Therapy Approaches
At Nelson Bay Psychology, our psychologists are trained in a range of therapeutic approaches to support children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
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CBT is one of the most widely researched therapies for mental health difficulties. It helps people identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour, and replace them with more balanced, effective strategies.
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Helpful for: Anxiety, depression, stress, panic attacks, OCD, phobias.
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Style: Structured, goal-focused, often involves between-session exercises.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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ACT focuses on building psychological flexibility — learning to respond to challenges with openness and resilience, rather than avoidance.
Helpful for: Stress, adjustment difficulties, chronic illness, workplace burnout.
Style: Uses mindfulness, values clarification, and practical coping strategies.
Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR)
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EMDR is an internationally recognised therapy for trauma and PTSD. It helps people reprocess distressing memories so they are no longer overwhelming or intrusive.
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Helpful for: Trauma, PTSD, accident recovery, first responders, childhood abuse.
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Style: Uses bilateral stimulation (eye movements, tapping) to process stuck memories.
Psychodynamic & Attachment-Based Therapy
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This approach focuses on deeper patterns of thought, feeling, and relating that often stem from early experiences. It provides space to explore the “roots” of difficulties and build lasting self-understanding.
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Helpful for: Relationship difficulties, personality patterns, complex trauma.
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Style: Insight-oriented, collaborative, explores past and present dynamics.
Couples & Family Therapy
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Relationships are central to wellbeing.
Our couples and family work is informed by approaches such as the Gottman Method and systemic therapy. We help families and couples strengthen communication, reduce conflict, and build connection.
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Helpful for: Relationship distress, conflict resolution, parenting challenges, family transitions.
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Style: Practical skills-building, structured exercises, focus on connection.
Child & Adolescent Therapy
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Children and teens require tailored approaches that are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and family-inclusive. We draw on play-based, behavioural, and emotion-regulation frameworks to support young people.
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Helpful for: Autism, ADHD, behavioural challenges, anxiety, emotional regulation.
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Style: Child-centred, often includes parent coaching and school collaboration.
