Psychology

Experienced Psychologists Northcote

At some stage of our human existence, suffering from trauma or a difficult life experience is inevitable.

During such times, people may experience:

Mood disorder (depression, bipolar)
Anxiety disorder (generalised, health, social, perinatal)
Relationship and communication issues
Low self-esteem and body image issues
Adjustment disorder
Trauma, grief, and loss
Somatisation (e.g. conversion of emotions to physical symptoms)
Obsessive compulsions
Self-harm and suicidal thoughts
Alcohol and other drug use
Emotional dysregulation
Insomnia

Psychologists can help a person to understand and cope with these challenging internal responses through use of clinically indicated forms of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy, intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy.

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT is a common form of psychotherapy. The ‘C’ stands for cognitive therapy, which helps people to identify and challenge unhelpful and self-defeating thought patterns. The ‘B’ stands for behavioural therapy and is focused on replacing ineffective behaviours with more helpful behavioural strategies for positive life outcomes.

Intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy (ISTDP)

ISTDP has grown in popularity worldwide. The approach aims to identify and resolve mixed feelings which have been avoided or pushed down, often because of painful life experiences. The ways in which we avoid difficult feelings are identified and addressed by ISTDP therapists, which can help mobilise avoided emotions to come to the surface to allow for personal growth and freedom.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)

The goal of ACT is to create a rich and meaningful life, while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. The approach aims to help people to identify and let go of unhelpful thoughts, through use of an eclectic mix of metaphor, paradox, and mindfulness skills, and values-guided behavioural interventions.