Schema Therapy Psychologists and Therapists in Cessnock, NSW

Photo of Sally Hainey - Soulful Psychotherapy , Psychotherapist, MA
Soulful Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MA
Cessnock, NSW 2325
Trauma and EMDR specialist; helping clients to overcome painful memories preventing them from living a full and happy life. Many clients tell me they are amazed how EMDR has transferred their lives, and the results they have achieved.
Trauma and EMDR specialist; helping clients to overcome painful memories preventing them from living a full and happy life. Many clients tell me they are amazed how EMDR has transferred their lives, and the results they have achieved.
(02) 4307 5008 View (02) 4307 5008
Photo of Skye Welbourne, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Skye Welbourne
Counsellor, ACA-L2
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
People who feel stuck in repeating patterns, disconnected in relationships, or unsure how to move forward often come to see me. You might notice you overthink, shut down, react quickly, or feel not quite like yourself. Many clients are navigating the impact of past experiences, even if they wouldn’t call it trauma. Couples often feel caught in the same arguments or distance and want to understand what’s happening underneath and find a different way forward.
People who feel stuck in repeating patterns, disconnected in relationships, or unsure how to move forward often come to see me. You might notice you overthink, shut down, react quickly, or feel not quite like yourself. Many clients are navigating the impact of past experiences, even if they wouldn’t call it trauma. Couples often feel caught in the same arguments or distance and want to understand what’s happening underneath and find a different way forward.
(02) 4005 0060 View (02) 4005 0060
Photo of Ruby Crowe, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Ruby Crowe
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work collaboratively with clients to explore the underlying factors contributing to their struggles with body image, burnout, work/school stress, anxiety, and relationship challenges. I help clients build self-awareness, develop effective coping strategies, and cultivate self-compassion. Together, we focus on identifying strengths, celebrating progress, and empowering clients to create meaningful changes in their lives.
I work collaboratively with clients to explore the underlying factors contributing to their struggles with body image, burnout, work/school stress, anxiety, and relationship challenges. I help clients build self-awareness, develop effective coping strategies, and cultivate self-compassion. Together, we focus on identifying strengths, celebrating progress, and empowering clients to create meaningful changes in their lives.
(02) 5503 1524 View (02) 5503 1524
Photo of Nicola Jeffers, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Nicola Jeffers
Psychologist, PsyBA General
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I'm a registered psychologist with a grounded, compassionate, and down-to-earth approach. I meet clients where they’re at - with empathy, curiosity, and care - offering evidence-based, and tailored support. I'm passionate about helping people heal from complex trauma and reconnect with their authentic core. My work draws on EMDR, polyvagal and psychodynamic theory, as well as parts work. When it suits the client, I can also incorporate nature and horses into the process for deeper insight and growth.
I'm a registered psychologist with a grounded, compassionate, and down-to-earth approach. I meet clients where they’re at - with empathy, curiosity, and care - offering evidence-based, and tailored support. I'm passionate about helping people heal from complex trauma and reconnect with their authentic core. My work draws on EMDR, polyvagal and psychodynamic theory, as well as parts work. When it suits the client, I can also incorporate nature and horses into the process for deeper insight and growth.
View

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Berty Hills, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L1
Berty Hills
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L1
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Berty is a dedicated and experienced counsellor committed to providing safe, supportive, and affirming counselling for all individuals seeking support. As a queer and neurodivergent person, Berty brings lived experience and an additional layer of empathy to her practice. She has experience supporting individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, ASD, ADHD, gender dysphoria, disordered eating and personality disorders.
Berty is a dedicated and experienced counsellor committed to providing safe, supportive, and affirming counselling for all individuals seeking support. As a queer and neurodivergent person, Berty brings lived experience and an additional layer of empathy to her practice. She has experience supporting individuals facing a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, complex trauma, life transitions, emotional dysregulation, ASD, ADHD, gender dysphoria, disordered eating and personality disorders.
(08) 6171 2080 View (08) 6171 2080
Photo of Eliza Newton, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Eliza Newton
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Charlestown, NSW 2290
Many of the people I work with are dealing with the impacts of childhood experiences - things like sexual abuse, emotional neglect, or simply not getting the kind of support they needed early on. These early dynamics can leave a lasting mark, even if life looks fine from the outside. But therapy doesn’t need to start with a clear story. Some people come in just knowing something isn’t quite right. My approach tends to suit people who’ve found short-term strategies helpful but limited, or who’ve had trouble feeling connected in past therapies. We go at your pace, and take the time needed to get to the heart of things.
Many of the people I work with are dealing with the impacts of childhood experiences - things like sexual abuse, emotional neglect, or simply not getting the kind of support they needed early on. These early dynamics can leave a lasting mark, even if life looks fine from the outside. But therapy doesn’t need to start with a clear story. Some people come in just knowing something isn’t quite right. My approach tends to suit people who’ve found short-term strategies helpful but limited, or who’ve had trouble feeling connected in past therapies. We go at your pace, and take the time needed to get to the heart of things.
(02) 4075 9669 View (02) 4075 9669
Photo of Renee Morrison, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Renee Morrison
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
3 Endorsed
Branxton, NSW 2335
I hold additional training in EMDR, DBT and Radically Open-DBT, ACT and Schema Therapy.
I am a clinical psychologist providing in Branxton based in the Hunter Valley NSW and online Australia wide. I welcome clients from diverse linguistic, cultural, and sexual orientation backgrounds. My approach prioritises creating a nurturing, calm, and non-judgmental experience. Areas of therapeutic focus, include anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma (PTSD/c-PTSD), motherhood and parenting, relationships, women's health, autism and ADHD, identity/self-worth, and grief and loss. I offer therapy for adults. Olive Branch psychology is a neuro-affirming practice and provides care through a trauma-informed lens.
I hold additional training in EMDR, DBT and Radically Open-DBT, ACT and Schema Therapy.
I am a clinical psychologist providing in Branxton based in the Hunter Valley NSW and online Australia wide. I welcome clients from diverse linguistic, cultural, and sexual orientation backgrounds. My approach prioritises creating a nurturing, calm, and non-judgmental experience. Areas of therapeutic focus, include anxiety, OCD, depression, trauma (PTSD/c-PTSD), motherhood and parenting, relationships, women's health, autism and ADHD, identity/self-worth, and grief and loss. I offer therapy for adults. Olive Branch psychology is a neuro-affirming practice and provides care through a trauma-informed lens.
(02) 5565 0421 View (02) 5565 0421
Photo of Stephanie Green, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Stephanie Green
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Schema Therapy looks at long-standing patterns rooted in early experience.
Life can feel heavy when you’re carrying too much on your own. Whether you’re navigating ADHD, past trauma, anxiety, or just trying to keep up with everything life throws at you, therapy can help you find your footing. I offer a down‑to‑earth, conversational approach that’s focused on real change, practical strategies, new ways of seeing things, and space to breathe again.
Schema Therapy looks at long-standing patterns rooted in early experience.
Life can feel heavy when you’re carrying too much on your own. Whether you’re navigating ADHD, past trauma, anxiety, or just trying to keep up with everything life throws at you, therapy can help you find your footing. I offer a down‑to‑earth, conversational approach that’s focused on real change, practical strategies, new ways of seeing things, and space to breathe again.
(02) 4306 7357 View (02) 4306 7357
Photo of Melanie Clark - Coast Anxiety Solutions, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Coast Anxiety Solutions
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Gosford, NSW 2250
At Coast Anxiety Solutions, we work collaboratively with you to identify the factors contributing to your anxiety and give you the skills to overcome the issues. If panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety or worry are interfering with your ability to engage in the activities that mean the most to you, then we can work together to help you live a more values-based life.
At Coast Anxiety Solutions, we work collaboratively with you to identify the factors contributing to your anxiety and give you the skills to overcome the issues. If panic, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety or worry are interfering with your ability to engage in the activities that mean the most to you, then we can work together to help you live a more values-based life.
(02) 4306 7315 View (02) 4306 7315
Photo of Amalia Gangemi - Better Choice Consultancy and Psychology, Counsellor
I take a caring, flexible approach to therapy, blending evidence-based methods like family systems, psychodynamic, CBT, narrative, and Schema Therapy.
As a counsellor, Amalia supports clients through various methods tailored to their unique needs. She offers individual, and family counselling to address relationship issues, complex trauma, emotional challenges, behavioural issues and parenting concerns. Amalia has over 20 years of experience in the helping profession working with child protection, out-of-home care, disabilities and mental health agencies providing services to vulnerable individuals who are seeking to heal from life's adverse experiences.
I take a caring, flexible approach to therapy, blending evidence-based methods like family systems, psychodynamic, CBT, narrative, and Schema Therapy.
As a counsellor, Amalia supports clients through various methods tailored to their unique needs. She offers individual, and family counselling to address relationship issues, complex trauma, emotional challenges, behavioural issues and parenting concerns. Amalia has over 20 years of experience in the helping profession working with child protection, out-of-home care, disabilities and mental health agencies providing services to vulnerable individuals who are seeking to heal from life's adverse experiences.
(02) 4307 5469 View (02) 4307 5469
Photo of Alex Corcoran, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Alex Corcoran
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I work with older teens and adults and use a range of evidence-based therapies including compassion-focussed CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, DBT and EMDR.
I understand that finding the right kind of help can be difficult. Like taking any big step, it is common to feel uncertain about coming to see someone, especially if it is the first time… I am passionate about helping people. If you have any specific concerns, please feel free to reach out via phone or email.
I work with older teens and adults and use a range of evidence-based therapies including compassion-focussed CBT, ACT, Schema Therapy, DBT and EMDR.
I understand that finding the right kind of help can be difficult. Like taking any big step, it is common to feel uncertain about coming to see someone, especially if it is the first time… I am passionate about helping people. If you have any specific concerns, please feel free to reach out via phone or email.
1300 133 013 View 1300 133 013
Moving Forward Clinical Psychologists
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
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.
(02) 4307 6974 View (02) 4307 6974
Photo of Allira Sazdanoff, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Allira Sazdanoff
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I am a psychologist, with an approach to therapy that is person-centred and holistic in nature, taking into account the many aspects of the human experience and the influences that shape us. I have experience in assessing and providing therapeutic services to adolescents and adults with a diverse range of mental health conditions, and have a special interest in working with complex trauma and dissociation, anxiety, and attachment difficulties. I strive to create safety for individuals to explore their vulnerabilities and am passionate about supporting clients to reduce suffering, to live authentically, and achieve their goals.
I am a psychologist, with an approach to therapy that is person-centred and holistic in nature, taking into account the many aspects of the human experience and the influences that shape us. I have experience in assessing and providing therapeutic services to adolescents and adults with a diverse range of mental health conditions, and have a special interest in working with complex trauma and dissociation, anxiety, and attachment difficulties. I strive to create safety for individuals to explore their vulnerabilities and am passionate about supporting clients to reduce suffering, to live authentically, and achieve their goals.
(02) 4049 4035 View (02) 4049 4035
Photo of Kara Elizabeth Thomson, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kara Elizabeth Thomson
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Charlestown, NSW 2290
I offer a safe, respectful environment where clients feel heard and understood. My clinical work focuses on trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and personal growth, while my forensic practice brings deep experience in risk assessment, complex case formulation, and intervention for individuals involved in the justice system.
I offer a safe, respectful environment where clients feel heard and understood. My clinical work focuses on trauma, anxiety, mood disorders, and personal growth, while my forensic practice brings deep experience in risk assessment, complex case formulation, and intervention for individuals involved in the justice system.
(02) 4005 0420 View (02) 4005 0420
Photo of Jayashree Bhaskar, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Jayashree Bhaskar
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Kangy Angy, NSW 2258
I have always had a particular love for supporting the people around me, especially the people closest to me. Utilising therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and more, to provide a positive experience of support, guidance and compassion for others to achieve a more fulfilling and peaceful life, is the ultimate objective of my services and Ropana Therapy.
I have always had a particular love for supporting the people around me, especially the people closest to me. Utilising therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and more, to provide a positive experience of support, guidance and compassion for others to achieve a more fulfilling and peaceful life, is the ultimate objective of my services and Ropana Therapy.
(02) 4214 8413 View (02) 4214 8413
Photo of Susan Dalby - Women In Mind, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Women In Mind
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Toronto, NSW 2283
I use Schema Therapy EMDR and many other approaches.
Most issues that people experience have their origins in childhood when developmental needs were not met. Most parents mean well and do their best but because our culture is generally ignorant about the early needs of children the child has to learn how to adapt. For example a parent because of their upbringing may be easily angered. One way is for the child to move towards the parent by always trying to please the parent to ward off an angry episode. That is the behavior and the belief is "I have to be good or mummy will not love me." This establishes a mode that may not be helpful in later life in intimate relationships.
I use Schema Therapy EMDR and many other approaches.
Most issues that people experience have their origins in childhood when developmental needs were not met. Most parents mean well and do their best but because our culture is generally ignorant about the early needs of children the child has to learn how to adapt. For example a parent because of their upbringing may be easily angered. One way is for the child to move towards the parent by always trying to please the parent to ward off an angry episode. That is the behavior and the belief is "I have to be good or mummy will not love me." This establishes a mode that may not be helpful in later life in intimate relationships.
(02) 4058 4435 View (02) 4058 4435
Photo of Rachel Briggs, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Rachel Briggs
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Belmont, NSW 2280
I use evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, schema therapy, DBT, mindfulness, and family-focused approaches.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults who feel stuck, misunderstood, or overwhelmed—whether due to learning difficulties, ADHD, autism, anxiety, mood changes, or life transitions. They and their families are seeking clarity, compassion, and a way forward. They want to understand themselves better, improve relationships, and build on their strengths. Their goal is not only relief from distress but also to grow in confidence, resilience, and purpose, creating space for greater joy and meaningful connection in daily life.
I use evidence-based therapies such as CBT, ACT, schema therapy, DBT, mindfulness, and family-focused approaches.
My ideal clients are children, adolescents, and adults who feel stuck, misunderstood, or overwhelmed—whether due to learning difficulties, ADHD, autism, anxiety, mood changes, or life transitions. They and their families are seeking clarity, compassion, and a way forward. They want to understand themselves better, improve relationships, and build on their strengths. Their goal is not only relief from distress but also to grow in confidence, resilience, and purpose, creating space for greater joy and meaningful connection in daily life.
(02) 4012 6145 View (02) 4012 6145
Photo of Sabrina Miller, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Sabrina Miller
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
I draw on a variety of evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and schema therapy, as well as compassion-focused, mindfulness-based approaches.
I take a warm, exploratory approach to therapy, focusing on insight, self-understanding, and practical steps that support your personal goals. Together, we'll create a space that feels safe, supportive, and grounded in compassion. I see clients struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns, trauma, anxiety or low mood, grief and loss, neurodiversity, OCD and personality difficulties. Together we'll address your challenges in a way that works for you using evidence-based treatment.
I draw on a variety of evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT), eye-movement desensitisation and reprocessing therapy (EMDR) and schema therapy, as well as compassion-focused, mindfulness-based approaches.
I take a warm, exploratory approach to therapy, focusing on insight, self-understanding, and practical steps that support your personal goals. Together, we'll create a space that feels safe, supportive, and grounded in compassion. I see clients struggling with disordered eating and body image concerns, trauma, anxiety or low mood, grief and loss, neurodiversity, OCD and personality difficulties. Together we'll address your challenges in a way that works for you using evidence-based treatment.
(02) 4307 5320 View (02) 4307 5320
Photo of Sarah James, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Sarah James
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Charlestown, NSW 2290
Sarah draws upon her wealth of experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.
Sarah James is an empathetic and compassionate Psychologist who is committed to supporting individuals build upon their strengths through adversity. She places the utmost importance on developing a warm and inviting therapeutic relationship to create significant change. Sarah works collaboratively with her clients, tailoring therapy to meet the client’s needs. Private practice has always been her passion, with particular interest in helping people to overcome their traumas, anxieties and relationship difficulties. It’s in this space that Sarah can draw on her experience in other areas to best support her clients.
Sarah draws upon her wealth of experience in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation & Reprocessing (EMDR) and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) for couples.
Sarah James is an empathetic and compassionate Psychologist who is committed to supporting individuals build upon their strengths through adversity. She places the utmost importance on developing a warm and inviting therapeutic relationship to create significant change. Sarah works collaboratively with her clients, tailoring therapy to meet the client’s needs. Private practice has always been her passion, with particular interest in helping people to overcome their traumas, anxieties and relationship difficulties. It’s in this space that Sarah can draw on her experience in other areas to best support her clients.
(02) 4077 0825 View (02) 4077 0825
Photo of Lauren Freele - Lauren Freele Psychology , Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Lauren Freele Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Blacksmiths, NSW 2281
Lauren uses a person centered approach to therapy, meaning she places importance on getting to know you, your needs, and your strengths before tailoring they style of therapy to suit the individual. Lauren works with individuals and couples for all issues, specifically interpersonal relationship issues, trauma, and an array of mental health diagnosis.
Lauren uses a person centered approach to therapy, meaning she places importance on getting to know you, your needs, and your strengths before tailoring they style of therapy to suit the individual. Lauren works with individuals and couples for all issues, specifically interpersonal relationship issues, trauma, and an array of mental health diagnosis.
(02) 4005 2831 View (02) 4005 2831
Schema Therapy
How does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy is based on the idea that maladaptive thought patterns formed in childhood—that other people can never be relied on, for example—can interfere with healthy functioning in adulthood. Accordingly, schema therapy works by directly targeting such unhealthy schemas, identifying their consequences, and replacing them with more adaptive ways of thinking. To this end, schema therapists aim to “reparent” the client by offering what they didn’t get in childhood—validation, for instance, or compassion—to reorient their worldview.

Is schema therapy evidence-based?
Schema therapy is still considered relatively new, and research on its efficacy is still in progress. However, some studies have concluded that it can be effective at treating certain mental health conditions, most notably personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder. Evidence for its efficacy in treating conditions like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD is promising but less conclusive, and experts warn that much of the existing research is of low quality.

Is schema therapy a type of CBT?
Schema therapy is based on many principles of CBT, most notably the process of recognising and challenging maladaptive thought patterns. But because schema therapy also draws from other approaches,including psychoanalysis and Gestalt therapy, it is not considered a form of CBT. It also typically delves deeper into the client’s childhood than does CBT.

How does schema therapy work?
Schema therapy does not call for a set number of sessions and is instead open-ended, with the treatment timeline depending on the client’s primary concern(s), progress, and preferences. Treatment that lasts between six months and two years is common, though many clients will start to see progress much earlier than that.