The
Bluefield Clinic
Alcohol Recovery
What we offer
​ Psychological therapies and methods:
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CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): Focused on identifying high-risk situations, functional analysis of drinking and building practical skills (urge management, behavioural experiments, activity scheduling) to reduce consumption and prevent relapse;
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DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy): Practical emotion-regulation, distress-tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness skills to manage intense urges and emotional triggers without reverting to drinking;
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing): Trauma-focused therapy used when past adverse events maintain drinking. EMDR is integrated only after stabilization and with careful risk assessment to ensure safety alongside TSM;
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Schema Therapy: For longstanding patterns (schemas) that contribute to substance use, schema therapy addresses deep-seated coping styles and helps develop healthier modes and relational patterns;
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Positive Psychology interventions: Strengths-based work to build wellbeing, purpose and valued living - supporting sustainable behaviour change beyond symptom reduction;
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​Initial and ongong assessment;
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Tailored therapy;
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Coordinated medication support;
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Comprehensive resources;
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Relapse-prevention planning.
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The Sinclair Method (TSM) Support
​Naltrexone-assisted reduction with clinical oversight and prescriber liaison combined with above psychological therapies tailored to individual needs and goals.
Who this is for
Our services aim to support:
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Adults (18+) living in Australia seeking an evidence-informed, medication-assisted approach to reduce or stop drinking;
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People who prefer online telehealth counselling, need flexible scheduling, or live outside metropolitan areas;
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Individuals with co-occurring trauma, mood or anxiety difficulties or longstanding relational patterns that contribute to drinking;
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Our services are not suitable for:
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people with severe alcohol dependence requiring inpatient detoxification prior to any other recovery treatment;
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those with unstable complex or severe medical ar psychiatric conditions requiring supervised care; or
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where urgent medical intervention is indicated.
We will assist with referrals if/when needed.
What to expect
Our program components:
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Initial assessment: The assessment includes review of alchol and mental health-related history, drinking patterns/cravings/motivations, suitability for TSM, safety screening (including risk and withdrawal) and treatment planning;
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Medication liaison: If TSM is appropriate for you, we liaise with your GP or other prescriber regarding prescription of naltrexone, provide information for safe use and support adherence and monitoring;
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Therapy sessions: All sessions are tailored to the client's specific needs, and include skills-focused CBT, mindfulness training, and where indicated DBT, schema work, trauma and addiction processing with EMDR are integrated
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Session duration: The duration of session is initially 50 minutes and may reduce to 30 minutes as treatment progresses, depending on clinical assessment. Typically, weekly or fortnightly telehealth sessions are 50 minutes;​
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Relapse-prevention: Collaborative planning includes coping strategies, managing exposure to high-risk environments and stepwise goals aligned with your values;
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Fees & rebates: Fees for assessment and treatment and Medicare rebates are detailed on our "Fees" page. For private health fund rebates please consult with your insurers as this will depend on your cover.
TSM safety, risk and
medical considerations
TSM and medication issues:
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suitability for TSM requires medical review (liver function, contraindications). We screen for withdrawal risk and liaise with medical practitioners as needed;
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If you are medically unwell, pregnant, breastfeeding or are using opioids for medical treatment or recreation, TSM may be contraindicated; we can discuss alternatives;
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If you are in immediate danger or experiencing severe withdrawal, call emergency services (000) or present to emergency care. For urgent crisis support call Lifeline 13 11 14 or other local crisis services.