Sleep Disturbance
Nearly half of Australian adults experience sleep difficulties regularly. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the most effective treatment available, and it does not involve medication.
UNDERSTANDING SLEEP DIFFICULTIES
Poor sleep is rarely just about sleep.
Sleep is fundamental to mental and physical health. When sleep is disrupted persistently, the effects reach into every area of life: mood, cognition, relationships, physical health, and daily functioning. Insomnia, hypersomnia, and disrupted sleep architecture are among the most common presentations in psychology.
Sleep difficulties rarely occur in isolation. They are frequently a feature of anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, chronic pain, or hormonal conditions. Understanding the relationship between your sleep and your broader mental health is an important part of developing an effective treatment approach.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) has the strongest evidence base of any treatment for chronic insomnia, outperforming sleep medication in long-term outcomes. Our psychologists are trained in CBT-I and can tailor the approach to your specific presentation and circumstances.
COMMON SIGNS OF SLEEP DIFFICULTIES
Difficulty falling asleep despite feeling tired
Waking frequently during the night or too early in the morning
Lying awake for long periods before sleep
Unrefreshing sleep, even after a full night
Significant fatigue or low energy during the day
Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
Irritability, low mood, or anxiety related to sleep
Reliance on sleep aids, alcohol, or screens to fall asleep
Clock-watching and escalating anxiety at bedtime
Avoiding social or professional commitments due to fatigue
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY FOR INSOMNIA
The evidence-based treatment.
CBT-I works by addressing the thoughts, behaviours, and physiological patterns that maintain insomnia, rather than simply masking symptoms. Research consistently shows it produces durable improvements that outlast medication.
Sleep restriction
Consolidates fragmented sleep by temporarily restricting time in bed to build stronger sleep pressure and more efficient sleep.
Stimulus control
Rebuilds a strong association between bed and sleep by reducing wakefulness in the bedroom environment.
Cognitive restructuring
Addresses unhelpful beliefs and catastrophic thinking about sleep that perpetuate anxiety and make insomnia worse.
Sleep hygiene
Practical guidance on habits, routines, and environmental factors that support or interfere with sleep quality.
OUR PSYCHOLOGISTS
Experienced in sleep and insomnia treatment.
Avi Winner
Psychologist
Avi works with sleep difficulties using CBT-I and related approaches. He is experienced in sleep difficulties as they present alongside anxiety, ADHD, and neurodivergence, and brings a practical, collaborative approach to helping clients improve their sleep.
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Rivkah Bendet
Psychologist
Rivkah has experience supporting clients with sleep difficulties, particularly those whose sleep is affected by neurodivergent traits such as ADHD and autism. She takes a neurodivergent-affirming approach and works to address both the practical and psychological drivers of poor sleep.
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Lucy Adlard
Psychologist
Lucy works with sleep difficulties from a holistic, client-led perspective. She uses CBT-I and ACT to address both the behavioural and psychological factors contributing to poor sleep, with particular attention to the relationship between sleep, anxiety, and daily stress.
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Bridget Kosmas
Provisional Psychologist
Bridget supports clients experiencing sleep difficulties linked to stress, anxiety, and adjustment challenges. She draws on CBT and mindfulness-based approaches to help clients develop healthier sleep habits and address the underlying factors disrupting their rest.
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Claudia Hounslow
Director & Psychologist
Claudia brings a neuropsychological perspective to sleep difficulties, with particular experience in sleep disruption linked to anxiety, chronic stress, and high-demand lifestyles. She uses CBT-I and related approaches to address both the behavioural and psychological drivers of poor sleep.
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David Bokan
Psychologist
David supports clients struggling with sleep difficulties using evidence-based approaches including CBT-I. He is experienced in addressing sleep problems that occur alongside anxiety, stress, and neurodivergence, and works collaboratively with clients to identify and address the factors disrupting their sleep.
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No referral required. Book an appointment or contact us for a free intake call to discuss your sleep difficulties.