NEED TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW WE CAN HELP YOU? SCHEDULE A CALLBACK
General response time within 24 business hours
“Addictions are compulsive behaviours in which a person engages repetitively, regardless of the negative outcome of this behaviour.”
Ivana is dedicated to providing effective and evidence-based Addiction therapy in the Blue Mountains in a warm, safe and welcoming atmosphere.
She provides psychological services for adults (18+) in all life stages. She is a registered Medicare and Worker’s Compensation provider.
Ivana has a specialty interest in trauma, anxiety, depression resistant to change, low self-esteem, problems with relationships, adjustment to difficult life events, eating disorders and pain management.
The most common types of addictive behaviour relate to alcohol, illicit substances, smoking, or gambling, but other behaviours can also become addictive.
Addiction begins when a behaviour is repeated regardless of the adverse consequences, such as adverse health outcomes, negative effects on work, family, school, relationships and friendships.
Addictions generally begin when a person feels the effect of a substance or activity that they enjoy and want to relive the feeling that helped them to remove a negative state (e.g. stress, anxiety, or a negative mind).
Although addictions can be more prevalent in people who already suffer with psychological issues or have experienced a troubled past, anyone can develop behaviour that they will find hard to change. Living with an addiction can be extremely troubling and can even be dangerous.
There are a number of symptoms associated with addiction, and these can vary based on the addiction type and the individual. Some people, for example, become distant, cancel plans or activities and prioritise solitude. Others become emotionally reactive or irritable, while other people find it hard to control or stop the activity or substance use, even if they would like to.
There are many treatment options available and you should not feel alone. We work alongside our patients to provide a support system and a safe space while we investigate the origins of the addiction and its function.
During the treatment we aim to provide corrective emotional experience and find alternative and healthier ways of managing life’s challenges. If you notice that you relate to the symptoms listed or have noticed these behaviours in someone you know, contact us to find out about the treatment options we have available to help overcome the symptoms of addiction.
