Individual Therapy & Adult Psychology in Drummoyne & Sydney
Drummoyne Psychology provides individual therapy for adults in Drummoyne, the Inner West and across Sydney. Our experienced Psychologists work with adults experiencing a wide range of psychological, emotional and life difficulties, including anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, eating disorders, ADHD, women's mental health concerns and relationship difficulties.
Our approach to therapy is personalised, evidence-based and focused on understanding the whole person. Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all treatment, we work collaboratively with you to understand what is contributing to your difficulties, identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck, and develop practical strategies to support meaningful and lasting change.
You do not need to have a formal diagnosis to benefit from psychological therapy. You may be struggling with a specific mental health concern, navigating a difficult period or major life transition, experiencing problems in your relationships, or simply feel that something in your life is not working as you would like. Whatever brings you to therapy, our psychologists provide a warm, compassionate and clinically informed space to help you better understand yourself and move forward.
How Can Individual Therapy Help?
Individual therapy can help with a wide range of psychological, emotional and life difficulties. You do not need to have a mental health diagnosis to see a psychologist. Many people seek therapy because they feel overwhelmed, stuck, disconnected from themselves or others, or are finding it difficult to manage a particular situation or period of change.
Our Psychologists work with adults experiencing a broad range of concerns, including:
Anxiety, stress and overwhelm
Therapy can help when worry, fear, stress or feeling overwhelmed begins to affect your thoughts, emotions, relationships, work or everyday life. This may include generalised anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety, health anxiety, chronic stress, burnout or difficulty switching off.
Depression and low mood
Depression can affect much more than mood. It can influence motivation, energy, sleep, concentration, relationships and your sense of meaning or enjoyment in life. Psychological therapy can help you understand the factors contributing to depression and develop strategies to improve your mood, functioning and quality of life.
Trauma and difficult life experiences
Difficult or traumatic experiences can continue to affect the way we think, feel, behave and relate to others, sometimes long after the event itself. We provide psychological therapy for trauma, complex trauma and the emotional impact of difficult life experiences, using evidence-based approaches tailored to each person's needs.
Relationships and interpersonal difficulties
Our relationships can have a significant impact on our psychological wellbeing. Individual therapy can help you understand recurring relationship patterns, attachment difficulties, boundaries, communication problems, emotional reactions and difficulties with trust or intimacy. It can also provide support when you are navigating separation, relationship changes or other significant interpersonal challenges.
If relationship difficulties are the primary reason you are seeking support, couples therapy may also be appropriate.
Learn more about Couples Therapy →
Self-esteem, perfectionism and emotional difficulties
Low self-esteem, self-criticism, perfectionism and difficulty managing emotions can affect many areas of life. Therapy can help you understand where these patterns come from, develop greater self-compassion and learn healthier ways of responding to yourself, your emotions and the people around you.
Eating disorders, body image and disordered eating
Eating disorders and difficulties with food, eating and body image can have significant psychological and physical consequences. We provide specialist psychological treatment for eating disorders and disordered eating, including support for concerns around body image, self-esteem, perfectionism and the emotional functions that eating disorder behaviours may serve.
Learn more about Eating Disorder Treatment →
Women's mental health
Women may experience particular psychological challenges during different stages of life, including pregnancy and the postnatal period, perimenopause and menopause. We provide psychological support for women's mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, PMDD, adjustment to life changes and the emotional impact of reproductive and hormonal changes.
Learn more about Women's Health Psychology →
ADHD and neurodivergence
For adults with ADHD or other neurodivergent experiences, difficulties with attention, organisation, emotional regulation, relationships and self-esteem can have a significant impact on everyday life. Psychological therapy can help develop practical strategies while also exploring the emotional and relational patterns that may have developed over time.
Learn more about Adult ADHD Assessment & Support →
Grief, loss and major life changes
Life transitions and losses can be deeply challenging, even when they are not associated with a formal mental health diagnosis. Therapy can provide support through grief, separation, career changes, changes in identity, illness, retirement, becoming a parent and other significant transitions.
Personal growth and understanding yourself
You do not need to be in crisis to benefit from therapy. Some people seek individual therapy because they want to better understand themselves, change longstanding patterns, improve their relationships, develop greater emotional awareness or create a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with their values.
Our psychologists can help you develop a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, behaviours and relationships, and work with you to create meaningful and sustainable change.
Our Approach to Individual Therapy
At Drummoyne Psychology, we believe effective psychological therapy begins with understanding the person, not simply treating a diagnosis or a collection of symptoms. Everyone brings their own history, personality, relationships, experiences and circumstances to therapy, so our approach is tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Our Psychologists draw on a range of evidence-based psychological therapies and clinical approaches. We may use one therapeutic approach or integrate several approaches depending on what you are experiencing, what you want to achieve and what is likely to be most helpful.
Understanding what is keeping you stuck
Therapy is not simply about managing symptoms. While developing practical strategies to reduce anxiety, improve mood or manage stress can be important, we also seek to understand the underlying patterns contributing to your difficulties.
Together, we may explore your early experiences, relationships, beliefs about yourself and others, emotional patterns, coping strategies and the ways you respond when life becomes difficult. Developing this understanding can help you recognise patterns that may have once been protective but are no longer serving you.
Evidence-based psychological therapies
Our psychologists are trained in a range of psychological therapies, including:
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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) – helping you understand and change unhelpful patterns of thinking and behaviour.
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Schema Therapy – exploring longstanding emotional and relational patterns and the underlying needs that may not have been adequately met.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – developing psychological flexibility and learning to respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions while moving towards what matters to you.
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EMDR – an evidence-based approach that can be particularly helpful when distressing experiences or trauma continue to affect you in the present.
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Mindfulness-based approaches – developing greater awareness of thoughts, emotions and physical experiences without automatically reacting to them.
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Other evidence-based approaches – selected according to your individual circumstances, goals and treatment needs.
Explore our psychological therapy approaches →
Therapy that is collaborative and personalised
We don't believe there is one “right” way to do therapy. Your psychologist will work collaboratively with you to develop a shared understanding of your difficulties and agree on treatment goals that are meaningful to you. Some people benefit from learning practical strategies and skills. Others need space to process difficult experiences, understand longstanding patterns or work through complex emotions and relationships. Often, therapy involves a combination of these approaches.
Our aim is not simply to help you feel better in the short term, but to help you develop a deeper understanding of yourself and create changes that can be maintained beyond therapy.
Our team includes experienced Psychologists with a range of specialist areas and therapeutic expertise.
Meet our team of psychologists →
A warm, compassionate and clinically informed approach
Seeking psychological therapy can feel vulnerable, particularly if you have never worked with a psychologist before. We aim to provide a therapeutic environment that is warm, respectful, non-judgemental and psychologically safe, while maintaining the clinical expertise needed to provide effective treatment. We take the time to understand your experiences and work at a pace that is appropriate for you. Our psychologists are committed to providing therapy that is compassionate, evidence-based and responsive to the complexity of each individual person.
What happens in individual therapy
Starting therapy can feel daunting, particularly if you have never seen a psychologist before. You may not know what to expect, what you will be asked, or even where to begin. Our psychologists aim to make the process comfortable, collaborative and tailored to you. Individual therapy is an opportunity to work with an experienced Psychologist to better understand what you are experiencing, identify what may be contributing to your difficulties and develop ways of responding that help you move forward.
What happens in your first psychology appointment?
Your first appointment is an opportunity for your psychologist to get to know you and understand what has brought you to therapy. You may talk about what has been happening recently, your current concerns, your relationships, your personal history and any factors that may be affecting your psychological wellbeing. Your psychologist will also discuss what you would like to achieve from therapy. Depending on your circumstances, this may involve developing an initial understanding or formulation of your difficulties and discussing the treatment approaches that may be most helpful. You do not need to prepare a perfect explanation of why you are coming to therapy. Many people arrive feeling unsure about what they need or where to start. Your psychologist will guide the conversation and help you make sense of what is happening.
What happens after the first session?
As therapy progresses, your psychologist will work collaboratively with you to develop a clearer understanding of your difficulties and the patterns that may be contributing to them. Together, you may explore thoughts, emotions, behaviours, relationships, past experiences and the ways you respond to challenging situations.
Depending on your goals and treatment needs, therapy may involve developing practical psychological skills, changing unhelpful patterns of thinking or behaviour, processing difficult experiences, improving emotional regulation, strengthening relationships or developing a deeper understanding of yourself.
Your psychologist will regularly review your progress and ensure that therapy continues to be relevant to your goals.
How long does individual therapy take?
There is no fixed number of sessions that is right for everyone. The length and frequency of therapy depends on the nature and complexity of your concerns, your goals and how you respond to treatment.
Some people seek psychological therapy for a specific difficulty and may benefit from a relatively focused course of treatment. Others have longstanding or more complex difficulties that require longer-term therapy.
Your psychologist will discuss your treatment needs with you and work collaboratively to determine an approach that is appropriate for your circumstances.
What if I don't know what I need from therapy?
That's completely okay. You don't need to arrive with a diagnosis, a treatment plan or a clear understanding of what is wrong. Sometimes people simply know that they are struggling, feel stuck or have noticed that something in their life is not working as they would like. Part of the therapeutic process is helping you understand what is happening and identifying what needs to change. Our role is to work alongside you to make sense of your experiences and develop a path forward that is meaningful and achievable for you.
Interested in finding out which of our psychologists may be the right fit for you?
Meet our team of Psychologists →
Why Choose Drummoyne Psychology for Individual Therapy?
Choosing a psychologist is a personal decision. The quality of the therapeutic relationship matters, as does finding a psychologist with the experience and clinical expertise to understand your particular circumstances.
At Drummoyne Psychology, we bring together an experienced team of Clinical Psychologists and Psychologists with expertise across a broad range of psychological concerns. Our aim is to provide high-quality, evidence-based psychological therapy while ensuring that your treatment feels individualised, practical and relevant to your life.
Experienced Clinical Psychologists and Psychologists
Our team includes experienced Clinical Psychologists and Psychologists with a range of specialist areas and therapeutic expertise. This means we can match you with a psychologist whose experience and approach are well suited to your concerns and goals.
We also recognise that finding the right fit matters. The relationship you develop with your psychologist is an important part of effective therapy, and we encourage you to find a psychologist with whom you feel comfortable, understood and able to work openly.
Personalised treatment
We don't believe therapy should be a one-size-fits-all experience. Two people may come to therapy with the same diagnosis or presenting concern but require very different forms of support.
We take the time to understand your experiences, identify the factors contributing to your difficulties and develop treatment goals that are meaningful to you. Your therapy may focus on practical strategies, deeper emotional work, longstanding patterns, relationships, past experiences or a combination of these.
A warm, respectful and non-judgemental environment
Starting psychological therapy can feel vulnerable, particularly when you are talking about personal experiences, emotions or relationships that you may not have discussed openly before. You may also be worried about being judged, misunderstood or told what you should do.
Our psychologists aim to create a therapeutic environment where you feel listened to, respected and able to speak openly about what is happening in your life. We take the time to understand your experiences from your perspective and meet you where you are, without judgement.
We believe the therapeutic relationship is an important part of effective therapy. Your psychologist will work collaboratively with you, involve you in decisions about your treatment and tailor therapy to your individual needs, goals and circumstances.
Our approach combines warmth and compassion with clinical expertise. We want you to feel comfortable being yourself while knowing that you are receiving thoughtful, evidence-based psychological care.
Evidence-based psychological therapy
Our psychologists draw on established psychological therapies and evidence-based clinical approaches, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), EMDR, mindfulness-based approaches and other therapeutic methods.
Rather than using the same treatment for everyone, we consider your individual circumstances, goals, history and needs when determining the most appropriate therapeutic approach.
Explore our therapy approaches →
A whole-person approach
Psychological wellbeing is influenced by many aspects of life. Your relationships, work, family, physical health, life experiences, environment and sense of identity can all play a role in how you feel and function.
Our psychologists consider these broader factors rather than viewing your difficulties in isolation. This helps us develop a more complete understanding of what you are experiencing and what may help.
Conveniently located in Sydney's Inner West
Our psychology practice is located in Drummoyne, making it convenient for adults seeking individual therapy from across Sydney's Inner West and surrounding suburbs. We see clients from Gladesville, Drummoyne, Five Dock, Balmain, Rozelle, Lilyfield and Leichhardt, as well as surrounding areas of Sydney.
For people searching for a psychologist in Gladesville or Balmain, our Drummoyne practice is a convenient option close to the Inner West and Lower North Shore. We also work with many clients from Balmain, Rozelle, Five Dock, Lilyfield and Leichhardt who are looking for experienced psychologists and individual therapy close to home.
We offer appointments designed to accommodate different schedules, including early morning, evening and Saturday appointments, subject to availability. We also offer telehealth appointments where appropriate.
Whether you live in Gladesville, Balmain, Drummoyne or elsewhere in Sydney's Inner West, our experienced psychologists provide personalised psychological therapy tailored to your individual needs and circumstances.
Who Can Benefit From Individual Therapy?
Individual therapy can be helpful at many different stages of life and for many different reasons. You don't need to have a mental health diagnosis or be experiencing a crisis to benefit from seeing a psychologist.
You might consider individual therapy if:
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You feel stuck or overwhelmed and aren't sure how to move forward.
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You are experiencing a difficult period in your life, such as a relationship breakdown, career change, grief, parenting challenges or another major transition.
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You keep finding yourself caught in the same patterns, despite trying to change them.
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Your thoughts, emotions or behaviours are affecting your relationships, work or everyday life.
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You are struggling with your self-esteem, confidence or sense of identity.
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You want to understand yourself better, including why you think, feel or respond to situations in particular ways.
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You are finding it difficult to manage your emotions, stress or reactions to challenging situations.
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You have experienced trauma or difficult experiences that continue to affect you.
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You want support making a change or developing healthier ways of coping and relating to yourself and others.
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You simply feel that something isn't quite right, even if you can't put your finger on exactly what it is.
Therapy can be useful whether you are seeking help for a specific psychological difficulty or simply want support understanding yourself and creating positive change. Our psychologists will work with you to understand what is bringing you to therapy and determine how we can best support you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Individual Therapy
What does a psychologist help with?
A psychologist can help with a wide range of psychological, emotional and life difficulties. This may include anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, emotional regulation, eating disorders, grief, life transitions and other challenges affecting your wellbeing. You don't need to have a formal diagnosis to benefit from psychological therapy.
How do I know if I need to see a psychologist?
There is no single point at which you “need” to see a psychologist. It may be helpful if difficulties are affecting your relationships, work, health or everyday life, if you feel stuck or overwhelmed, or if you are struggling to manage your thoughts or emotions. Some people also seek therapy because they want to understand themselves better or make changes in their lives.
What happens during a psychology appointment?
A psychology appointment is a confidential opportunity to talk with your psychologist about what is happening in your life. Your psychologist will ask questions to understand your concerns, experiences and goals, and together you will develop an understanding of what may be contributing to your difficulties. Depending on your needs, sessions may involve exploring patterns, processing experiences, developing practical strategies or learning new ways of managing thoughts and emotions.
How long does individual therapy take?
The length of therapy varies depending on your concerns, goals and individual circumstances. Some people benefit from a relatively focused course of therapy, while others may require longer-term support for more complex or longstanding difficulties. Your psychologist will regularly review your progress with you and ensure that treatment remains appropriate to your needs.
How often should I see a psychologist?
The frequency of appointments depends on your circumstances and treatment goals. Many people initially attend weekly or fortnightly, which results in the best outcomes. Your psychologist will discuss this with you and adjust the frequency of sessions as your needs change.
What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist?
Both psychologists and Clinical Psychologists are registered health professionals who can provide psychological therapy. Clinical Psychologists have completed additional specialist postgraduate training in clinical psychology and have particular expertise in the assessment and treatment of complex mental health and psychological difficulties. The most important consideration is finding a psychologist with appropriate experience and expertise for your individual needs.
Do I need a diagnosis to see a psychologist?
No. You do not need a mental health diagnosis to see a psychologist. People seek individual therapy for many reasons, including stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, low self-esteem, emotional difficulties, personal growth and difficulties that may not meet the criteria for a specific diagnosis.
Do I need a Mental Health Treatment Plan to see a psychologist?
No. You can make an appointment with a psychologist without a Mental Health Treatment Plan. A Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP may allow you to access a Medicare rebate for eligible psychological services, but you can also see a psychologist privately without one.
Is what I discuss with my psychologist confidential?
Psychological services are generally confidential, and psychologists are bound by professional and legal obligations relating to privacy and confidentiality. There are some important exceptions, which your psychologist can explain to you at the beginning of therapy. If you have questions about confidentiality or privacy, you are welcome to discuss them with your psychologist.
Can I have psychology appointments online?
Telehealth appointments may be available depending on the psychologist and your circumstances. Online therapy can provide a convenient alternative to attending the practice in person and can be particularly useful when travel or other commitments make face-to-face appointments difficult. Our team can discuss whether telehealth is appropriate for you.
Take the Next Step
You don't have to work out everything on your own. Whether you're struggling with a specific psychological difficulty, going through a challenging period or simply feel that something in your life needs to change, individual therapy can provide a space to understand what is happening and work towards meaningful change.
At Drummoyne Psychology, our experienced psychologists provide personalised, evidence-based therapy for adults in Drummoyne, Gladesville, Sydney's Inner West and surrounding areas. If you're ready to explore whether therapy could be helpful for you, we can help you find an appropriate psychologist and take the first step.