Amy Heffernan

Amy is an addiction psychotherapist who works alongside young people, adults, and families navigating the impacts of substance use, behavioural addictions, and altered states of consciousness. Her work is grounded in the belief that people are doing their best to survive the environments and systems they have lived within, and that healing becomes possible when safety, understanding, and choice are restored.

She holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science with a focus on Health Promotion and a Masters degree in Psychotherapy and Counselling. Amy is a Certified Practising Counsellor with the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia.

Amy’s therapeutic style is integrative and attuned to the connection between mind and body. She is guided by each person’s lived experience and innate capacity for healing, while also recognising the influence of family, culture, and intergenerational systems. Her work centres on collaboration, curiosity, and respect for the meaning behind coping strategies that may once have served an important role.

Her areas of focus include drug and alcohol use, behavioural addictions such as sex, gaming, and social media, and work connected to altered states, including psychedelic preparation and integration. She has particular experience supporting young people, adults, families, and individuals with links to the criminal justice system.

With nine years of experience across government and non-government drug and alcohol services, Amy brings both clinical depth and practical understanding to her practice. She values relationships built on safety, authenticity, and a sense of shared humanity. Therapy with Amy is an active, collaborative process that allows space for seriousness, insight, and play, supporting people to understand the role their behaviours have played in survival and to develop healthier, more sustainable ways of living.