Prior to commencing treatment an extensive clinical assessment is carried out. This involves identification of symptoms you may be struggling with (difficulty sleeping, irritability, problems containing your worries etc.) as well as a history of previous such experiences.

A relevant personal history is also taken which helps better formulate the life experiences you have had — that may have contributed to your mental health issues (e.g. bullying, parenting style).

Cognitive Balanced Therapy or CBT has been the most consistently found therapy of choice for most psychological difficulties, particularly anxiety and depressive difficulties. There is a strong educational component and literature provided to patients (handouts, books etc.) to enhance their understanding of their condition as quickly as possible.

Relaxation training is also a significant part of CBT with most patients attending therapy being equipped with ‘treatment of choice’ mood regulatory techniques. The third and probably most significant aspect of CBT is the cognitive aspect of therapy which introduces patients to the concept of faulty thinking which drives unwanted emotional responses such as anxiety, depression, anger etc. Patients are taught to talk back to their inner critic through ‘cognitive re-framing’.

For some patients, extensions of CBT are required and Schema therapy may be utilised. This deeper therapeutic modality aims to equip patients with a better understanding of the historical events that occurred which led to the development and maintenance of unhealthy patterns of thinking over the course of their lives. The re-parenting part of this therapy assists to reprocess earlier experiences from a healthy adult perspective.

Group sessions have become a significant complimentary therapeutic tool, which for many patients has assisted, in better understanding their condition and how to best assist themselves. Sessions are facilitated by clinical psychologists, primarily Lewi Yiolitis and aim to provide support and encouragement to battle one’s mental health issues.

Groups are scheduled several times per year and are often over-subscribed. For more information about groups please discuss your appropriateness for a group with your psychologist.

The process of Clinical Supervision is offered to mental health clinicians and is aimed at assisting the mental health clinician through every means possible to enhance their ongoing learning and capacity to be both educators and practitioners of the highest calibre.

This is based on Lewi’s personal mantra as an individual with a high work ethic and commitment to standards as a clinical psychologist. He believes that the practice of both teaching and providing therapy, require ongoing refinement and review. If one is closed to learning, one is essentially closed to growth and the potential for a more fulfilling life experiences, be it as a therapist, educator or patient.

The practice offers training sessions to various organisations. These include, workshops on assessment and treatment for a range of mental health conditions, including panic disorder, risk assessment, social anxiety, generalised anxiety, OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and depression.

Workshops also aim to enhance clinical capacity for long term sustainability in the mental health treatment area such as 'Reflection on your practice and looking after yourself'.