At Counselling and Psychotherapy Services for Men in Sydney, we understand the unique challenges that men face in dealing with addiction. As a psychotherapist and counsellor, I, Christian Acuña, am dedicated to providing specialised support to help men navigate the complexities of their struggles. One of the most profound and effective approaches we employ is Gabor Maté’s Compassionate Inquiry.

Understanding Addiction

Addiction is often a manifestation of deeper emotional and psychological pain. It’s a coping mechanism for dealing with unresolved trauma, stress, and underlying mental health issues. Many men find themselves caught in a cycle of addiction, feeling isolated and misunderstood. Breaking free from this cycle requires more than just willpower; it requires a compassionate and insightful approach to uncovering and healing the root causes.

The Power of Compassionate Inquiry

Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert in addiction and trauma, has developed an approach known as Compassionate Inquiry. This method focuses on helping individuals explore their inner experiences with a sense of curiosity and compassion. By doing so, it allows them to uncover the underlying issues that drive their addictive behaviours.

At our practice, we integrate Compassionate Inquiry into our therapeutic work to help men achieve lasting recovery. This approach involves:

1. Creating a Safe Space: We provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment where clients can feel safe to explore their thoughts and emotions. This is crucial for fostering trust and openness.
2. Deep Listening: Through active and empathetic listening, we help clients articulate their experiences and feelings. This process allows them to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their addiction.
3. Identifying Core Issues: Compassionate Inquiry helps clients identify the core emotional and psychological issues that fuel their addiction. By bringing these issues to light, clients can begin to address them directly.
4. Fostering Self-Compassion: A key aspect of this approach is encouraging clients to develop self-compassion. Understanding and accepting their vulnerabilities and past traumas helps to release feelings of shame and guilt, which are often barriers to recovery.
5. Empowering Change: With a clearer understanding of their internal struggles, clients are empowered to make meaningful changes in their lives. This includes developing healthier coping mechanisms and building more fulfilling relationships.

Data on Drug Use Among Men in Sydney

Understanding the scope of drug use among men in Sydney can highlight the importance of addressing this issue with compassion and effective strategies. Recent data reveals that:

• Prevalence: Around 17.9% of Australians aged 14 and over used an illicit drug in the past 12 months. Cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug, followed by cocaine​ (AIHW)​​ (AIHW)​.
• Demographics: Men are more likely than women to use most types of illicit drugs. Specifically, cocaine use among men in their 20s has significantly increased over the past decade​ (AIHW)​.
• LGBTQ+ Community: Drug use is notably higher among homosexual and bisexual individuals compared to their heterosexual counterparts. Approximately 36% of homosexual or bisexual people reported using an illicit drug, compared to 16.1% of heterosexual people​ (AIHW)​.

Our Commitment to Your Recovery

At Counselling and Psychotherapy Services for Men, we are committed to helping you overcome addiction and achieve lasting peace. We believe that with the right support and approach, every man has the potential to heal and thrive.

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to help you on your journey to recovery, offering the compassion and expertise you need to reclaim your life.

Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support you.

Feel free to reach out to me at 0415 237 949 or visit our website for more information. Together, we can make a positive change.