Psychologist | Senior AOD Clinician | Doctor of Psychology (Clinical and Forensic Psychology) Candidate
I am a Registered Psychologist with doctoral training in Clinical and Forensic Psychology. I have experience working across mental health, addiction, forensic, and youth services, supporting adolescents and adults experiencing a range of challenges including but not limited to addiction, trauma, emotional dysregulation, personality difficulties, and offending behaviours.
Alongside private practice, I work as a Senior Clinician at Youth Support and Advocacy Services (YSAS; see my work here Nathan’s story: the healing power of detox) supporting young people experiencing alcohol and other drug challenges and supervising student clinicians. I also work as a Mental Health Clinician at The Victoria Clinic, delivering inpatient treatment programs including Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR), Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and the Dual Diagnosis Program. In addition, I teach and lecture psychology at both Swinburne and Deakin University and contribute to research in the areas of addiction and personality disorders.
As both a psychologist and a person in recovery, I bring professional expertise alongside lived experience of the challenges involved in creating lasting change. My own experiences with addiction recovery have shaped both my personal life and professional practice, giving me a deep appreciation of the courage it takes to seek help, confront difficult experiences, and build a meaningful life beyond addiction and psychological distress.
My approach is warm, collaborative, and evidence-based. I draw from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and EMDR to help clients understand the factors contributing to their difficulties and develop practical strategies for meaningful change.
I understand that many people come to therapy feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or uncertain about whether change is possible. My goal is to provide a safe, supportive, and non-judgemental space where we can work together to develop greater self-understanding, build resilience, and create a life that feels aligned with your values and goals.
Whether you are struggling with addiction, trauma, anxiety, relationship difficulties, self-esteem concerns, or long-standing behavioural patterns, I am passionate about helping people move beyond survival and towards a life that feels meaningful, connected, and worth living.
Areas of practice
I work with adolescents, young adults, and adults experiencing a range of challenges, including:
Addiction and Substance Use
- Alcohol and drug concerns
- Abstinence and relapse prevention (including 12 Step informed approaches if this aligns with your own philosophy)
- Harm minimisation
- ADHD and how it relates to addiction
- Gambling and behavioural addictions
- Family impacts of addiction
Trauma and Mental Health
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression and mood difficulties
- Trauma and PTSD
- OCD
- Stress and burnout
- Emotional regulation difficulties
Personality and Long-Standing Patterns
- Personality disorder and difficulties including Borderline Personality Disorder
- Identity and self-esteem
- Schema-focused therapy
- Chronic feelings of shame, emptiness, or self-criticism
- Relationships
- Identity and purpose
- Managing stress and expectations
Forensic and Behavioural Concerns
- Anger management
- Court reports
- Impulsivity and risk-taking behaviours
- Offending-related issues
- Court-involved clients
- Behaviour change and accountability
Services
I provide personalised psychological services grounded in evidence-based practice and collaborative care.
Individual Therapy
I provide individual psychological therapy for adolescents and adults experiencing a range of mental health, behavioural, and emotional difficulties. Therapy is tailored to your unique goals, experiences, and strengths, with a focus on creating meaningful and lasting change.
My work is particularly focused on:
- Addiction and substance use concerns
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress
- Personality difficulties and long-standing behavioural patterns
- Anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation
- OCD
- Self-esteem and identity concerns
- Relationship and interpersonal difficulties
- Anger, impulsivity, and behavioural challenges
- Recovery, relapse prevention, and life transitions
My primary therapeutic approaches include:
- EMDR
- Schema Therapy
- DBT
- ACT
- CBT
- ERP
Addiction and Recovery Coaching
Drawing upon both professional expertise and lived experience of recovery, I provide support for individuals experiencing difficulties with alcohol, other drugs, gambling, and other addictive behaviours.
Therapy may focus on harm reduction, abstinence (including 12 step facilitation), relapse prevention, understanding triggers, and building a meaningful life beyond addiction.
Recovery coaching also may include family involvement if you believe this is needed upon your request.
Assessments
I offer a range of psychological assessments to assist in understanding presenting difficulties, clarifying diagnoses, assisting the courts for forensic matters, identifying strengths and vulnerabilities, and informing treatment planning. Assessments may involve a comprehensive clinical interview, psychometric questionnaires, collateral information (where appropriate), and written feedback.
Clinical Assessment
A comprehensive assessment of your mental health, current concerns, personal history, strengths, and treatment needs. Clinical assessments can assist with diagnostic clarification, case formulation, and treatment planning. I work closely with Psychiatrists who specialise in addiction, trauma, and personality difficulties to facilitate comprehensive care.
Forensic Assessment
Psychological assessment prepared for legal and court purposes, including pre-sentence reports, and reports addressing risk, rehabilitation potential, and psychological factors relevant to legal proceedings. I accept referrals from lawyers, legal aid, and the courts. Reports are supervised by experienced senior forensic psychologists.
ADHD Assessment
Assessment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), including attention, concentration, impulsivity, executive functioning, and developmental history. Note that psychologists cannot prescribe medication; however, I can refer you to a psychiatrist after assessment if deemed appropriate.
Autism Assessment
Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), covering developmental history, social communication, sensory processing, and restricted or repetitive behaviours. Assessment draws on clinical interview, standardised measures, and collateral information where appropriate to inform diagnosis and guide recommendations. NOTE: I am currently not offering ASD assessments; h0wever, I can recommend and refer you to clinicians specialising in autism assessment and support.
Cognitive Assessment
Assessment of cognitive functioning, including intellectual abilities, memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functioning. Where appropriate, I can refer you to clinicians who specialise in cognitive and neuropsychological assessment.
Telehealth and In-Person Appointments
Appointments are available both in-person and via secure telehealth, providing flexibility and accessibility regardless of your location.
Research outputs
The specific impacts of abuse adverse childhood experiences on repetitive negative thinking in major depressive disorder.
Journal of affective disorders
ViewThe criterion validity of general and antisocial personality disorder-specific criterion A in the alternative model of personality disorders: A scoping review and meta-analysis.
Personality disorders
ViewLearnings from the Youth Support Service: Promoting positive development and preventing crime.
Youth Support + Advocacy Service (YSAS)
ViewGuanfacine extended-release randomised controlled trial for the treatment of cannabis use disorder in adults with comorbid attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Study protocol. Authorea.
ViewPersonality Functioning and Antisociality of Youth Accessing Residential Substance Use Withdrawal in Australia
Drug and Alcohol Review45, no. 5 (2026): e70200
ViewCONTACT
Existing patients
Appointments are available at the following locations for existing patients.
If you’re a new patient, please fill out the form below.
New patients
Fill out the form to schedule a 15 minute consult, or send me an email at akoka.recovery@gmail.com