Meridian Assessment and Therapy Centre, Bella Vista, NSW

Therapy is specific to the type of presenting problem. The first session or two comprises a detailed assessment so that issues can be understood thoroughly. The Clinical Psychologist will ask questions about the current problem, its nature, duration, severity and influence as well as past history. In addition, questions about personal history and significant experiences assist the Clinical Psychologist to know and understand you better so that therapy can be sensitive to your needs. In the case of child therapy, the initial assessment involves gathering information from not just the child, but also close family members and/or carers, teachers, school counsellors and other mental health professionals involved in the young person’s care. Following assessment, goals for treatment are developed and a treatment plan is made. Our Clinical Psychologists utilise skills and strategies from a range of different models, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Schema Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Interpersonal Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Brief Solution Focussed Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, etc. Our treatment approach is strongly influenced by Attachment Theory. In adult therapy this approach guides the therapeutic relationship and forms the basis of healing. In the context of child therapy, the approach emphasises the importance of stable and attuned parent-child relationships as the starting point for healthy and well-adjusted children. Counselling sessions are of 55 minutes duration. The number of sessions which people require will vary. Some people are able to master their concerns in a couple of sessions, whilst others may require many more. Following the initial assessment, it is usually possible to estimate the number of sessions required to address a particular type of problem. The frequency of appointments is flexible in order to best meet your needs. Our consultant rooms are bright, open and welcoming.

• Psychologist
• Couples Therapy
• Clinical Psychologist
• Child Counsellor