Cohesion Clinical Psychology

My name is Dr Cristina Cavezza and I have been a practicing clinical psychologist for over 10 years. I am originally from Canada and have worked both here and overseas in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community clinics, residential care homes and prisons. I have worked with individuals from all walks of life and I provide a non-judgemental, empathic approach. The treatment is evidence based and flexible meaning that I rely on scientific evidence to guide my decisions about what treatments to use while taking into account how you respond.

I believe that everyone at some point in their lives faces challenges and struggles emotionally to a certain degree. Every story and experience counts and I take the time to learn about where you have come from and where you would like to go. Knowing what you value and what type of person you want to be puts me in a better position to help you find the best way forward. It is my aspiration to assist you on your journey to psychological health and wellbeing by focusing on what matters to you.

What to Expect in Treatment

If you have never seen a psychologist before you may be wondering about what happens in treatment. In the first session, we will have an in-depth conversation that focuses on what you are hoping to get help with. Good treatment begins with a thorough assessment of your needs and wants. This takes at least one session but we typically re-assess as we go along. Once we have a detailed understanding of your concerns and goals, we are in a better position to develop a treatment plan for you.

The following sessions will involve us working collaboratively on the issues that you most want help with. As a starting point, we usually provide some education from a psychological perspective about the particular issue you have come to treatment for and we may ask you to do some monitoring of your own thoughts, emotions and behaviours. This provides us with a better sense of the day-to-day concerns that arise for you outside of the therapy room. Depending on the nature of your reasons for seeking psychological assistance, treatment may need to focus on building or enhancing some of your coping skills. Psychological treatment is often far more effective if the strategies and techniques introduced in the therapy room are practiced in your everyday life and so, we often assign tasks for you to try outside of the clinic. There is not necessarily a certain number of sessions that are required to treat a given condition. So, our approach is flexible, and we are guided by your progress and personal circumstances when booking sessions.

Finally, throughout therapy we will encourage you to live better even if you do not feel better. In other words, we focus on what you really want out of life and the type of person you want to be. People tend to be more fulfilled when they are living a life that is consistent with their own personal values.

Steps for Booking an Appointment

1. Find a suitable time in the online diary (Bookings are made separately for each psychologist. See the links below)
2. All bookings are pending until confirmed by the psychologist. You will receive notification if your booking is confirmed. If we are unable to accommodate your request, we will contact you to let you know.
3. If this is your first appointment, you will be sent an automated email to complete the intake/consent forms securely online. These forms must be completed prior to the first appointment.
4. If you experience any difficulties booking an appointment online or have any questions, please email us at info@cohesionpsych.com.au
5. Please bring your mental health care plan/referral letter to your first appointment if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate.

****Important information for new clients*****

The online booking system is currently for existing clients only. If you are new to our service and would like to book an appointment, please email us at info@cohesionpsych.com.au.