Drug & alcohol counselling · Balmain & online
Worried about your drinking or drug use? Here's a good place to start.
You don't need to have it all worked out, or know exactly what kind of help you need. The first step could just be to talk honestly with someone who has been there himself.
- Confidential
- Non-judgemental
- Open 7 days
- 15+Years of Experience
- PACFARegistered Therapist
- 100%Confidential Sessions
You can be honest about where you are.
Maybe you're drinking more than you meant to. Maybe you've tried to cut back on alcohol or drugs, only to end up back in the same place. Or maybe it's someone you love, and you're not sure how to help without losing yourself.
You don't have to sign up to quitting forever, or put a label on anything. Some people want to stop. Others want to cut down, understand what's driving it, or get support after they've already made a change. We work that out together, at your pace.
If what you're doing isn't working any more, that's enough of a reason to reach out.
What we treat.
Whatever brought you here, you don't have to work it out on your own.
01 / 06
Alcohol
Whether you or a family member is struggling with alcohol, we help break the cycle and get your life back on track. From triggers to cravings, our clinical approach addresses the root causes of drinking and enabling behaviours, not just the symptoms. We support clients in developing healthier coping strategies and rebuilding balance in their lives.
Ways to work with David
Support that fits your life.
Counselling helps you change the patterns behind drinking and drug use, and keep that change going. You may not need every option, and a first session helps work out what fits.
- 01
One-on-one counselling
Private sessions to understand your triggers and cravings, and build practical ways to manage day to day.
- 02
Group psychotherapy
Small, facilitated groups with people who understand. An honest space to feel supported and accountable.
- 03
Support for families
When someone you love is struggling, it affects you too. Sessions and groups for partners, parents and family.
- 04
Online or in person
At the Balmain practice, or by Zoom and FaceTime from anywhere in Australia. Mornings, evenings and weekends.
Staying well over the long term is part of every session, not an afterthought.
About David
Someone who knows what this feels like.
“You don't have to feel so alone. There are solutions, you just can't see them at the moment.”
David combines academic study, professional experience and life experience of personal struggle into understanding and compassion of a different kind.
David has also spent many years working in leading private psychiatric hospitals with people suffering addictions and eating disorders.
It is this in-depth understanding, personal experience and breadth of knowledge that translates into positive outcomes for David's clients.
David offers a highly specialised approach to healing through his Psychotherapy Addictions Support Groups and individual therapy. The combination of these treatments provide clients the highest chances of success.
- Over 15 years helping people
with drugs and alcohol - PACFA-registered clinical
counsellor and psychotherapist - Strictly confidential, nothing
shared without your consent
In their own words.
A few words from people who have worked with David, shared with their permission.
I have been involved in David McCarthy's groups for people who have a relative with addiction for more than a year now. I have also been part of Nar-Anon for more than 20 years. David has an outstanding knowledge of addiction and combines that with a very high level of insight, empathy and support which I have not experienced in other counsellors. I have made considerable progress on my own journey of better understanding myself and my own reactions to my life in general. I would confidently recommend David to any addict or relative of an addict who is seeking a professional counsellor.
Phil
I struggled maintaining sobriety before meeting David, I wasn't being honest with myself. Today I am sober and free of addiction and this commenced at exactly the same time I started therapy with David. David helps me to hold a mirror up to myself and GET HONEST, and more importantly maintain sobriety. Since commencing with David we have discussed a multitude of my problems ranging from relationships to anxiety, all of which have helped me immensely.
Aaron
I first met David in the capacity as a group facilitator after an admission to hospital for my drug dependency issues. David was everyone's favourite therapist; he is warm and engaging with an ability to make us all feel safe and understood. David made me feel like there was hope, that there was a way out of the impossible darkness that is drug addiction. After my hospital admission I engaged in one-on-one therapy with David and I have not looked back since. I have had many councillors and psychologists over the years but straight away things felt different with David, we seemed to just click. David provides a safe and non-judgmental space for me to explore my ongoing feelings and thoughts.
Jayne
Starting is the hardest part.
We're here to help, 7 days a week. Book a first session online, or call or email if you'd rather talk first. It's a chance to introduce yourselves and see if you're the right fit for each other.
Or send an email- Phone
- 02 9516 0001
- Practice
- Barr Street Practice, 1-15 Barr St, Balmain NSW 2041
- Hours
- 7:30am – 8:00pm, 7 days a week
A note on safety: if your body may be dependent on alcohol or other drugs, please get medical advice before stopping suddenly. If you're in immediate danger, call 000. For free, confidential support anytime, call us at 02 9516 0001 or the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline at 1800 250 015.