Meet the Team
Rachel Acres – Founder & CEO | Alcohol and Other Drugs Counsellor | Psychotherapist | Recovery Coach
Rachel Acres is the Founder and CEO of The Freedom Room and a respected recovery professional with over 13 years of lived experience in sustained, continued sobriety. Originally from the United Kingdom and now based in Australia, Rachel brings together personal insight, professional training, and deep compassion to support individuals and families impacted by alcohol and other drug use.
Before entering the recovery field, Rachel worked as an accountant. Her own recovery journey became the catalyst for a meaningful career change, driven by a desire to help others find freedom, stability, and lasting change. Today, her work is grounded in a strong foundation of evidence-based practice, trauma-informed care, and lived experience.
Rachel holds a comprehensive range of professional qualifications across addiction counselling, psychotherapy, and holistic wellbeing, including:
Alcohol & Other Drugs (AOD) and Addiction Counselling
- Fully Accredited Diploma of Professional Addiction Counselling
- Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs
- Certificate of Addiction Support (Alcohol and Other Drugs)
- Psychology Certificate in Alcohol and Drug Addictions
Counselling & Therapeutic Modalities
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Diploma of Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) Practitioner
Mindfulness, Coaching & Personal Development
- Certified Master Mindfulness Practitioner
- Certified Life Coach
Mental Health & Brain-Based Training
- Mental Health and Wellbeing Qualifications
- Neuroplasticity Training and Applied Practice
With over 10 years’ experience working professionally in the addiction and recovery space, Rachel has supported people from all walks of life. Her background includes work and advocacy within hospitals, rehabilitation services, and correctional settings, where she is known for her honesty, empathy, and ability to meet people where they are.
Rachel is deeply committed to challenging the stigma surrounding addiction and believes recovery is about far more than simply stopping drinking or using substances. While abstinence is an important first step, she emphasises that true recovery is about what happens next — rebuilding identity, learning emotional regulation, developing healthy coping tools, and creating a meaningful, values-led life.
At The Freedom Room, Rachel’s approach focuses on long-term change, personal responsibility, and growth — supporting people not just to survive without alcohol or drugs, but to genuinely thrive.
Benita Kelly – Administration, Recovery Coach
Benita Kelly’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative journey from rock bottom to a place of clarity and recovery. Her openness about the challenges she faced—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually—provides a relatable narrative for those who may be struggling. Benita’s commitment to healing, not only for herself but also for her family, is commendable.
It’s evident that she took proactive steps to regain control of her life and discover her true self. The recognition of the need for change and the willingness to take different actions is a crucial theme in her story. The quote, “The definition of insanity is doing the same actions over and over and expecting a different result,” highlights the key insight that propelled her towards healing.
Benita’s diverse qualifications, including being a Recovery Coach, Certified NLP Coach, Hypnotherapist, TimeLine Practitioner, Reiki Practitioner, Life Coach and Learning Specialist, showcase her dedication to personal and professional development. Her mastery in various fields equips her with a broad spectrum of tools to support others on their journeys to recovery.
Her 10 years of sobriety and active involvement in the recovery community underscore her commitment to helping others overcome similar challenges. Speaking at hospitals, rehabs, and public information events further demonstrates her passion for raising awareness and providing support where it’s needed most.
Overall, Benita Kelly’s story is one of resilience, growth, and the transformative power of recovery. Her qualifications and advocacy work position her as a valuable resource for those seeking guidance on their own paths to healing.
Our Volunteers and crew
At The Freedom Room, our mission is your freedom. We are a dedicated team of individuals who understand the struggle of alcohol addiction because we’ve walked that path ourselves.
Our compassionate and experienced team is here to guide you on your own journey to recovery, offering unwavering support and the firm belief that a life free from alcohol is not only possible but within your reach.
From the moment you reach out, you’ll be met with the shared experiences of those in recovery – a powerful testament to the transformative power of this process. We’ll guide you with expertise honed by our own journeys, always reminding you that recovery is within your grasp.
Everyone you’ll interact with – from the person who answers your call to the counsellors leading the sessions – has lived experience in recovery, creating a unique environment of understanding and shared purpose.
What Is a Recovery Coach?
An Alcohol and Drug Counsellor can provide the tools and support needed for lasting change. Alcohol Recovery Coaching and Counselling help rebuild, rewire, and create healthy habits. Often, an Alcohol and Drug Counsellor plays a pivotal role in this transformation.
When recovering from substance use, picking up a drink or drug can be devastating. Staying sober becomes the most critical thing. It’s essential to prioritize sobriety and connect with supportive people. Places like the Freedom Room understand addiction and an Alcohol and Drug Counsellor is often a key part of their team.
A recovery coach helps you navigate the challenges of sobriety and assists you in making rational decisions. Early sobriety can be tough. Family, triggers, and stress can jeopardize your progress. Similarly, seeking guidance from an Alcohol Counsellor can provide additional support during these times.
They also help explore lifestyle changes for better health. A Recovery coach might recommend fitness, yoga, and meditation as part of the Freedom Room experience.
Coaches offer support beyond 12-step programs. They focus on physical and mental health and help people work on life goals, like career aspirations. The Freedom Room tries to offer comprehensive support, often involving an Alcohol Counsellor.
A coach identifies your strengths and works toward positive change. They’re similar to life coaches but focus on sobriety and relapse prevention. Sometimes, an Alcohol and Drug Counsellor also assists in this process.