process. Here are three tips to support you in reaching your goals ✨

Remember, recovery is not a race or a competition.

28/04/2024

Harm reduction is a compassionate and pragmatic approach to addressing substance use that focuses on minimising the negative consequences associated with drug use, rather than simply advocating for abstinence.

Common myths about harm reduction include:
❌ Harm reduction enables drug use
❌ Harm reduction encourages risky behaviour (like injecting drugs)
❌ Harm reduction is ineffective

The beauty of harm reduction lies in its flexibility and inclusivity - it meets people where they’re at and recognises that not everyone is ready or willing to stop using substances. Instead of moralising or stigmatising substance use, harm reduction acknowledges that everyone deserves access to healthcare, support, and resources and seeks to empower individuals to make safer choices, which actually reduces risk-taking.

Harm reduction saves lives. By providing access to clean needles, naloxone, and other harm reduction tools, we’re able to prevent overdose deaths and reduce the spread of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis C.

So, how can other mental health professionals incorporate harm reduction into their work with clients who use substances? It starts with a shift in mindset - a recognition that abstinence isn’t the only path to recovery - and creating a judgment-free space where clients feel comfortable discussing their substance use without fear of stigma or shame.

Clarity Psychological Services

23/08/2024

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29/05/2024

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