Ashwin Thind Email & Phone Number

I am a Clinical Psychologist specialising in addiction, trauma-related disorders, and personality disorders. My work has mainly been around both peer based and comprehensive evidence-based residential and outpatient treatment services working alongside individuals struggling with Alcohol, Substance Use Disorders, and Behavioural Compulsions.I am particularly passionate about supporting individuals struggling with problematic Chemsex, aiming to address the intertwining challenges of substance use and compulsive sexual behaviours. My approach is both inclusive and sex-positive. I serve as an academic advisor to a nonprofit social enterprise LGBT focused clinic on the harm reduction chemsex program where I also provide psychotherapy to clients.Currently, I am a PhD student at the University of Malaya, focusing my research on developing and implementing psychological interventions tailored to the unique needs of those struggling with Chemsex-related issues. This work also explores enhancing service delivery through the integration of peer supporters with lived and living experience of chemsex and recovery. My therapeutic philosophy is grounded in the belief that integrating various psychological schools of thought enriches my approach to care. This integrative approach allows me to tailor therapeutic interventions to meet the unique needs of each individual I work with.I have been formally trained in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) by the Albert Ellis Institute, am a trained EMDR clinician, and hold an ICAP II (International Certified Addiction Professional, Level II) credential.Outside of my clinical work, I actively contribute to the professional field of substance use disorder as an Executive Committee Member of the Global Recovery Network, the International Society of Substance Use Professionals (ISSUP) Malaysian Chapter and the Malaysian Medical Expert Group on Addiction (MEGA) and am among the founding members of the Asian Recovery Network.As a Global Master Trainer with the United Nations Office of Drug and Crime (UNODC), ISSUP, and the Colombo Plan, I focus on th, treatment and recovery of Substance Use Disorders. My advocacy work includes campaigning for drug policy reform in Malaysia, with a particular emphasis on the decriminalisation of drug use where I am part of the National Task Force under the Ministry of Health