James is a psychologist with experience working with anxiety, depression,sleep disorders, relationships, trauma, and related substance use problems. James first joined Reconnexion on the telephone support line team as a competency trained volunteer in 2011. Since 2017 he has been working as a Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Counsellor offering support to people withdrawing from benzodiazepines, and assisting clients with anxiety,sleep disorders or pain management.
James will work collaboratively with you to assess your particular needs and to develop a comprehensive treatment plan. James will help you to gradually and safely reduce your tranquiliser use, whilst identifying and addressing related difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and relationship challenges. His therapeutic practice includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques, mindfulness, brief psychodynamic psychotherapy and solution-focused brief therapy.
Jo joined Reconnexion as a trained volunteer on the telephone support line in July 2007 and has since completed her master’s of Professional Psychology degree.
Jo began counselling in the benzodiazepine withdrawal program in July 2014 providing support to clients coming off medication generally prescribed for anxiety, sleep disorder or pain management. Withdrawal symptoms from benzodiazepines can be distressing and protracted requiring ongoing support to minimise withdrawal symptoms and to assist in safe withdrawal.
In addition, Jo is a group facilitator for Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST), providing vital training to Reconnexion volunteers supporting people with thoughts of suicide.
Jo supports you to withdraw through tailoring a gradual reduction plan and providing ongoing support. She works collaboratively with you to establish your goals and to empower you through the therapeutic alliance, together addressing emerging issues including anxiety and depression. Her therapeutic practice includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, solution focused therapy, interpersonal therapy, schema therapy, relaxation techniques and psycho-education.
MProfPsych., BPsych (Hons);BAppSc(Psychology)
Erin started with Reconnexion as a trained volunteer on the telephone support line early in 2013, and began working as a Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Counsellor in 2015 after completing her psychology degree. As a withdrawal counsellor, Erin will work with you to develop an individualised reduction plan from benzodiazepines, whilst providing ongoing support throughout the withdrawal process. She works collaboratively with you to establish your goals, empowers you through the therapeutic alliance, whilst also addressing emerging issues including anxiety and depression. Her therapeutic practice includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation and mindfulness techniques, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), solution focused therapies, and skills training focused on emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness
Hashara joined Reconnexion as a support line volunteer in 2018, where she gained extensive experience in supporting callers in managing benzodiazepine withdrawal, sleep difficulties, depression, and anxiety-related symptoms. She completed her master’s degree in psychology and joined the Reconnexion team as a Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Counsellor in 2022.
Hashara will work collaboratively with you to understand your needs, your goals and your unique circumstances. She uses a strength-based approach when supporting you through your benzodiazepine reduction and provides strategies to assist you to address challenges that may arise during the withdrawal process. Her therapeutic practice includes psychoeducation, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), solution-focused therapy, building mindfulness strategies, and emotional regulation skills.
Rachael initially joined Reconnexion as a Telephone Support and Information Volunteer in early 2014 where she volunteered for two years. Rachael then commenced working in the Alcohol and Other Drug sector, gaining valuable experience providing individual and family counselling to people experiencing substance use issues. Rachael provides client-centred counselling through a trauma-informed lens and will work with you towards your treatment goals. She will assist you to stabilise and reduce your benzodiazepines in a safe and therapeutic manner. Rachael’s therapeutic practice includes cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), relaxation and mindfulness techniques, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and skills training focused on emotion regulation and interpersonal effectiveness.
Henrique is a registered psychologist with experience helping clients struggling with anxiety, depression, addiction, and sleeping difficulties, among other concerns. Henrique first joined Reconnexion as a telephone support volunteer from 2017-2020. After completing his master’s degree in psychology in 2021, Henrique began working as a Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Counsellor, helping clients to stabilise and reduce their benzodiazepine use, while providing ongoing support and teaching skills to help clients deal with underlying difficulties.
Henrique aims to help his clients better understand their goals and their values, and to help them live meaningful lives. His therapeutic practice includes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Solution-Focused Therapy, and implementation of relaxation and mindfulness techniques.
Adam joined Reconnexion in 2018 as a telephone support volunteer. He has gained extensive experience in helping and guiding people through benzodiazepine dependency and associated issues such as anxiety, depression and sleep difficulty.
Adam adopts a solutions-focused approach which integrates modalities such as cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), and schema therapy. He is also able to draw on his experience as a university educator so that, together, you can better understand the nature of your circumstances and identify your goals around tranquiliser use and related issues. Adam will support you with the formulation of a personalised treatment plan which is realistic, effective and informed by the latest trends in research.
Gene first joined Reconnexion as a trained volunteer on the telephone support line in early 2020. She has since completed a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours and joined the team at Reconnexion as a Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Counsellor in early 2024.
Gene is a warm and welcoming personality at Reconnexion and has gained several years of experience, both on the telephone support line, as well as in other mental health support roles. Gene will work collaboratively with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to gradually and safely reduce from benzodiazepines while together addressing emerging issues such as anxiety and depression. Gene's preferred therapeutic tools include narrative therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness skills and relaxation techniques. She will work with you through a trauma focused lens, to provide you with support catered to your individual needs and unique circumstances