Counselling On the Gold Coast 

Psycho-dynamic Therapy

In Psychodynamic Therapy, individuals gain insight into their lives and present-day problems. They also observe patterns that develop over time. This is done by reviewing certain life factors, such as emotions, thoughts, early-life experiences, interpersonal relationships and beliefs.

Recognising recurring patterns can help people see how they avoid distress or develop defence mechanisms to cope. This insight may allow them to begin changing those patterns.

The goals of Psychodynamic Therapy are self-awareness and understanding of the past based on present behaviour. In its brief form, a Psychodynamic approach enables the client to examine unresolved conflicts and symptoms that arise from past dysfunctional relationships and manifest themselves in the need and desire to abuse substances.

Solution-Focused Therapy

Solution-Focused Therapy is a goal-focused, evidence-based therapeutic approach. It incorporates positive psychology principles and practices which help clients find solutions rather than focusing on problems.

It is a friendly, hopeful and future-oriented approach for creating, achieving and sustaining desired behavioural change.

In this modality, your sessions are all about the present, while working toward a future where your current problems have less of an impact on your life.

Relapse Prevention

Relapse Prevention is a cognitive-behavioural approach to addiction relapse with the goal of identifying and preventing high-risk situations around unhealthy substance use.

Relapse Prevention provides a framework to understand individual circumstances that may hinder the recovery process and put clients at risk of relapse. It is a process of identifying and developing strategies to minimise the risk of this happening. This involves empowering the person to develop greater insight into situations where managing recovery may be more difficult and develop other ways to cope in these situations.

NDIS: Respite & STA

At Gold Coast Detox and Rehab Services, we offer a range of STA and respite programs made to meet the needs of each individual.

Respite falls under NDIS-accepted funding. We offer respite for all NDIS members in relaxing, homestead-style accommodation. We provide 24-hour support and care, with chef-prepared meals, your own bathroom and private balcony. You are welcome to bring your personal carer if you prefer. Our respite activities include music, art and exercise onsite. Offsite activities include yoga, massage and acupuncture. We also offer recreational outings such as walking, golf, bowling, hiking, sailing, surfing, etc.

Short Term Accommodation (STA) will appear in your NDIS Plan under Core Supports. STA provides support and accommodation for a short period to help you and your carers rest and recover. This covers the cost of care outside your home and all the support you need during your time away from home. Support from STA can significantly increase your independence or help you learn new skills.

Accommodation is only one part of STA and respite. The cost of your care, food and activities are all covered. We have qualified counsellors each day offering 1:1 counselling as part of your stay.

If you need to reduce or change your medication (with your doctor’s permission), our trained nursing staff and support workers can supervise your transition. We can collaborate with you and your Local Area Coordinator, Support Coordinator or Plan nominee to plan your Short-Term Accommodation (STA).

Medical Cannabis (CBD & THC)

Medicinal cannabis is now a legal medical treatment for many symptoms, such as pain, anxiety and insomnia. Our nursing team is experienced in helping clients in their transition from addictive medications, such as opioids and benzodiazepines (Panadeine Forte, Targin, Fentanyl, Valium and Xanax).

A specialised registered medical practitioner can prescribe a cannabis oil formulation specific to your needs, with a variable CBD:THC ratio. Each client is titrated up to a suitable dosage over a period of days or weeks.

Clients can be only prescribed medicinal cannabis if there has been no social marijuana usage.

ONsite & Offsite Activities

Some of the activities are onsite and others are offsite. Clients participate in music, art, dancing, sports during their rehab schedule. On weekends we organise a range of external activities such as go-carting, archery, sailing, bowling, virtual reality, swimming, hiking, indoor paragliding, etc. Life is busy so bring your computer and phone to stay in contact with loved ones and work. 

Take a look at our counsellor and helicopter pilot Alex flying with our clients

“Flying is better than alcohol”, says one of our clients.