THERAPY APPROACHES
Explore evidence-based psychological therapy approaches and learn how therapy can be tailored to individual needs, goals and circumstances.
Different psychological therapy approaches offer different ways of understanding difficulties, developing practical skills and supporting meaningful change.
This hub brings together psychology services and educational articles about Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, mindfulness-based therapy and trauma-informed therapy.
Psychological therapy is not a single method. Different approaches provide different ways of understanding psychological difficulties and different strategies for supporting change.
Some approaches focus on relationships between thoughts, emotions and behaviour. Others place greater emphasis on acceptance, values, mindfulness, processing difficult experiences or developing more effective ways of responding to distress.
The approach used in therapy depends on the difficulties being addressed, the available evidence, individual circumstances, treatment goals and personal preferences.
These service pages explain how particular therapy approaches may be used within psychological treatment at Hennessy Clinical Psychology.
CBT helps people understand relationships between thoughts, emotions, behaviour and physical responses, and develop practical strategies for change.
ACT supports psychological flexibility by helping people respond differently to difficult thoughts and feelings while taking action guided by personally meaningful values.
EMDR is a structured psychological therapy used particularly in the treatment of trauma-related difficulties and distressing experiences.
Mindfulness-based approaches develop greater awareness of thoughts, emotions and physical sensations while practising less reactive ways of responding.
Trauma-informed therapy recognises how traumatic and adverse experiences can affect emotions, relationships, behaviour, safety and day-to-day functioning.
These articles provide general educational information about individual therapy approaches, how they work and what they may involve.
Learn about CBT, including how thoughts, emotions and behaviour can interact and how CBT may support psychological change.
Learn about ACT, psychological flexibility, acceptance, values and taking meaningful action in the presence of difficult thoughts and feelings.
Learn about EMDR, how the therapy is structured and why it may be used for trauma-related experiences and other difficulties.
Learn how mindfulness can be incorporated into psychological therapy to support awareness, attention and more flexible responses to experience.
Learn what trauma-informed therapy means and how safety, collaboration, choice and an understanding of trauma can inform psychological treatment.
Choosing a therapy approach is not simply a matter of matching a diagnosis with a particular technique.
Psychological treatment is informed by assessment and formulation: developing an understanding of the difficulties a person is experiencing, factors that may be contributing to or maintaining those difficulties, their strengths, circumstances, preferences and goals.
Therapy may draw primarily on one approach or combine strategies from several evidence-based approaches when this is clinically appropriate. The focus can also change over time as therapy progresses.
This Therapy Approaches hub provides an overview and helps you navigate the different approaches represented across this website.
Psychology service pages explain how particular approaches may be used within psychological treatment.
Educational articles provide more detailed general information about individual therapies, psychological concepts and practical strategies.
You can move between these resources depending on whether you are looking for general information or information about psychological services.
These related areas may also be useful when exploring psychological therapy and practical approaches to change.
Explore psychological support and educational resources related to trauma, PTSD and recovery after difficult experiences.
Explore information and psychological support related to insomnia, sleep difficulties and factors affecting healthy sleep.
Explore resources about managing strong emotions, distress, behaviour patterns and practical strategies for change.
Common questions about psychological therapy approaches and accessing treatment.
This page brings together psychology services and educational articles so you can compare therapy approaches and find the resource that is most relevant to your needs.
The approach is informed by assessment, psychological formulation, the difficulties being addressed, research evidence, treatment goals, individual circumstances and the person’s preferences.
Yes. Psychological treatment may draw on strategies from more than one evidence-based approach when this is clinically appropriate and consistent with the person’s needs and goals.
No. You do not need to choose a therapy approach before beginning psychological treatment. Assessment and discussion can help clarify which approaches may be appropriate.
No. Many people seek psychological support because they feel stuck, distressed or want help understanding patterns in their thoughts, feelings, behaviour, relationships or functioning.
Yes. Therapy is available in person at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast and via telehealth across Australia.
Psychology appointments are available for adolescents and adults in person at Varsity Lakes on the Gold Coast and via secure telehealth across Australia.
If you would like to arrange an appointment, the easiest way to get started is to book online.
Clinical Psychologist in Varsity Lakes, Gold Coast. Evidence-based psychology for adolescents and adults, with in-person appointments and Australia-wide telehealth.
Anxiety Disorders
Mood Disorders
Trauma & PTSD
Neurodiversity
CBT
ACT
EMDR
Mindfulness-Based Therapy
This practice is not a crisis service.
If you require immediate assistance, call 000. For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
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