Applied Psychology

23/01/2026

If you live in a rural or remote community, you already know the reality: Alcohol and Other Drug support can be hard to access, waitlists can be long, and privacy matters.

One of the most common things people tell me is:

“I’m okay for a while… and then something happens… and I’m back where I started.”

That’s not weakness — that’s how change works without structure.

I’ve put together an online, self-paced relapse-prevention program called The Wagon. It’s not crisis support and it doesn’t replace medical care, but it can give you practical tools for:

- cravings and urges

- triggers and high-risk situations

- managing thoughts and setbacks

- routines that support change

- getting back on track quickly after a slip

If you want to have a look, you can read more here:

https://www.thewagon.com.au/

If you’re not sure whether it’s right for you, feel free to message the page.

The Wagon is a self-paced online alcohol and other drug program for adults who want to reduce, manage or stop use. Learn evidence-informed strategies for triggers, cravings and relapse prevention—without shame, pressure or judgment.

14/01/2026

Alongside my one-to-one work at Applied Psychology, I’ve developed The Wagon – an online, self-paced psychoeducation program for adults who want to change their relationship with alcohol or other drugs.

The Wagon might be a good fit if you’re:

Worried about how much you’re drinking or using

Curious about making changes, but not sure you want to “quit forever”

Wanting support to stay on track after cutting back or stopping

Finding it hard to get to regular appointments because of time, cost or where you live

The program has 10 modules of short videos, guided reflections and worksheets you can work through at your own pace over 24 months. It’s psychoeducation, not therapy or a crisis service, and can sit alongside support from your GP, counsellor or AOD service if you have that in place.

If you’d like to read more, you can visit:

👉 https://www.thewagon.com.au

I’ll still be offering individual psychology sessions through Applied Psychology, and The Wagon is simply another option for people who prefer a structured program they can complete privately at home.

The Wagon is a self-paced online alcohol and other drug program for adults who want to reduce, manage or stop use. Learn evidence-informed strategies for triggers, cravings and relapse prevention—without shame, pressure or judgment.

08/01/2026

It’s been a while since I posted here, so I wanted to say hello again.

I’m Jay, a psychologist at Applied Psychology on the Sunshine Coast. I offer individual psychology sessions for adults experiencing a range of mental health and substance use concerns.

Over the past few years I’ve also been working on something in the background – The Wagon, an online, self-paced alcohol and other drug (AOD) psychoeducation program for adults who want to change their relationship with alcohol or other drugs.

The Wagon is not a crisis service or a replacement for therapy. It’s a structured, skills-based program that can sit alongside other supports (GP, counselling, rehab) or be a starting point for people who aren’t able to access individual sessions.

If you’d like to read more:

🔹 The Wagon – program information: https://www.thewagon.com.au/

🔹 Applied Psychology – individual sessions: https://www.appliedpsychology.com.au/

Thanks for still being here on this page – I’ll share occasional updates and resources that might be useful.

23/03/2025

16/03/2025

The 54321 strategy. It works 😁

10/03/2025

Struggling with unwanted behaviour? Struggling to connect? Tried everything and nothing works? I’m passionate about supporting parents, teachers, educators and children who are affected by or are struggling with behaviourall difficulties. I take an environmental approach by understanding what is happening around the child. If you have concerns about your child’s behaviour, find out more how I can help at https://www.appliedpsychology.com.au/

06/02/2023

What is self-compassion?
- Quite simply, it is treating yourself like you would treat someone else that was going through a hard time.
- It is accepting that you are human,not perfect, and that it is OK to make mistakes (practice saying that).
- It means not to dwell on mistakes or beat yourself up.
- Self-compassion also suggests that there is a difference between making a bad choice and being a bad person.
- Research shows that people that practice self-compassion have lower levels of depression and anxiety.
If you're struggling, get in touch so we can work on some strategies to help you cope and live a more rich, fulfilling and meaningful life.

31/01/2023

Struggling with negative thoughts? Well, they're common, I'd even go as far as saying they're normal. They're just not helpful! Negative thoughts are the main drivers that affect depression, anxiety, self confidence and self esteem.

So, here's a brief strategy:

- Be aware of them. Actually listen to them.
- Ask yourself, do I have evidence to support this thought?
- If the answer is NO, say "there is no evidence to support this thought" and move on.
- If the answer is YES, reframe the thought "I can't do this" v's I'll give it a go and see what happens". Or problem solve.
- Practice self-compassion. Be kind to yourself. No one is perfect.
- Change your behaviour. Do something that is good for you, such as going for a walk or talk to someone or do something kind for someone.
- Get some support. Through a deeper understanding as to where and why negative thoughts originate, there are many strategies that can help. Send us a message to arrange an appointment or visit appliedpsychology.com.au

19/01/2023

Meet Archie :) He's not a therapy cat, but he loves people and he often sits in on sessions. As you can see, he's not shy and he's always by my side and sometimes in the way!