Olivia Jurcik Counsellor

23/07/2026

22/07/2026

This month in the DOCTOR's magazine, I reflect on and summarise attendance at the AddictionZ conference, as well as delve into the evolution of Hader Clinic Queensland over the past decade in offering treatment for both alcohol and substance dependence.

20/07/2026

Excited to announce a personal achievement - I recently graduated Southern Cross University with a distinction overall in the Master of Mental Health.

This was the product of quiet consistent work in the background, alongside all of life's other responsibilities. Hours of personal time across late nights and big weekends. Sitting in the discomfort to expand my knowledge and understanding in something I am incredibly passionate about.

The only thing that truly limits one's successes is the voice of their inner critic, telling them they can't. This serves as a reminder that we can evolve and grow in ways we never thought possible, simply through a series of small actions.

08/07/2026

One of the most common things we hear from people reaching out for help is this: "I've tried to stop so many times. I don't understand why I can't just do it."

If you've ever felt that way, whether about yourself or someone that you love, here's what we want you to know:

Problematic substance or alcohol use isn't a choice. It isn't a character flaw. And it is absolutely not a sign that someone doesn't want to get better.

Alcohol and drug dependency physically changes the way that the brain functions. Over time, the reward circuits that regulate mood, motivation and decision-making become rewired around the substance. Stopping isn't simply a matter of deciding to. The brain fights back through cravings, withdrawal symptoms, and a relentless pull back toward the very thing causing the harm.

This is what the cycle of misuse looks like from the inside. And it is why so many people who desperately want to stop find that they can't do it alone.

Recovery is not about trying harder. Rather, it's about finding the right support.

If you or someone you care about is stuck in the cycle, we're here to help. Our team is available for a confidential, no-obligation conversation any time on 1300 856 847.

15/06/2026

For those who missed out attending the AddictionZ Conference last month on the Gold Coast, here is my presentation from Day 2, titled "The Fears of a Digital Detox in an Always Online World".

I feel incredibly privileged that I was able to speak on this topic, and represent Hader Clinic Queensland. If you are interested in the harms associated with modern digital addictions, please give this a watch:

https://youtu.be/Q-krGTqDjw0?si=tpAlBAmiEQg9buet

“The Fears of a Digital Detox in an Always-Online World”Thursday 2...

06/06/2026

When I walked into my initial interview with Dr Mel Symon for Hader Clinic Queensland in 2016, I could not have anticipated that I would still be here a decade later, nor that this organisation (and the people within it) would become such a defining part of my professional and personal life.

I commenced in the role of Family Coordinator, working closely with families navigating some of the most complex circumstances associated with addiction and recovery. From there, I moved into the Transition Coordinator and Counsellor role, each step deepening my respect for the courage it takes to engage in change, and the relational work that sits at the heart of recovery. Today, in my role as Clinical Services Manager, I have the privilege of supporting clinical teams and service delivery across programs that continue to evolve in response to the needs of the people we serve.

What has remained constant across every role is a deep sense of gratitude and responsibility. The duty of care held in this work is not something I take for granted. I wake each day with a genuine sense of privilege, and profound purpose in being part of the AOD sector and this organisation in particular.

Over the past 10 years, I have been fortunate to witness so much more than clinical outcomes. I have seen clients rebuild their lives and step into recovery with strength and humility. I have watched staff grow, both personally and professionally, as they deepen their own capacity to hold this work. I have also had the privilege of seeing clients return as colleagues, continuing the cycle of lived experience, hope, and contribution that makes this sector so unique.

Perhaps most importantly, I have come to understand that it is not me who creates the impact. I have been changed by this work in ways I could never have anticipated when I began.

There is a “village” behind every moment of change we witness in this space, and I feel deeply grateful to have walked alongside so many people within it, personally and professionally.

To be part of an organisation that has grown alongside my own career over the past decade is something I hold with real appreciation. I am proud of what has been built, and even more grateful for what I continue to learn from it.

Here’s to 10 years and to continuing the work and evolve towards positive change.

30/05/2026

29/05/2026

What a phenomenal couple of days down the Gold Coast connecting and collaborating with others in the AOD and MH space at the AddictionZ Conference

I had the privilege of speaking during the conference as well as being an exhibitor on behalf of Hader Clinic Queensland

See you all again next year!

18/05/2026

It is always such a privilege to speak amongst professionals, researchers, clinicians, policy makers, and lived experience representatives at ANZMHA's AddictionZ Conference on the Gold Coast.

This year, I am fortunate to be speaking across two different topics on each day of the conference as well as being an exhibitor for Hader Clinic Queensland. Details are below ☺️

I look forward to seeing you there next week!

23/04/2026

❤️‍🩹 Be kind ❤️‍🩹

Recently, both in my work and in my personal life, I’ve had a front row seat to the quiet effort it takes for many people to simply get through the day - particularly those living with co-occurring alcohol and other drug use and mental health challenges.

What might seem like a straightforward task to one person can be anything but.

For some, the day doesn’t begin with momentum, it begins with preparation.

👉 Mental rehearsal.

👉 Weighing up risks.

👉 Planning exit strategies.

👉 Drawing on affirmations or coping tools just to walk out the front door.

Attending a social event isn’t “just showing up.”

It can mean scanning the environment for safety, managing anxiety, navigating conversations, and holding steady through waves of discomfort that aren’t always visible to others.

From the outside, these efforts can go unnoticed, but internally, they require courage, persistence, and an extraordinary amount of energy.

The reality is, we can never fully know what someone else is carrying.

So when we encounter hesitation, withdrawal, irritability, or what may seem like disengagement, it’s worth pausing before we judge, because what feels like a small frustration in our day could be a significant hurdle in someone else’s.

Kindness, patience, and understanding cost us very little but for someone doing their best to stay steady, they can make a meaningful difference.

Sometimes, the most impactful thing we can offer isn’t advice or solutions - it’s simply how we show up.

Be kind. You may be witnessing strength you cannot see.