Break free from bad habits
Clinical Psychology for bad habits.
Have a habit you’d like to change?
We’re a boutique psychology clinic in Sydney’s Inner West specialising in behaviour change and behavioural addictions.
Run by Clinical Psychologist, James Croft.
What is a ‘bad habit’?
Generally speaking, any action or thing we find ourselves doing that causes us pain and suffering.
Other common terms include:
Problem behaviour
Behavioural addiction
Compulsion
All of these terms describe a tendency to perform an unwanted action.
It’s this disconnect between what we want and what we do that often defines a problem behaviour. In other words, the behaviour typically goes against how we want to act as a person and is generally considered ‘bad’ for us.
Please note: While some behaviours are illegal, most (including those listed below) are not ‘bad’ in and of themselves. Rather, it’s the relationship we can form with them that can be problematic.
Examples
Gambling
Investing
Gaming
Shopping
Technology
Pornography
Sex
Lying
Cheating
Stealing
Voyeurism
More…
Hi there!
I’m James – Founder and Clinical Psychologist behind habitbreak.
I’m passionate about helping people to better understand and overcome their most challenging habits.
Reach out today to get started together!
A psychology clinic with a difference.
habitbreak specialises in short-term, focused psychological solutions to help you overcome specific problem behaviours.
We take a targeted approach to treatment. Our personalised treatment plans aim to help you better understand your mind and master your behaviour, facilitating meaningful and lasting change.
No judgement.
Just support.
Specific treatments for specific problem behaviours.
While there are many general features that problem behaviours have in common, it’s the specific differences that really makes the treatment.
When you are seen and assessed by habitbreak, your clinician will commence the process of formulating your specific treatment plan (as it relates to you and your specific problem).
1. Understand ‘mind’
Shine a spotlight on all the ways your mind has been working to pull you into your problem behaviour, keep you in it, and have you coming back (despite the pain and suffering).
2. Understand ‘problem’
Unpack the problem behaviour itself and fundamentally re-work your motivation to continue to engage in it going forward.
3. Keep it going
Discover how to increase your chances of maintaining your gains over time.
Based on the fundamental principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, super-charged for targeted behaviour change.
“Why do I _________?”
There are many reasons why we do what we do, but none more important than what happens in our mind.
We do what we do as humans largely because of what we think (the thoughts and images that come to mind in the moments before we do). More specific still, we do what we do because of what our mind expects to happen next…
A Unique Approach
Informed by the pioneering work of Dr Fadi Anjoul who, over 20 years ago today, went about creating an innovative approach to the efficient and effective treatment of problem gambling: Cognitive Deconstructional Therapy.
Inherently Optimistic
A treatment approach that assumes:
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No one sets out to make their life worse
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Your mind is working fine
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And can be changed
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(Self-deterministic)
Session Fees
Online: $220 per session
In-person: $240 per session
Medicare
The current Medicare rebate for Clinical Psychology is $141.85 per session. Learn more.
Private Health Insurance
You may also be able to claim rebates through your Private Health Insurance. Learn more.
FAQs
Why so affordable?
A session with a Clinical Psychologist often ranges between $260-$300. So, why are the fees so much lower at habitbreak? The reason is due largely to the specific and targeted nature of treatment. We focus on individual problem behaviours as opposed to providing a general, broader, or more holistic approach to treatment. Treatment is often more focused and efficient as a result.
Who is treatment suitable for?
Anyone who finds themselves engaging in a problem behaviour, asking themselves why, and wondering how to stop or cut back. If the idea of learning more about your mind and how to better manage your behaviour sounds interesting, then reach out today!
Who is treatment not suitable for?
Treatment is likely not suitable for those with more severe problem behaviours, those currently engaged with the legal system, or for problems requiring medical oversight. If you think this might be you, please consult your GP in the first instance.
Other examples of behaviours that will likely not be considered suitable include those relating to:
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Tourette Syndrome
Self-harm (e.g., cutting)
Behaviours done exclusively in response to a single emotion (e.g., anxiety)
Do you accept GP referrals (MHTP)?
Yes! Simply present a copy of your valid GP referral letter to your clinician at your first appointment and rebates will be processed for you after every session. Note: A valid referral letter from a GP or Psychiatrist currently grants access to Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions per calendar year (with subsequent referrals). Valid at the time of writing - subject to change.
How long does treatment take?
Generally speaking, treatment can usually be completed within 6-10 sessions. However, individual circumstances may require more sessions. There is also often the option for subsequent 'booster' sessions, if desired.
Do you offer sessions online?
Yes! Sessions can be held either in-person or online.
Is the treatment approach evidence-based?
Treatment is based on the fundamental principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which in turn is based on the cognitive model of psychology (the dominant model of psychology today). The cognitive model proposes the central role of cognitive processes in determining why it is we do what we do (e.g., core beliefs, rules and assumptions, attitudes, automatic thoughts and images, attention). All of these cognitive processes have robust evidence-bases and are the very treatment targets of this therapy.
Is treatment 'holistic'?
We specialise in providing highly-targeted psychological therapy aimed at changing specific problem behaviours. Our approach focuses on the cognitive determinants of motivation and behaviour (as opposed to biological, emotional, social, etc). For these reasons, many would not consider this a holistic approach.
Reach out
Have a question? Like to get started with therapy?
Simply complete the Enquiry Form on this page and the practice will get back to you within 2 business days.
NB: The waitlist typically varies between 1-3 months. At times, the practice will not be taking new clients for the waitlist. You will be advised if this is the case.