Western
Sydney Psychologists
Our practice is based in Penrith and provides evidence-based
psychological treatments.
Welcome To Western Sydney Psychologists
Treatment
We specialise in providing evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), EMDR and Schema Focused Therapy. These approaches are used around the world to treat a wide range of problems, both common and not so common. Importantly, clinical trials have been conducted that have shown them to be effective.
Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
CBT is the most widely used therapy around the world today, and ACT is a newer version of CBT. Both are very practical approaches that focus on changing unhelpful patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviour.
Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT)
DBT is a fairly recently developed therapy aimed at helping people with longer term problems that do not always respond so well to traditional CBT. For more information see our DBT site DBTsydney.com.au. DBT helps with things like suicidal thoughts and behaviours, self-harm, drug and alcohol problems, eating disorders, problems with sense of self, or unhelpful relationship patterns. DBT involves both groups and individual therapy, both of which we offer.
EMDR
(Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR was developed to help people recover from disturbing life experiences and trauma. EMDR helps the person heal from psychological trauma in much the same as the body recovers from physical trauma. Research has shown that EMDR produces neurological changes in the brain that result in a rapid reduction of trauma symptoms. It can be used in the treatment of recent and historical traumatic events, anxiety and phobias, panic attacks, addiction and nightmares.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy is a longer-term therapy aimed at similar problems to those treated by DBT. Schema are long term patterns of behaviour that are sometimes referred to as self-defeating patterns. People can develop these patterns when they are young and often find them difficult to change, despite their best efforts. Through schema therapy people learn to first identity these self-defeating patterns, then develop skills to change them in an ensuding and sustainable way.
Length of Therapy
CBT, ACT and EMDR are short-term therapies. This means that therapy most often takes between six and eighteen sessions. DBT and Schema Therapy are longer term and may last between six months and several years. However, sometimes even the shorter-term therapies can take longer. We recommend setting a small number of realistic goals at the beginning, then working on them for roughly six sessions. After these sessions we can review how you went and set further goals if necessary.
Choice of Approach
The choice of approaches depends on the nature of your
problem and your own preference for one approach over another. For example, in
the case of depression all the approaches we use could be used. However, if
your problems are related to a specific relationship issue and you wish to work
on it directly, then CBT or ACT may be preferable. On the other hand, if you
struggle with relationships broader, then DBT may be more suitable.
Your psychologist can help you choose the right approach for
you.
Our Team
Karen Sutherland
Training Karen holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and a Diploma of Psychological Practice. She has national registration with
Meike Du Toit
Dylan Underhill
Mrudula Matthew
Hannah Bowman
Jessica Statham
Luke Wright
How to
Find Us
By Car
There is quite a bit of local metered parking in the area. You can usually find a park within a five walk of the practice. You can also find free parking within a five to ten minute walk.
By Train
Many buses travel to and from Penrith and various suburbs. The Transport NSW, busways, and the Blue Mountains Bus Company websites all provide route and timetable information.
By Bus
We are about ten minutes walk from Penrith Train Station. Penrith is on the Western Line and the Blue Mountains Line. It has a lift and wheelchair accessible toilets. You can find timetables at the Sydney Trains Website.
Alternatively if coming by public transport you can use NSW Transport Trip Planner to work out your trip.
