Peter Hayton

Peter Hayton is Principal Addictions Therapist at The Winslow. A registered psychologist in Australia, he has more than 25 years’ experience in psychological therapy, clinical leadership and the design of addiction treatment programmes.

He completed a Bachelor of Psychology with Honours at James Cook University in 1999 and a Master of Education at Charles Sturt University in 2007. He began his career in Queensland as a guidance counsellor and school psychologist, and went on to senior psychologist and operations roles in private practice.

For ten years he was Senior Psychologist with Empower Psychology and Counselling, a charity-run service providing low-cost psychological care in Brisbane, where he pioneered a programme for disadvantaged young people and vulnerable adults. He has also worked in pastoral ministry, and has long experience supporting clients and professionals from faith communities.

In 2016 he joined the founding team of The Banyans, a residential addiction and mental health treatment programme in Samford Valley, south-east Queensland, and served as its Clinical Director for eight years. He led multidisciplinary teams of psychologists, doctors and other health professionals, and helped establish the programme’s outpatient services in Bowen Hills in 2021. He has since consulted on addiction and mental health programme design, quality and safety, and accreditation.

His clinical work spans addiction and dependency, trauma, anxiety, depression, stress and burnout, and the psychological impact of chronic illness. He is trained to Masters level in Brainspotting and also uses cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and solution-focused therapy. He has worked with business owners, senior leaders, public figures and elite athletes, and supervises psychologists and other health professionals.

At The Winslow, Peter works within the multidisciplinary team supporting clients through the 16-week programme, including the family programme.

Peter’s approach combines trauma-focused therapy with practical, evidence-based strategies, drawing on many years of experience in residential and outpatient addiction treatment. He has particular experience supporting business owners, senior leaders and others in demanding public roles.

At The Winslow, he works with clients with alcohol dependence, drug and medication dependence, behavioural addictions and co-occurring conditions.

Peter has commented on addiction and mental health on Australian radio and podcasts, and has written on rehabilitation, stress and burnout.

Articles written and clinically reviewed by our team.