Counselling in Melbourne to Support Your Mental Health

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented, evidence-based treatment that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviours. By changing these patterns, CBT aims to improve emotional regulation and reduce psychological distress. It is the most commonly used intervention due to its effectiveness in grief counselling and other mental health challenges.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based approach that encourages individuals to accept and acknowledge difficult emotions and thoughts rather than trying to avoid or control them. It focuses on helping people clarify their values and commit to actions that align with those values, even in the presence of discomfort. Many individuals find ACT beneficial for processing life transitions and emotional distress.

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) focuses on helping individuals develop coping strategies for emotional regulation, interpersonal effectiveness, distress tolerance, and mindfulness. Skills aim to balance acceptance and change, teaching people to manage emotions and improve relationships while fostering self-awareness and resilience. As a counselling psychologist, I integrate DBT techniques to support individuals experiencing overwhelming emotions.

Exposure therapy is a psychological treatment that helps individuals confront and gradually desensitise themselves to feared situations, objects, or thoughts in a controlled and systematic way. By repeatedly facing these fears in a safe environment, the goal is to reduce anxiety and avoidance behaviours over time.

Mindfulness is the practice of paying focused, non-judgmental attention to the present moment, often through breathing and grounding exercises. It helps cultivate greater awareness, emotional regulation, and create a deeper connection to the present, reducing stress and enhancing well-being. Many individuals seeking counselling find mindfulness techniques useful in managing anxiety and emotional distress.

Motivational interviewing is a client-centered, collaborative approach designed to enhance a person's motivation to change by exploring and resolving ambivalence. It focuses on open-ended questions, reflective listening, and affirmations to help individuals tap into their own reasons and confidence for making positive changes. As a counselling psychologist, I use motivational interviewing to help clients clarify their goals and take meaningful steps toward well-being.