Abacus counsellors are highly qualified health professionals with experience in the field of addictions, and come from professional disciplines such as psychology, social work, nursing, and also psychotherapy. They have all held counselling and management positions in alcohol and drug services and problem gambling treatment services and have also worked with behavioural addictions, such as internet/games, sex addiction and internet pornography. Our counsellors are all well acquainted with stress and burnout issues and are familiar with the provisions of the Health and Safety in Employment Act, which requires employers to be aware of the impact of stress and fatigue on their employees.

Counselling for all issues is provided in a discreet environment and clients’ privacy and well-being is paramount. Many people prefer to attend a private establishment for their issues, rather than mainstream services, in the interests of keeping their issues personal, particularly with some addictive processes. Counselling is client-centred, and your counsellor will work with you to develop your own goals and treatment plans, and ongoing supports. We also cater to the many employers who wish to access personal and discreet counselling services for valued employees at all levels, who may be severely affected by substance and behavioural addictions.

ABACUS provide personal and discreet help for the full range of addiction problems, and a wide range of counselling issues by registered professionals:

Alison Penfold • Alcohol, Drug or Gambling problems and addictions • Over-spending • Family affected by other’s addictions.

Sean Sullivan • Internet and Computer Game addictions • Internet Pornography • Alcohol, Drug and Gambling problems and addictions • Family affected by other’s addictions.

Mike Goulding • Internet Pornography • Alcohol, Drug or Gambling problems and addictions • Family affected by other’s addictions • Anger and violence issues for men • Men’s issues

Sharlene Wong • Couples Communication • Parenting Issues • Alcohol, Drug or Gambling problems and addictions • Depression • Stress • Cultural issues • Family affected by other’s addictions.

Peter Thorburn • Internet and Computer Game addictions • Alcohol, Drug or Gambling problems and addictions • Youth Problems – including dyslexia • ADHD and depression.