Substance Use & Addiction Counselling
Substance Use & Addiction Counselling
Queenstown, Cromwell, & Alexandra
At The Therapy Project, we offer compassionate, non-judgemental Substance Use & Addiction Counselling for individuals, couples, and families across Queenstown, Cromwell, and Alexandra.
Whether you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol or other substances, feeling concerned about patterns that are developing, or seeking support for longer-term addiction or recovery, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Our approach meets you where you’re at — without labels, pressure, or assumptions.
What We Can Support You With
Substance use can show up in many ways. You don’t need to hit “rock bottom” to reach out. Counselling may support you if you are experiencing:
Concerns about alcohol, drugs, or prescription medication use
Difficulty moderating or stopping substance use
Substance use linked to stress, trauma, grief, or burnout
Relapse prevention and recovery support
Co-occurring mental health challenges such as anxiety or depression
Relationship strain or family impacts related to substance use
Workplace, legal, or health concerns connected to use
We work with people at all stages — from early curiosity and reflection, through to recovery-focused support.
Our Approach
Our counsellors use a trauma-informed, person-centred, and evidence-based approach, recognising that substance use is often connected to deeper emotional, psychological, and relational experiences.
Counselling may include:
Exploring patterns, triggers, and coping strategies
Building insight and motivation for change
Developing safer or more sustainable behaviours
Strengthening emotional regulation and resilience
Supporting recovery, relapse prevention, and long-term wellbeing
Sessions are collaborative, confidential, and tailored to your goals — whether that’s moderation, abstinence, or simply gaining clarity.
Individual, Relationship & Family Support
Substance use doesn’t exist in isolation. We offer support for:
Individuals seeking personal change or support
Couples navigating the impact of substance use on their relationship
Families affected by a loved one’s substance use
Where appropriate, counselling can help rebuild communication, trust, and boundaries in a safe and supported way.
Meet Our Substance Use & Addiction Counsellor
Christina Ayisah Eyeson
Christina Ayisah Eyeson is a skilled and compassionate counsellor at The Therapy Project, with a strong background in substance use and addiction counselling, trauma-informed care, and complex mental health support.
Christina has worked across community mental health and high-acuity settings, supporting individuals, couples, and families affected by alcohol and substance use. Her experience includes comprehensive psychosocial assessments, safety and relapse-prevention planning, crisis intervention, and group facilitation. She has a particular interest in understanding the underlying emotional, relational, and systemic factors that often sit beneath substance use.
Christina’s approach is non-judgemental, culturally responsive, and evidence-based, drawing on modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and motivational interviewing. She works collaboratively with clients to explore patterns, strengthen coping strategies, and support meaningful change — whether that looks like moderation, recovery, or gaining clarity around next steps.
Christina welcomes clients at all stages of their journey and is especially mindful of supporting people who may feel unsure about reaching out or hesitant to label their experiences. Her calm, grounded presence helps create a space where clients feel safe, respected, and supported to move forward at their own pace.
Local Support, Flexible Options
We offer in-person counselling across Queenstown, Cromwell, and Alexandra, with telehealth appointments also available for clients across Central Otago, surrounding regions, and wider Aotearoa New Zealand.
If you’re unsure whether this service is right for you, our intake team is happy to help guide you toward the most appropriate support.
Taking the First Step
Reaching out can feel daunting — especially when substance use is involved. You’re not expected to have everything figured out before booking. Counselling is a place to explore, understand, and move forward at your own pace.
You’re welcome to book an appointment or contact us to discuss your options.
Ready to talk?
Book a confidential session with a qualified clinician—online or in person in Queenstown.