FAQ
Yes. Many couples enter therapy as a “last resort.” While therapy requires commitment from both partners, a skilled relationship psychologist can help you navigate deep-seated resentments, rebuild broken trust, and provide clarity. Even if a couple ultimately decides to separate, therapy can help facilitate a healthier, more amicable transition.
Yes, we provide online couples counselling via secure telehealth. This is an excellent option for couples with busy schedules, those juggling childcare, or couples who may be temporarily in different locations.
Yes. Communication is the cornerstone of relationship therapy, and being able to express yourself in your native language is crucial. We offer specialised Farsi couple counseling to ensure cultural nuances and emotional expressions are fully understood and respected.
The Gottman Method is a highly respected, evidence-based approach to relationship therapy. Based on decades of research, it focuses on disarming conflicting verbal communication, increasing intimacy, respect, and affection, and removing barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy. Dr. Reza Nejad utilises this method to provide couples with practical, actionable tools they can use at home.
You do not need to wait until your relationship is in crisis to benefit from therapy. Couples counselling is highly effective for improving communication, resolving recurring conflicts, navigating major life transitions, or rebuilding intimacy. If you find yourselves stuck in the same arguments without resolution, a relationship counsellor can help break the cycle.
PTSD and trauma are treatable conditions. Trauma therapy can help reduce distressing symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional overwhelm. It can also improve emotional regulation, relationships, self-confidence, and overall quality of life by helping you process and make sense of past experiences.
Absolutely. We offer secure online trauma counselling for individuals across Australia. Telehealth allows you to engage in effective therapies like EMDR, prolonged exposure and cognitive processing therapy from a space where you feel completely safe and grounded, which is often highly beneficial for trauma processing.
Yes. Ongoing or repeated stressful experiences—especially in childhood—can lead to Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Therapy for complex trauma is paced and tailored to your needs, with a strong focus on safety and stability. We support clients to gradually build emotional regulation, strengthen a sense of self, and process past experiences at a manageable pace.
The most effective, first-line treatments for trauma and PTSD are evidence-based therapies such as Prolonged Exposure (PE), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR). These therapies help process traumatic memories so they become less distressing over time. At Prime Path Psychology, we provide all of these treatments, and Dr Nejad has been trained in each of these evidence-based approaches.
It’s normal to feel distressed after a frightening event, but if your symptoms—such as ongoing distress, unwanted memories or nightmares, feeling constantly on edge, avoiding reminders, trouble sleeping, irritability, or difficulty concentrating—persist, it may be helpful to seek support. A qualified trauma psychologist can accurately assess whether you are experiencing Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or complex trauma and guide you toward recovery.
Yes. We specialise in cross-cultural therapy and provide depression counselling in both English and Persian/Farsi. This ensures that cultural nuances and language are not barriers to receiving high-quality mental health care.
A Clinical Psychologist, like Dr. Reza Nejad, focuses on “talk therapy” and evidence-based psychological interventions (CBT, DBT, EMDR) to change thoughts and behaviors. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who primarily manages depression through medication. Many clients find the best results through a combination of both.
The number of sessions for depression varies depending on severity and individual needs. On average, therapy may range from 6 to 20 sessions, with treatment regularly reviewed and tailored to the client.
Yes. We provide secure Telehealth depression services across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Perth. Research shows that online depression therapy is just as effective as in-person sessions for most individuals, offering greater flexibility and comfort.
The “gold standard” for treating depression is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT focuses on identifying and restructuring unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that maintain low mood. Our clinic utilizes advanced CBT protocols to help clients build long-term resilience and improve daily functioning.
While everyone experiences “the blues,” clinical depression is characterised by symptoms that persist for more than two weeks and interfere with your daily life. If you feel a persistent sense of hopelessness, loss of interest in hobbies, or changes in sleep and appetite, a professional assessment is recommended. At Prime Path Psychology, our Beck Institute–certified clinicians provide personalised, evidence-based therapy for depression, helping you build coping skills and improve your wellbeing.
Yes, Dr. Reza Nejad and Sara Takini are bilingual clinical psychologists offering culturally responsive NDIS therapy and assessments in both English and Farsi.
The timeline for an FBA depends on the complexity of the participant’s needs. It typically involves an initial intake interview, multiple observation sessions (at home, school, or our Adelaide clinic), and comprehensive report writing. We will provide a clear timeline and service agreement before commencing.
Yes. If your NDIS plan includes funding for psychology or capacity building (Improved Daily Living), you can use it for our secure, Australia-wide telehealth counselling sessions. This is a highly effective option for participants who prefer to receive support from the comfort of their own home.
No, Prime Path Psychology is not an NDIA-registered provider. We are currently only able to provide psychological therapy and behaviour support to Self-Managed and Plan-Managed NDIS participants.
Yes. If you have a valid Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from your GP, you are eligible to claim Medicare rebates for your psychology sessions, reducing your out-of-pocket fees.
بله. در صورت داشتن یک طرح مراقبت از سلامت روان (MHCP) معتبر از پزشک عمومی خود، واجد شرایط دریافت ریبیت مدیکر برای جلسات روانشناسی هستید که هزینههای پرداختی شما را کاهش میدهد.
We offer evidence-based treatments for a range of challenges, including grief and loss, anxiety, depression, trauma (PTSD), and specialized couple therapy.
ما درمانهای مبتنی بر شواهد را برای چالشهای مختلفی از جمله سوگ و فقدان، اضطراب ، افسردگی، تروما(اختلال استرس پس از سانحه) و همچنین کاپل تراپی (زوج درمانی) تخصصی ارائه میدهیم
Yes, Dr. Reza Nejad provides secure and confidential telehealth psychology sessions for Farsi-speaking clients anywhere in Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.
بله، دکتر رضا نژاد جلسات روانشناسی آنلاین و محرمانه را برای مراجعین فارسیزبان در سراسر استرالیا، از جمله سیدنی، ملبورن و بریزبن، ارائه میدهد.
Getting started is simple. You can contact Prime Path Psychology directly by calling (08) 7079 9529 or emailing us at admin@primepathpsychology.com.
Panic disorder and agoraphobia often lead to avoiding places where you fear an attack might happen. Our targeted panic disorder therapy and agoraphobia treatment provide structured support. We help you understand your physical symptoms, manage the fear of future attacks, and gradually confront avoided situations so you can restore your confidence and independence.
The Beck Institute is globally recognised for excellence in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. Being certified means our clinical psychologists have undergone rigorous, advanced training to deliver CBT exactly as it was designed to be practiced, ensuring you receive the highest quality, evidence-based care available for anxiety management.
Our primary approaches are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy. CBT is considered the gold-standard treatment for anxiety, helping you identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts. Exposure therapy is a structured, gradual approach designed to help you safely confront feared situations and reduce avoidance behaviours.
We provide specialised, evidence-based therapy for a wide range of anxiety conditions. This includes Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia), Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Specific Phobias (such as a fear of flying, driving, or medical procedures).
Yes. While we offer face-to-face anxiety counselling in Adelaide, our clinical psychologists also provide secure online therapy (telehealth) across Australia. Whether you are in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Canberra, or a regional area, you can access our evidence-based anxiety treatments from the comfort of your home.
Couples and relationship therapy support better communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection. It provides practical tools to rebuild trust and create stronger, healthier relationships.
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy): Focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts and behaviours.
- DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy): Combines CBT with mindfulness, emotional regulation, and relationship skills.
- ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy): Helps you accept your thoughts and feelings while committing to meaningful actions.
If stress or anxiety is affecting your work, relationships, sleep, or daily life, it’s time to consider therapy. Signs include constant worry, panic attacks, or avoiding situations that trigger anxiety.
Yes, trauma-focused therapies like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) are proven to help process traumatic experiences and reduce symptoms of PTSD and related distress.
The most effective treatments for depression typically include evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), which helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns. Combining professional support, lifestyle changes, and social support usually produces the best outcomes.
Evidence shows that CBT, exposure therapy, and mindfulness-based approaches are the most recommended treatments for anxiety disorders. These therapies help reduce symptoms while building effective coping skills.
You may benefit from therapy if you’re experiencing ongoing anxiety, depression, stress, sleep issues, or difficulty coping with everyday life. Seeking support early can prevent these challenges from getting worse.
Yes, online therapy via video calls is just as effective as face-to-face sessions. It’s a convenient option for people in remote areas or those with busy schedules.
Many people start noticing improvements within 6 to 12 sessions, depending on their needs and therapy type. Regular attendance and practising strategies between sessions often lead to better results.
Psychologists provide talk therapy, counseling, and psychological assessments, while psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication.
Couples and family therapy is helpful for anyone experiencing relationship challenges, communication issues, parenting stress, or family conflicts. With guidance from an experienced psychologist, you can develop healthier ways to connect, resolve conflicts, and build stronger, more supportive relationships.
A psychologist can support you with concerns like anxiety, depression, trauma, insomnia, stress, or relationship issues. Using evidence-based therapies, including CBT, the most recommended treatment for anxiety and depression, psychologists teach practical skills to manage symptoms, build resilience, and enhance your quality of life.
In a therapy session at our psychology clinic in Australia, you’ll meet with a registered psychologist in a safe and confidential space. Together, you’ll explore your challenges, set goals, and work on evidence-based strategies, such as CBT, DBT, or mindfulness approaches, to improve your mental health and overall wellbeing.
Your first session includes an assessment, a discussion of your goals, and a tailored plan for
treatment. Your psychologist will explain how therapy works and answer any questions you
have.
A Registered Psychologist in Australia completes a psychology degree plus two years of supervised practice, helping with a wide range of mental health and behavioural concerns. A Clinical Psychologist has additional postgraduate training and supervised clinical experience, allowing them to support people with more complex mental health conditions using advanced, evidence-based treatments.
Counsellors can come from a broad range of training and backgrounds. Currently in Australia the term “counsellor” is not protected. This means that anyone can refer to themselves as a counsellor. Having said this many counsellors have undertaken training and education in educational settings, ranging from a Diploma up to a Masters degree. An organisation called the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia (PACFA) has also been set up to protect the standards and ethical training of the counselling profession.
A clinical psychologist is a psychologist who is an expert in mental health. They have undertaken highly specialised training in the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, and psychological treatment of mental health, behavioural, and emotional disorders across the lifespan. Clinical psychologists are the only psychologists to have this advanced level of education and training in mental health. Education and training of clinical psychologists takes eight years. (ACPA)
Psychological therapy is the name given to a wide range of treatment approaches that are aimed at improving the mental and emotional wellbeing of people who are experiencing difficulties in their life. Psychological therapy allows the person to focus on and discuss their concerns in a supportive, non-judgemental and confidential environment.
Psychological therapy is not about the psychologist telling the person what to do. Rather, the psychologist aims to assist their client in working through and resolving their difficulties autonomously. Psychological therapy also aims to equip a person with the skills to cope more effectively should similar problems arise in the future.
At the beginning of your first session your psychologist will briefly run through important paperwork with you. This will include completing a form with basic personal information and a consent form that cover issues such as confidentiality, fees and other important information about sessions. If you have been referred by a GP or psychiatrist, we will discuss the details of your Mental Health Treatment Plan at this point.
After completing paperwork the remainder of the session is usually spent discussing the issues that have brought you into therapy. As well as developing a thorough understanding of your concerns, your psychologist will explore relevant background history, for example, information about your family, social relationships, work history and any past counselling that you have done. Based on this information we will begin to help you to understand more about what might be triggering and maintaining your current issues. If time allows we will also work with you to develop a collaborative and flexible plan for future therapy sessions.
All sorts of individuals consult with psychologists over a range of different issues. Many individuals who see a psychologist at Sehat psychology are generally successful people who may be troubled by feelings, behaviours, thoughts or concerns that currently prevent them from functioning to their full capacity or from feeling happy and fulfilled in their lives.
Life changes, new events or circumstances, and changes in relationships or work often trigger difficulties that can be troubling. Alternatively, some individuals have been struggling with difficult feelings or behaviours over a long period of time, and decide that it is time to get some help. Sometimes people have an inexplicable feeling of sadness or pain that they cannot get through and need help to understand the source of these feelings in order to become unstuck.
You may have a brief conversation over the phone or email them to find out if your particular issue is something that would respond well to psychological treatment. In an initial consultation with the psychologist, these issues will be explored more fully.
A treating psychologist has a therapeutic role in which the focus of the service is on the client’s interests. This is different from the preparation of a report for a court which centres on the task of the court rather than the interests of the client. For this reason we recommend that court reports are obtained from psychologists that focus on report writing for court. A quick internet search will provide a list of organisations that offer this service.
I may provide reports for Department of Immigration and Citizenship and/or Centrelink. Written reports require the practitioner’s time to prepare and write. The cost of written reports is in addition to your consultation fees and is not rebatable from Medicare. If you believe your private health fund or insurer will pay for the report you need to confirm with them.
Yes. Online counselling sessions are generally appropriate for the same issues as face to face counselling. Online counselling can also be a used if you travel frequently, live overseas, have difficulty leaving home/work for various reasons. Online and face to face sessions can be used together to ensure a consistent therapy program at your convenience.
For an online counselling session, we will send you a link to your email. We use specialist Online Video tool called doxy.me to support our online work.
Sessions are approximately 50 minutes
You do not have to have a referral to access private health cover rebates for psychology, you just need to make an appointment. You should check the amount of your rebate with your fund.
A Registered Psychologist in Australia completes a psychology degree plus two years of supervised practice, helping with a wide range of mental health and behavioural concerns. A Clinical Psychologist has additional postgraduate training and supervised clinical experience, allowing them to support people with more complex mental health conditions using advanced, evidence-based treatments.
Exposure is an intervention strategy commonly used in cognitive behavioural therapy to help individuals confront fears. Prolonged exposure (PE) is an effective first-line treatment for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This treatment is strongly recommended for the treatment of PTSD.
PE is a specific type of cognitive behavioural therapy that teaches individuals to gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings and situations.
Most people want to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma they experienced, but doing so reinforces their fear. By facing what has been avoided, a person can decrease symptoms of PTSD by actively learning that the trauma-related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) is a specific type of cognitive behavioural therapy that has been effective in reducing post-traumatic symptoms related to a variety of traumatic events including child abuse, combat, rape and natural disasters. CPT is endorsed by the U.S. Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defence, as well as the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies, as a best practice for the treatment of PTSD.
CPT is generally delivered over 12 sessions and it focuses upon how the person’s understanding of the traumatic event and their experiences in the aftermath. CPT is aimed at helping the individual develop more helpful and balanced beliefs about the trauma. In so doing, the patient creates a new understanding and conceptualisation of the traumatic event so that it reduces its ongoing negative effects on current life.
CBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps you recognise and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours. It’s highly effective for anxiety disorders, depression, panic attacks, phobias, and managing stress.
Schema therapy is most effective in the treatment of personality disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, relationship difficulties; and is used when people fail to respond or relapse after having been through other therapies.
Schema therapy was developed in an attempt to help those who had not seen any benefits with cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), and aims to change negative patterns or beliefs that people have lived with for a long time-also know as ‘Schemas’. These schemas typically begin early in our life, though sometimes, they can start from later on in adulthood, and can be reinforce by certain behaviours, patterns of thinking and the mind’s coping strategies. Therefore, schema therapy helps you to break these ways of thinking, feeling and behaving, and replacing them with healthier alternatives.
Schema therapy’s main focus is to identify core schemas and how they might have contributed to negative patterns that are present in your life and which prevent you from having a meaningful life and meaningful relationships. Some of the core schemas that this therapy focuses on are ones of abandonment, defectiveness, emotional deprivation, mistrust and social isolation.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is most effective in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, substance misuse, trauma, psychosis, OCD, chronic pain and anorexia.
ACT stems from the very well-known cognitive behavioural therapy, and aims to help achieve a fulfilled and meaningful life, while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it.
ACT centres on learning to accept what is out of your personal control, and commit to action that improves and enriches your life ( in line with your deepest values)- if you are disturbed by memories of past events, you must accept that the event occurred, accompanying feelings can eventually be diminished. We are all human and we all hurt sometimes! Sometimes accepting that results in less suffering than fighting it. Accept what is beyond your personal control and live in the present moment.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is most effective in the treatment of eating disorders, depression, problems associated with borderline personality disorder, self-harm, addiction, PTSD, and other mental health problems which threaten your safety, work, relationships and emotional well-being.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) is a talking therapy, based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), but has been updated to help people who experience emotions very intensely.
DBT aims to teach you skills that enable you to live in the present moment, cope healthily with stress, regulate your emotions, and improve your relationships with others.
If you are experiencing prolonged instability in your mood, self-image, thinking, behaviour, and relationships-DBT may be an appropriate therapy for you.
DBT has significant evidence base and has been showing to be effective in reducing suicidal behaviour, self-harm, substance misuse, anger and depression. It is now recognised to be the gold standard psychological treatment for individuals with borderline personality disorder.