Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Psychologists and Therapists in Avoca Beach, NSW
My approach is firmly grounded in collaboration, decades of international experience, and evidence-based therapies including ACT, CBT, DBT, and EMDR for trauma.
You might be feeling stuck, burnt out, or overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, depression, addiction, or trauma. Maybe you’re navigating the aftermath of an injury, accident, or workplace incident, and the process feels as exhausting as what brought you here. For over two decades, I’ve supported young people and adults through these experiences, in community, hospital, and justice settings. My work spans general clinical care as well as forensic and medico-legal practice, including SIRA/WorkCover and CTP claims. A significant part of my practice also involves supporting first responders and others in high-stress, high-complexity roles.
My approach is firmly grounded in collaboration, decades of international experience, and evidence-based therapies including ACT, CBT, DBT, and EMDR for trauma.
You might be feeling stuck, burnt out, or overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, depression, addiction, or trauma. Maybe you’re navigating the aftermath of an injury, accident, or workplace incident, and the process feels as exhausting as what brought you here. For over two decades, I’ve supported young people and adults through these experiences, in community, hospital, and justice settings. My work spans general clinical care as well as forensic and medico-legal practice, including SIRA/WorkCover and CTP claims. A significant part of my practice also involves supporting first responders and others in high-stress, high-complexity roles.
CBT, Positive Psychology, Schema Therapy, and DBT (I'm not specialised in BPD).
I am a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with clients across the lifespan in private practice. For seven years, I worked exclusively with youth, and I remain particularly passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults. Since returning to private practice, I have expanded my work to include adults of all ages.
My areas of interest include complex trauma, ADHD, gender identity and sexuality, anxiety, depression, stress management, and cultural transition and adjustment. Since returning to private practice, I offer both psychological treatment and psychological assessments.
CBT, Positive Psychology, Schema Therapy, and DBT (I'm not specialised in BPD).
I am a Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience working with clients across the lifespan in private practice. For seven years, I worked exclusively with youth, and I remain particularly passionate about supporting adolescents and young adults. Since returning to private practice, I have expanded my work to include adults of all ages.
My areas of interest include complex trauma, ADHD, gender identity and sexuality, anxiety, depression, stress management, and cultural transition and adjustment. Since returning to private practice, I offer both psychological treatment and psychological assessments.
Aligned Relationship Therapy offers support to individuals and couples who feel stuck in patterns of conflict, disconnection, or imbalance. They may struggle with communication, intimacy, trust, or carrying unresolved wounds from past relationships. What they want is to feel heard, valued, and supported, while learning healthier ways to connect, manage conflict, and align their relationships with their values, moving from “just getting by” to experiencing deeper connection and growth.
Aligned Relationship Therapy offers support to individuals and couples who feel stuck in patterns of conflict, disconnection, or imbalance. They may struggle with communication, intimacy, trust, or carrying unresolved wounds from past relationships. What they want is to feel heard, valued, and supported, while learning healthier ways to connect, manage conflict, and align their relationships with their values, moving from “just getting by” to experiencing deeper connection and growth.
If you're in recovery and scared it's not going to stick — I get it. I've been there. I'm a counsellor with almost 20 years of clinical experience and my PhD research specialises in addiction recovery and relapse prevention. I work with people who are serious about lasting change, not just getting through the week. My Terrigal clinic is a short drive from anywhere on the Central Coast, and I offer telehealth if that's easier. Call me for a free 15-minute chat — no pressure, no forms, just a conversation. If you are ready for recovery - REALLY ready - then let's get started.
If you're in recovery and scared it's not going to stick — I get it. I've been there. I'm a counsellor with almost 20 years of clinical experience and my PhD research specialises in addiction recovery and relapse prevention. I work with people who are serious about lasting change, not just getting through the week. My Terrigal clinic is a short drive from anywhere on the Central Coast, and I offer telehealth if that's easier. Call me for a free 15-minute chat — no pressure, no forms, just a conversation. If you are ready for recovery - REALLY ready - then let's get started.
However, depending upon what is likely to be most beneficial, we are often integrative in our approach, drawing upon ideas from different areas of psychology and counselling including Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT), Mindfulness based therapies, schema therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), EMDR, Gottman Couples Therapy, and family-based therapies.
At a minimum, our therapists have post-graduate qualifications (Master of Clinical Psychology) including at least six years of university training, followed by two years of supervised practice. Our therapists are very experienced, having worked as fully qualified Clinical Psychologists for 10+ years. Please visit our website for more info.
However, depending upon what is likely to be most beneficial, we are often integrative in our approach, drawing upon ideas from different areas of psychology and counselling including Compassion-focused Therapy (CFT), Mindfulness based therapies, schema therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT), EMDR, Gottman Couples Therapy, and family-based therapies.
At a minimum, our therapists have post-graduate qualifications (Master of Clinical Psychology) including at least six years of university training, followed by two years of supervised practice. Our therapists are very experienced, having worked as fully qualified Clinical Psychologists for 10+ years. Please visit our website for more info.
What would you do without that sadness? Will we find out? Sadness has many faces: anxious, depressed, traumatised, angry. Well 10 years of formal training (Clinical Psychologist) tells you I’m patient, sincere, and ready to hold it all gently while we detangle it together. The gift is seeing your situation from higher ground. You move past the tricky mind, onto peace and flow. BYO anguish & confusion, take away stillness. Clin. Psychs use gold-standard methods to help you look afresh, identify where you're stuck, and connect you with change. It's not magic, it's settling your hurts and following a clear intention. See for yourself.
What would you do without that sadness? Will we find out? Sadness has many faces: anxious, depressed, traumatised, angry. Well 10 years of formal training (Clinical Psychologist) tells you I’m patient, sincere, and ready to hold it all gently while we detangle it together. The gift is seeing your situation from higher ground. You move past the tricky mind, onto peace and flow. BYO anguish & confusion, take away stillness. Clin. Psychs use gold-standard methods to help you look afresh, identify where you're stuck, and connect you with change. It's not magic, it's settling your hurts and following a clear intention. See for yourself.
Offering outdoor Walk and Talk sessions in parkland settings on the NSW Central Coast for adolescents (16yrs+) and adults. Outdoor sessions combine traditional psychological therapy with the added benefit of time spent in nature for improved health and wellbeing. I have carefully selected specific locations that are easily accessible for all, with flat walking trails and nearby parking and toilet facilities. A Telehealth option is available when the weather is unkind. Experience bespoke therapy that is co-designed with you for your specific needs and goals.
Offering outdoor Walk and Talk sessions in parkland settings on the NSW Central Coast for adolescents (16yrs+) and adults. Outdoor sessions combine traditional psychological therapy with the added benefit of time spent in nature for improved health and wellbeing. I have carefully selected specific locations that are easily accessible for all, with flat walking trails and nearby parking and toilet facilities. A Telehealth option is available when the weather is unkind. Experience bespoke therapy that is co-designed with you for your specific needs and goals.
More Therapists Nearby
With experience in trauma, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, grief, insomnia, and relationship issues, I use CBT, ACT, DBT, prolonged exposure, and exposure and response prevention to help clients build coping skills, improve wellbeing, and move forward with confidence.
My ideal client is someone experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, insomnia, grief and loss, health anxiety, or relationship difficulties. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Their needs include a safe, supportive space and practical strategies to manage symptoms and improve functioning. Their goals often involve emotional relief, better relationships, improved sleep, or rebuilding after loss. They seek clarity, resilience, and a sense of control over their lives.
With experience in trauma, anxiety, OCD, eating disorders, grief, insomnia, and relationship issues, I use CBT, ACT, DBT, prolonged exposure, and exposure and response prevention to help clients build coping skills, improve wellbeing, and move forward with confidence.
My ideal client is someone experiencing trauma, anxiety, depression, OCD, eating disorders, insomnia, grief and loss, health anxiety, or relationship difficulties. They may feel stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected. Their needs include a safe, supportive space and practical strategies to manage symptoms and improve functioning. Their goals often involve emotional relief, better relationships, improved sleep, or rebuilding after loss. They seek clarity, resilience, and a sense of control over their lives.
Anna Schwarz and her team are committed to supporting individuals and families in achieving optimal health and well-being. We are here to help you find ways through your challenges and to give you life skills to navigate when difficulties arise. We are here to walk beside you on this journey.
Anna Schwarz and her team are committed to supporting individuals and families in achieving optimal health and well-being. We are here to help you find ways through your challenges and to give you life skills to navigate when difficulties arise. We are here to walk beside you on this journey.
I am an Accredited Cognitive Processing Therapy Provider, also incorporate Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in my approaches.
I recognise that individuals are the experts in their own lives and I work collaboratively to address the challenges they encounter. I provide focused psychological strategies to address a range of mental health concerns, specialising in Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Emotion Dysregulation, Stress, Interpersonal Conflict (relationship and family), Adjustment Issues, Grief and Loss and Asian Australian Mental Health. Acknowledging that therapy can be a challenging experience for some, I approach each session with awareness and understanding.
I am an Accredited Cognitive Processing Therapy Provider, also incorporate Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy in my approaches.
I recognise that individuals are the experts in their own lives and I work collaboratively to address the challenges they encounter. I provide focused psychological strategies to address a range of mental health concerns, specialising in Trauma and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, Emotion Dysregulation, Stress, Interpersonal Conflict (relationship and family), Adjustment Issues, Grief and Loss and Asian Australian Mental Health. Acknowledging that therapy can be a challenging experience for some, I approach each session with awareness and understanding.
I am trained in, and might use approaches which might include; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy ( DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI) and, Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Feeling frustrated or stuck? Seeking support with life cross-roads, grief & loss, neurodivergence, work/career, relationships and/or what to do next?
I'm here to walk alongside you. I am a clinical social worker / counsellor and live and work via Telehealth between Sydney and Tasmania.
I will work with you in understanding your context, environment, how impacts body, and how we could integrate to find a balance.
I am trained in, and might use approaches which might include; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy ( DBT), Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Narrative Therapy, Motivational Interviewing (MI) and, Internal Family Systems (IFS).
Feeling frustrated or stuck? Seeking support with life cross-roads, grief & loss, neurodivergence, work/career, relationships and/or what to do next?
I'm here to walk alongside you. I am a clinical social worker / counsellor and live and work via Telehealth between Sydney and Tasmania.
I will work with you in understanding your context, environment, how impacts body, and how we could integrate to find a balance.
I also help with practical strategies drawing on evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT) strategies commonly used in addictions treatment.
Tired of "food noise" or emotional burnout? Trapped in compulsive habits with food, drinking, Internet use, overspending or overworking just to get by? Maybe you have external success but feel anxious, stuck, or empty? You are welcome here. Many of my clients are individuals navigating complex trauma or active addictions. I specialise in supporting those with food addiction, binge eating and compulsive eating. Some of my clients are on metabolic health and weight loss journeys, including GLP-1 medications. I support them in building sustainable lifestyle changes, including emotion and nervous system regulation.
I also help with practical strategies drawing on evidence-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy ( DBT) strategies commonly used in addictions treatment.
Tired of "food noise" or emotional burnout? Trapped in compulsive habits with food, drinking, Internet use, overspending or overworking just to get by? Maybe you have external success but feel anxious, stuck, or empty? You are welcome here. Many of my clients are individuals navigating complex trauma or active addictions. I specialise in supporting those with food addiction, binge eating and compulsive eating. Some of my clients are on metabolic health and weight loss journeys, including GLP-1 medications. I support them in building sustainable lifestyle changes, including emotion and nervous system regulation.
At the heart of my practice is a client-centred approach, where I work collaboratively with my clients to assess their individual needs and develop tailored solutions that align with their identified goals.
At the heart of my practice is a client-centred approach, where I work collaboratively with my clients to assess their individual needs and develop tailored solutions that align with their identified goals.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy ( DBT).
I’m a Clinical Psychologist working with adults navigating challenges related to trauma, identity, and relationships. My approach integrates parts work and humanistic frameworks alongside evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, EMDR, and mindfulness, to help clients notice patterns, develop coping strategies, and create meaningful change. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your experiences and work toward a life aligned with your values.
Only accepting Telehealth clients.
I am trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioural therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy ( DBT).
I’m a Clinical Psychologist working with adults navigating challenges related to trauma, identity, and relationships. My approach integrates parts work and humanistic frameworks alongside evidence-based approaches including CBT, ACT, EMDR, and mindfulness, to help clients notice patterns, develop coping strategies, and create meaningful change. I provide a safe, supportive space to explore your experiences and work toward a life aligned with your values.
Only accepting Telehealth clients.
I use evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, and schema-informed therapy.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally shut down, or constantly “on edge.” Maybe anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, neurodivergence, or major life transitions are affecting your relationships and sense of self. You want support that feels safe, thoughtful, and genuinely understanding — not rushed or surface-level.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation challenges, and neurodiversity (including autism and ADHD).
I use evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, ACT, and schema-informed therapy.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, emotionally shut down, or constantly “on edge.” Maybe anxiety, emotional regulation difficulties, neurodivergence, or major life transitions are affecting your relationships and sense of self. You want support that feels safe, thoughtful, and genuinely understanding — not rushed or surface-level.
I work with children, adolescents, and adults navigating anxiety, depression, stress, emotional regulation challenges, and neurodiversity (including autism and ADHD).
Offering telehealth individual sessions to adolescents and adults of all walks of life. My practice is rooted in the belief that counselling should be comfortable and collaborative. I hope to provide each client with a safe and non-judgemental space to empower people in their journeys.
Specialising in women’s counselling, youth wellbeing, substance use and social/ emotional stressors, I provide clients an individualised approach so they can get the most out of their sessions. Each session is client led and grounded in empathy and compassion.
Offering telehealth individual sessions to adolescents and adults of all walks of life. My practice is rooted in the belief that counselling should be comfortable and collaborative. I hope to provide each client with a safe and non-judgemental space to empower people in their journeys.
Specialising in women’s counselling, youth wellbeing, substance use and social/ emotional stressors, I provide clients an individualised approach so they can get the most out of their sessions. Each session is client led and grounded in empathy and compassion.
After this we start teaching you skills to manage these symptoms better, using mostly CBT and DBT skills, so that you can cope better and feel more stabilized before we jump into starting to treat any conditions.
Most therapists aren't specifically trained in trauma, and many who are may rely on just one trauma-specific technique within a general talk therapy framework.
I do things differently. Trauma therapy is what I specialize in. I’m trained in multiple trauma-specific methods as well as Neuropsychotherapy, so I can adapt the work to meet your unique nervous system and needs, not the other way around.
Take the first step towards healing from Trauma, reducing Anxiety and Depression, and enhancing your quality of life.
After this we start teaching you skills to manage these symptoms better, using mostly CBT and DBT skills, so that you can cope better and feel more stabilized before we jump into starting to treat any conditions.
Most therapists aren't specifically trained in trauma, and many who are may rely on just one trauma-specific technique within a general talk therapy framework.
I do things differently. Trauma therapy is what I specialize in. I’m trained in multiple trauma-specific methods as well as Neuropsychotherapy, so I can adapt the work to meet your unique nervous system and needs, not the other way around.
Take the first step towards healing from Trauma, reducing Anxiety and Depression, and enhancing your quality of life.
Founded in 2006 with a small but growing team of talented psychologists, we specialise in both short-term and long-term work on a wide range of problems. Our psychologists specialise in adult and adolescent individual and family sessions, to address mental illness, adjustment difficulties, interpersonal conflict, workplace stress, as well as complex challenges such as trauma, chronic illness, and relationship breakdown. Set in a quiet location with easy parking and access to public transport nearby.
Founded in 2006 with a small but growing team of talented psychologists, we specialise in both short-term and long-term work on a wide range of problems. Our psychologists specialise in adult and adolescent individual and family sessions, to address mental illness, adjustment difficulties, interpersonal conflict, workplace stress, as well as complex challenges such as trauma, chronic illness, and relationship breakdown. Set in a quiet location with easy parking and access to public transport nearby.
The Anxiety Clinic Team are a group of dedicated Clinical and Registered Psychologists who are available in-person or online to assist you with anxiety, burnout, depression, low mood and all areas of mental health. We use the evidence-based therapy methods to help you reach your goals. We treat adults, kids and teens.
The Anxiety Clinic Team are a group of dedicated Clinical and Registered Psychologists who are available in-person or online to assist you with anxiety, burnout, depression, low mood and all areas of mental health. We use the evidence-based therapy methods to help you reach your goals. We treat adults, kids and teens.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or not improving despite support, you're not alone. Tom provides a point of difference to regular therapy, valuing a practical, strengths based, and assertive approach to mental health care for young people and families. An endorsed Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and having completed a Master of Youth Mental Health, he has worked with child, youth, adult, and family services across Sydney, combining evidence-based therapies, with pharmacological & behavioural interventions. Tom specialises in supporting adolescent males presenting with moderate to severe mental health difficulties.
If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or not improving despite support, you're not alone. Tom provides a point of difference to regular therapy, valuing a practical, strengths based, and assertive approach to mental health care for young people and families. An endorsed Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and having completed a Master of Youth Mental Health, he has worked with child, youth, adult, and family services across Sydney, combining evidence-based therapies, with pharmacological & behavioural interventions. Tom specialises in supporting adolescent males presenting with moderate to severe mental health difficulties.
Nearby Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Therapists Searches for Avoca Beach
- Berkeley Vale
- East Gosford
- Erina
- Gosford
- Green Point
- Kincumber
- Terrigal
- The Entrance
- Umina Beach
- Wamberal
- West Gosford
- Woy Woy
Dialectical Behaviour (DBT) Therapists
Who is DBT for?
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is designed for people who experience extreme emotional suffering because they lack the skills of emotion regulation and distress tolerance. The basic affliction can underlie a wide range of conditions, from borderline and other personality disorders to PTSD and treatment-resistant anxiety and depression. The therapy is helpful to those whose emotional reactivity is so intense it is disruptive to everyday functioning and leads to frequent crises.
Why do people need DBT?
The ability to regulate emotions is a core psychological skill that enables people to function in life and pay attention to the world outside themselves; it is consistently associated with well-being. DBT is designed to help people learn how to manage and regulate their emotions. Originally developed to treat people with borderline personality disorder whose extreme emotional suffering led to self-harming behaviour and suicide attempts, the therapy is now applied to other conditions involving emotion dysregulation, particularly when other treatments have failed.
What happens in DBT?
Individuals meet weekly with their therapist to discuss their experiences relating to moods, behaviour, and skills. Using checklists they maintain, they review emotional experiences and positive practices they engage in. The diaries help individuals discern what led up to a specific problem encountered, this is followed by discussion of the consequences of their actions. In addition, individuals may meet in class-like small groups to learn skills such as mindfulness, emotion regulation and distress tolerance.
How long does DBT last?
Because it is intended to establish long-lasting behavioural change among those with persistent problems, DBT is designed to last six months to a year. DBT includes both weekly sessions of individual therapy and weekly skills-training sessions conducted in small groups. Studies of DBT have documented improvement within a year of treatment, particularly in controlling self-harmful behaviour; nevertheless, individuals may require therapy for several years.