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 14 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 12 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.
Charly Dale – Resource and Administration Manager
Charly is the Resource and Admin Manager at The Freedom Room and an integral part of keeping everything running smoothly behind the scenes.
Originally from the UK, Australia has been home for the past 11 years. Charly brings a calm, grounded presence to the team, along with a natural ability to connect with people and make them feel comfortable and supported from the very first interaction.
She is also in recovery herself, which gives her a level of understanding, empathy, and authenticity that can’t be taught. She knows what it takes to make change, and that comes through in the way she shows up for our members every single day.
Whether it’s helping someone take that first step into recovery, organising the day-to-day operations, or supporting the team, Charly does it with care, reliability, and genuine compassion.
Outside of work, Charly is a wife and a proud mum who values family time above everything. She loves being outdoors, whether that’s sailing, hiking, chasing waterfalls, or spending time at the beach. She’s someone who embraces life, balance, and connection, and that energy flows into everything she does at The Freedom Room.
Charly understands the importance of community, routine, and feeling safe in your environment, especially when you’re navigating change. She plays a major role in creating that space for our members, ensuring everyone feels welcome, respected, and supported.
We’re incredibly lucky to have her as part of The Freedom Room.
Sydnee Peters – Social Media Manager
Sydnee is the Social Media Manager at The Freedom Room, bringing both lived experience and a genuine passion for supporting others in recovery.
With a Diploma of Business and a background in animal care, Sydnee understands the importance of consistency, care, and creating safe, supportive environments. She applies these strengths behind the scenes to share The Freedom Room’s message in a way that feels clear, relatable, and grounded.
Sydnee is also in recovery herself, giving her a deep understanding of the challenges, growth, and courage it takes to make meaningful change. She shows up with honesty and empathy, and is committed to helping create a space where people feel safe, supported, and understood.
She values connection, personal growth, and real, honest communication, and brings these into everything she does—both within The Freedom Room and in her own recovery journey.
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 prioritise 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 jeopardise 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.