Psychotherapy (Talking Therapy)

At Eastern Suburbs Psychiatry, psychotherapy may include psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy (Conversational Model) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), depending on the patient’s needs, goals and treatment plan.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy is a form of talking therapy that explores how past experiences, relationships and unconscious patterns may influence emotions, behaviour and day to day life.

This approach can help patients develop greater self-understanding, recognise recuring patterns, and explore how these patterns may affect the relationships, emotions and sense of self.

Psychodynamic psychotherapy provides a reflective therapeutic space where patients can discuss their experiences with a psychiatrist and work towards greater emotional insight and personal growth.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, also known as CBT, is a structured and goal focused form of therapy. It consists of two combined forms of therapy. Cognitive Therapy aims to challenge negative or unhelpful core beliefs that lead to negative feelings, which in turn lead to unhelpful behaviour. By addressing these beliefs, Behaviour Therapy aims to change resultant actions. It is often used to help people understand the relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviour. It can help patients identify helpful thinking patterns and behaviour, develop practical coping strategies and work towards specific treatment goals.

• Consultations are by appointment only.
• Valid referrals from a medical practitioner are required.
• Fees are rebated through Medicare for eligible patients.
• An initial three sessions of history taking and assessment precede any psychotherapy.
• The terms of the psychotherapy process will be discussed and agreed upon.
• Psychotherapy appointments are scheduled on an as-needed basis. These may be weekly, fortnightly, or more frequently if required.