At Psychwest we only use evidence based treatment approaches that are known to work, and are validated by scientific research, and endorsed by the Australian Psychological Society.
We are trained practitioners in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy which forms the basis for all of our treatment planning. However we understand that treatment is not ‘one-size-fits-all’, and we will therefore adapt our approach based on how you are responding to treatment by utilizing skills and treatment approaches to suit your individual circumstances, your presenting problems, and your responsiveness to each session. As such we are trained and extensively practiced in incorporating the following treatment approaches into your treatment plan:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT).
Solution Focused Brief Therapy.
Motivational Interviewing.
Mindfulness Based Therapies.
Regardless of the approach we use, we will always do more than just listen to your story. Together with your psychologist, you will come to an understanding of your problem, what has caused the problem, and what is maintaining it. We will work on practical strategies and skills so you can overcome what is troubling you, prevent any recurrence and enhance your life.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is a relatively short term, focused approach to the treatment of many types of emotional, behavioural and psychiatric problems. The application of CBT varies according to the problem being addressed, but is essentially a collaborative and individualised program that helps individuals to identify unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and learn or relearn healthier skills and habits. CBT has been practised widely for more than 30 years. It has been researched extensively, and has demonstrated effectiveness with a variety of emotional psychological and psychiatric difficulties. It is also continually evolving, and third wave CBT therapies such as Mindfulness Based Cogntiive Therapy (MBCT), Acceptance and Committment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Schema Therapy and others are increasingly being used for a variety of emotional, behavioural and psychiatric problems.
- CBT has been extensively investigated in rigorous clinical trials and has empirical support.
- CBT is structured, goal oriented, and focuses on immediate difficulties as well as long term strategies and requires active involvement by the client.
- CBT is flexible, individualised, and can be adapted to a wide range of individuals and a variety of settings.
CBT is one of the most established and researched psychological therapies for emotional, psychological and psychiatric dysfunction. For some problems, such as anxiety and depression, CBT is as effective as medication and can also enhance the effects of medication. The results of CBT are long-term, and you can keep using what you have learned in therapy to approach other problems in your life.
CBT has been extensively investigated in rigorous clinical trials and has empirical support. Broadly, CBT has evidenced the following outcomes:
- CBT is compatible with a range other treatments that you might receive such as medication or supportive counselling.
- Because the individual is actively involved in their treatment they are more likely to stick with it.
- Because CBT is flexible and individualised, it can be adapted to a wide range of individuals and a variety of settings.
The client can keep using what they have learned in therapy to approach other problems in life.
In a broad sense, as its name suggests, CBT involves both ‘cognitive therapy’ and ‘behaviour therapy’. Cognitive therapy focuses on an individual’s pattern of thinking while behaviour therapy looks at associated actions. When combined skillfully, these two approaches provide a very powerful method to help overcome a wide range of emotional and behavioural problems in children, adolescents and adults. Depending on the problem, CBT may involve a mix of both therapeutic modalities, so some issues are better treated with more behavioural methods and some with more cognitive methods. One of the strengths of CBT is that it aims not just to help people overcome the symptoms that they are currently experiencing, but it also aims to teach the person new skills and strategies that they can apply to future problems. It focuses on the ‘here and now’ whilst developing an understanding of past styles of thinking and behaviour that have developed over time.
CBT examines all elements that maintain a problem, including our thoughts, feelings, behaviour and the environment. It is a structured therapy, which involves a partnership between you and your therapist. You are fully involved in planning your treatment and the therapist will always let you know what is happening. Usually you will have a thorough assessment in the first session or two. Each session will involve discussion, explanation and practice of skills and techniques. Often you will be required to practice those techniques in between sessions.
