Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Sunshine Coast Psychology Clinic — Sippy Downs & Maroochydore
CBT is one of the most researched and effective forms of psychotherapy available. It helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours — and gives you practical tools to create lasting, positive change in your mental health and everyday life.
What is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy?
Understanding the CBT approach
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a structured, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on the relationship between our thoughts (cognitions), feelings, and behaviours. The core principle of CBT is that our thoughts directly influence how we feel and how we act — and that by learning to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns, we can change how we feel and behave.
Unlike some other forms of therapy, CBT is goal-oriented and time-limited. Sessions are collaborative and practical — your psychologist works with you to understand your specific difficulties, set clear goals, and develop personalised strategies you can use both in and outside of sessions.
CBT is recommended by the Australian Psychological Society and is supported by decades of clinical research as an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health conditions in both adults and children.
Key Features of CBT
Evidence-based: Backed by extensive clinical research and recommended by the Australian Psychological Society
Goal-oriented: Sessions focus on specific, measurable goals tailored to your individual needs
Time-limited: Typically 8–20 sessions, though this varies depending on your needs and goals
Practical skills: You learn tools and strategies you can use independently in everyday life
Collaborative: Your psychologist works with you — not at you — to develop a personalised treatment plan
Medicare rebates available: With a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates
How CBT Works
A structured, step-by-step approach to lasting change
Assess & Understand
Your psychologist works with you to understand your history, current difficulties, and goals. Together you identify the thought patterns and behaviours contributing to your challenges.
Identify Patterns
You learn to recognise automatic negative thoughts, cognitive distortions, and unhelpful behavioural patterns — the building blocks of CBT work.
Challenge & Reframe
Using structured techniques, you learn to challenge unhelpful thoughts, test their accuracy, and replace them with more balanced, realistic perspectives.
Build Skills & Maintain
You develop a personalised toolkit of coping strategies, relapse prevention skills, and healthy habits to maintain your progress long after therapy ends.
Conditions CBT Can Help With
CBT is effective for a wide range of mental health concerns
Our Approach to CBT
What makes our CBT therapy different
Client-Centred
We tailor every treatment plan to your unique circumstances, goals, and learning style. There is no one-size-fits-all approach — your therapy is built around you.
Evidence-Based
Our psychologists use only clinically validated CBT techniques supported by current research. We stay up to date with best-practice guidelines through ongoing professional development.
Practical Skills
CBT is not just about talking — it is about learning. We equip you with real-world tools and strategies you can apply immediately to manage your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
Who is CBT Suitable For?
CBT is effective across all ages and life stages
Adults
CBT is widely used with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, and a broad range of other mental health concerns. Sessions are typically weekly or fortnightly and are structured around your goals.
View Adult Services →Children & Adolescents
CBT is highly effective for children and teenagers dealing with anxiety, school refusal, low mood, behavioural difficulties, and social challenges. Techniques are adapted to be age-appropriate and engaging.
View Children's Services →Couples
CBT principles can be applied in couples therapy to help partners identify unhelpful communication patterns, challenge negative assumptions about each other, and build healthier relationship dynamics.
View Couples Services →What to Expect in a CBT Session
A warm, structured, and collaborative experience
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1
Warm Welcome & Check-In
Each session begins with a brief check-in about how you have been since your last appointment, including any significant events or shifts in mood.
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2
Review of Between-Session Work
CBT often involves brief exercises or reflections between sessions. Your psychologist will review these with you and discuss what you noticed.
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3
Focused Skill-Building
The core of each session involves learning or practising a specific CBT technique — such as thought records, behavioural experiments, or relaxation strategies.
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4
Goal Review & Planning
Your psychologist will regularly review your progress toward your goals and adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure you are getting the most from therapy.
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5
Compassionate, Non-Judgmental Space
Our psychologists create a safe, supportive environment where you can speak openly. There is no pressure — you move at a pace that feels right for you.
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6
Telehealth Available
CBT sessions are available via telehealth for clients who prefer to attend from home or who are unable to visit our Sippy Downs or Maroochydore clinics in person.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about CBT at Sunshine Coast Psychology Clinic
Related Therapy Approaches
CBT is often used alongside or integrated with other evidence-based therapies