Therapy Used

CBD Psychology Treatment Services uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (more generally referred to as CBT among psychologists) as its primary therapeutic approach. CBT aims to address a client’s beliefs and behaviours that might be contributing to the maintenance of the difficulty. For example, a client who experiences anxiety, tends to view the world in threatening terms, fearing the worst might happen. In response, this can lead the client to avoid certain situations. In the long run this is counterproductive, as the client’s fears remain unchallenged. CBT will assist the client to question and overcome the anxiety by exploring both the relevant beliefs and ensuing behaviours involved.

What to Expect

Sessions are of approximately 55 minutes duration. During the first session a history of the difficulties is taken, which may extend into the second session. With this information, an assessment is made of the type and extent of the problems. At the end of the first session, the client is asked, as homework, to formulate a series of specific treatment goals, which are then used to guide treatment in future sessions. This process ensures that treatment remains focused on achieving the desired goals.

Clients can expect treatment of the highest ethical and clinical standards.

On average, significant improvement can be seen in 6 to 8 sessions. Depending on the nature of the difficulties, some clients require either fewer or a greater number of sessions.

Medicare rebates are now available. As of November 1st 2006, clients can claim up to 12 sessions per calendar year under Medicare. As a clinical psychologist, Christine's sessions attract the higher rebate.
For more details, please call the rooms on 9654 0919.

Conditions Treated

• Depression

• Anxiety (includes panic, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder)

• Relationship difficulties

• Managing stress (eg work-related or personal)

• Grief and loss issues

• Eating disorders (includes anorexia and bulimia nervosa)

A Case Example

A 25 year old woman with a long history of flying phobia attended, as her new job demanded she fly interstate more frequently, an activity she had avoided thus far. This client was very fearful of flying, as she did not feel in control of the situation and feared experiencing a panic attack due to there being no “escape route.”

Treatment consisted of teaching the client to relax, using a method known as progressive muscle relaxation. Breathing techniques were also implemented. The client’s cognitions were also assessed carefully in terms of her self-talk. She was able to see that many of her thoughts were in fact, irrational and bore a direct relationship to her fears. These thoughts were challenged and in this manner, the intensity of her irrational fears was greatly reduced.

Thus, treatment was both cognitive (addressing her unhelpful and negative thoughts) and behavioural (teaching her strategies which could be used to help her manage her anxiety more effectively).

In four sessions, the client felt confident enough to embark on an interstate business trip and by the eighth session had booked a holiday with her family.

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