Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children
At MindBox Psychology, we primarily use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), the ‘gold-standard’ treatment for many psychological issues. CBT focuses on the link between thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, helping individuals break the cycle of negative patterns. We also incorporate other evidence-based therapies like Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT),and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), which are also proven to be effective for various psychological conditions. For more insights on CBT, visit the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
Research shows that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is consistently more effective than many other types of psychotherapy. Studies indicate that CBT often produces long-term results that medications cannot match. For example, CBT is as effective as antidepressants for treating depression and is considered the preferred approach for anxiety disorders.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, goal-oriented form of therapy. It focuses on the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. By understanding how these elements influence your mental health, CBT helps you identify unhelpful thinking patterns and replace them with more productive ways of thinking and behaving.
Unlike many therapies that focus on introspection, CBT is short-term and action-oriented. It’s not about talking in circles; instead, you’ll learn practical skills that empower you to manage life’s challenges more effectively, even after therapy concludes.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is generally short-term. The typical course lasts between 6 to 12 sessions, although the duration varies depending on the complexity of the issue. If you’re dealing with a relatively straightforward concern, therapy may only take 2-3 sessions. On the other hand, more complex issues might require longer-term work. After an initial assessment, your therapist will give you a better idea of how long your therapy will last, based on your personal situation.
CBT sessions are structured to ensure progress toward your goals. While the exact content of each session is tailored to your individual needs, therapy generally follows these key stages:
ASSESSMENT
In the first session, your therapist conducts an assessment. This includes gathering information about your symptoms, thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. The goal is to create a clear treatment plan based on your unique needs.
EARLY STAGES
During the early stages, you’ll focus on understanding how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are interconnected. You’ll learn to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns. The therapist will help you develop coping strategies for managing difficult emotions and behaviours.
MIDDLE STAGES
The middle stages of CBT focus on actively challenging unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. You’ll work with your therapist to reframe negative thought patterns and develop practical strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or other emotional challenges. Techniques like graded exposure will also be introduced to help you gradually face and overcome fears.
FINAL STAGES
In the final stages of therapy, the focus shifts to relapse prevention. You’ll review the skills you’ve learned and how to apply them in real-world situations. Together with your therapist, you’ll develop a plan for handling potential setbacks after therapy has ended, ensuring lasting progress.
For more on relapse prevention in CBT, read this article on Psychology Today.