Mr Christopher Seager
Counsellor, Addictions Counsellor
Growth and Recovery Counselling Services
Elanora Heights, Sydney NSW 2101
Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
Hi! I'm Chris and I work with clients experiencing addiction. My specialism is working with sex / porn addicts although I have wide experience working with all addictions. I work privately with clients one-to-one on-line and also run addictions, mood disorders and men’s relationship groups for a rehab clinic based in Sydney. Underpinning my work with clients is a non-judgemental, compassionate approach to enable change to happen. Whatever difficulties people have, there is always a way out.
Background
I currently work with addicts both in a one-to-one capacity and as a group facilitator for a rehab clinic in Sydney. I work with sex / porn addicts, alcohol / drug addicts, gambling addicts and people experiencing food / shopping addiction. Outside my private practice I also mood disorder groups and a men's relationship group. On a personal level, I'm married with 3 children and my interests include music and sport.
Services
I provide one-to-one counselling to adults experiencing addiction. This includes all addictions, with a particular focus on sex / porn addiction. Approaches I undertake / areas of focus include relapse prevention, improving client self-care and relationships, attachment styles, somatic techniques and meditation / grounding exercises. 12 step support is optional but works for many individuals. My work is always trauma-informed, as adverse experiences are common for many addicts. I also explain to clients the neuroscience behind addiction.
Quality Provision
As a member of PACFA (Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia), I adhere to the body's code of ethics and good practice guidelines. I undertake regular supervision and continuing professional development for mine and my clients' benefit.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Graduate Diploma of Counselling - 2022 - Australian College of Applied Psychology
- 3 Relationship Systems in Gottman Couples Therapy - 2023 - PACFA
- A Sex Life Worth Having Erotic Intelligence - 2023 - IITAP
- Your Love Keeps Me Alive (Love Addiction training) - 2023 - IITAP
Modalities
Attachment Theory - Developmental - Meditation - Mindfulness - Motivational Interviewing - Neuroscience - Somatic Psychotherapy - Trauma-Informed
Professional Associations
- Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia
Practice Locations
Elanora Heights NSW 2101
Appointments
Are available on-line only at this time. Sessions last 50 minutes and I can be contacted on my email or mobile number.
Fees & Insurance
$120 / 50 minute session.
Payment Options
Bank transfer
Contact Christopher
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Christopher Seager
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I have lived experience of mental health and addiction and without the assistance of counsellors I wouldn't be where I am today! I love working with and getting to know people and I couldn't think of anything else I would rather do. It's a profession that never stands still and there is always the opportunity to learn more!
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In my career so far, I have predominantly worked with addicts. Common to addicts is a belief that they are unworthy, often expressed as an anxious, avoidant or disorganised attachment style. Many addicts have significant trauma in their lives so a trauma-informed approach is vital, ensuring the client's safety in therapy. Grief is often experienced by addicts, either losing someone they know, important relationships or that life has so far not turned out as hoped.
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The ability of people to recover, over time, from seemingly hopeless or extremely difficult situations. Also, the importance of meaningful connection with others as a part of this journey.
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Initially it is often about making the client feel comfortable - telling a stranger personal information can be very daunting! - and getting to know why they have come to counselling. From there it does depend on the individual client but typically includes increasing the clients ability to care for themselves and relate to others. This can include teaching meditation / grounding practices and looking at how the client interacts with key people in their lives. Psychoeducation is provided on the addictive and recovery cycles and relapse prevention.
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This can vary but for clients experiencing addiction, an obvious indicator is relief from their substance / behaviour of choice. This can either be abstinence or reduction of problem behaviours. As important in the long-term is improved self-care, options for dealing with challenging thoughts and feelings constructively, and better relationships.
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Firstly, I don't return to destructive behaviours that threatened to ruin my life and deeply affect those around me. I am a much more content, reflective person and think of others and how they feel, balanced with my own needs.
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The opportunity to stand beside clients, whatever their situations, and work with them to facilitate meaningful change.
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Good question! It is very important for me to remain as emotionally regulated as possible when seeing clients. If I am not present and attuned to the client then this negatively affects the therapy. I have regular supervision and have various ways of maintaining self-care. Does this mean I always operate at 100%? No! But I think the strategies I have learnt to support myself over a number of years enable me to consistently support people.
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Another good question! There are many, but perhaps lack of meaningful connection and fear of being truly vulnerable with others, particularly in the western world.
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I love an English rock band called the Verve. One of my favourite songs of theirs is Bittersweet Symphony. A lyric contained in the song is "I'm here in my mould...I can change". I feel everyone has experiences that shape who they are, but change is possible!