Chula Goonewardene is an experienced Counsellor and Psychotherapist who worked as a professional musician before becoming a clinical consultant, trainer and psychotherapist with expertise in helping people overcome alcohol and substance misuse.
As a musician, Chula started as a classically trained pianist and violinist, becoming a self-taught guitarist and drummer, and then enjoyed a professional career in music during his 20’s. He later joined what evolved into , in the voluntary sector of the Substance Misuse field, in 2005; becoming a qualified Motivational Interviewing Practitioner and Advanced Group Facilitator, in addition to gaining an NVQ4 in Health & Social Care Management. He worked with over 600 clients in community-based treatment as a Drug & Alcohol Practitioner, before moving into Treatment Management, Training and Consultancy in 2010 and then qualified as a Counsellor & Psychotherapist in 2014.
Alongside his private psychotherapy practice, Chula is the Co-Founder and Clinical Director of , providing mental health & well-being support packages to organisations and creatives in the Music Industry. He is also a Clinical Consultant for ,and the , writes and podcasts for various publications, lectures at , and still finds the time to play drums regularly for the Council of Neptune. Chula comes from a Buddhist family and uses this philosophy to enhance both his personal and professional life.