CBT Therapy Gold Coast
What is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most widely used and effective forms of psychological treatment. It’s a structured, evidence-based approach that helps you identify unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviours, then replace them with healthier ways of coping.
Unlike some therapies that focus mainly on the past, CBT is present-focused and practical. It gives you tools to manage challenges right now, while still considering how past experiences may influence your current patterns.
How Can CBT Help You?
CBT is highly effective for a range of mental health concerns, including:
- Depression and low mood
- Anxiety, worry, and panic attacks
- Stress and burnout
- Low self-esteem or self-confidence
- Phobias and fears
- Insomnia and sleep issues
- Eating-related difficulties
- Adjustment to life changes
Many clients also use CBT to build resilience, enhance problem-solving, and develop healthier coping strategies in daily life.
What to Expect in CBT Sessions
During CBT sessions, we work together to:
- Identify negative thought patterns (“I’m not good enough,” “Something bad will happen”)
- Explore how these thoughts affect your emotions and behaviours
- Learn strategies to challenge and reframe unhelpful thinking
- Develop healthier coping responses and problem-solving skills
- Practise new skills between sessions to reinforce progress
CBT is collaborative and active — you’re not just talking about problems, but learning and applying tools to make meaningful changes.
Benefits of CBT
With CBT, clients often experience:
- A sense of control over thoughts and emotions
- Improved mood and emotional wellbeing
- Reduced anxiety, stress, and worry
- Stronger confidence and self-belief
- Better sleep and daily functioning
- Healthier relationships and communication
If you’d like to break free from unhelpful patterns and learn practical tools for lasting change, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy may be the right approach for you.
The Evidence for CBT
CBT is one of the most researched forms of therapy worldwide. Studies consistently show its effectiveness across a wide range of conditions, for example:
- A panoramic meta-analysis of 115 systematic reviews concluded CBT is effective across multiple disorders, including depression, anxiety, and insomnia.
- CBT remains first-line for anxiety disorders and performs best at follow-up vs other psychotherapies (network meta-analysis).
- CBT is a first-line, empirically supported intervention for anxiety and stress-related disorders.
- Research has shown that CBT has been shown to deliver significant improvements across multiple mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders.
- A systematic review & meta-analysis has shown that CBT is effective for depression and anxiety for people with chronic physical illness comorbidities.
- For social anxiety disorder specifically, CBT shows strong efficacy (2024 systematic review & meta-analysis).
- CBT is recommended by the Australian Psychological Society and global mental health guidelines as a first-line treatment and is the current gold standard of Psychotherapy.
FAQ’s about CBT
How long does CBT take?
CBT is generally a short- to medium-term therapy. Many clients notice improvements in as little as 6–12 sessions, though the number depends on individual needs.
Is CBT suitable for everyone?
CBT is highly adaptable. It can be tailored to adults, teens, and even children. Some clients may benefit from combining CBT with other approaches like ACT or mindfulness.
Do I need to do homework?
CBT often involves practising skills between sessions. This helps you apply strategies in real life and see faster progress.
Can CBT be used with medication?
Yes. Many clients find CBT effective on its own, while others benefit most when combined with medication prescribed by a GP or psychiatrist.
Michelle van Namen is a registered Psychologist, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Life Coach and Integrative Health Practitioner with over 30 years of experience working with human behaviour and improving mental health. Michelle has been trained in a broad range of evidence-based therapies. She has worked in a variety of roles within private practice, corporate organisations, education, research, and community crisis support. Established in 2006, Integrated Health Specialists is her psychology practice located on the Gold Coast, providing individual and couples therapy for adults. Michelle focuses on providing a warm, authentic and non-judgemental therapeutic space to support clients and facilitate healing and personal growth. Read more about Michelle.
BA (Hons) in Psychology: University of Wollongong, 1995
Registered Psychologist with the Psychology Board (AHPRA) PSY0001395059
Member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPI) 15525
Qualifications verified by Psychology Today
Medicare and Health Insurance Provider.