Support for
Sleep is a skill that can be relearned. Therapy for insomnia and sleep difficulties.
Psychological treatment for insomnia and sleep difficulties — including CBT-I, the gold-standard non-medication treatment.
Key information you should know
- CBT for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line treatment for chronic insomnia — more effective long-term than sleep medication.
- Sleep difficulties often co-occur with anxiety, depression, or chronic pain — addressing both is more effective.
- Improvement is usually seen within 4-8 sessions, with strategies that last well beyond therapy.
Signs you might benefit from sleep and insomnia support
- Difficulty falling asleep, even when you're exhausted
- Waking through the night and struggling to get back to sleep
- Waking earlier than you want to
- Sleep that doesn't feel restorative, no matter how long you sleep
- Anxiety about sleep — dreading bedtime or watching the clock
- Fatigue, irritability, or low mood from poor sleep
- Relying on alcohol, medication, or screens to fall asleep
How therapy can help with sleep and insomnia
Chronic insomnia and poor sleep affect mood, concentration, and health. CBT for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line psychological treatment and often outperforms medication long term.
Therapy targets sleep scheduling, worry about sleep, and habits that maintain wakefulness. If anxiety, pain, or depression disturb sleep, those factors are addressed together where needed.
Psychologists who support sleep and insomnia
5 psychologists with experience in sleep and insomnia.
Accepting new clientsBook with CarolineCaroline Gorman
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Caroline is an experienced psychologist who supports clients across the lifespan to work towards meaningful therapeutic outcomes. With more than 15 years of experience, she brings a thoughtful, non-judgemental approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Dr Kim Mihaljevic
Clinical Psychologist
Kim offers a compassionate, person-centred approach, supporting individuals to improve their emotional wellbeing and live a meaningful life. She works collaboratively with clients aged 15 and over.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Kristy Ward
Psychologist & Director
Kristy is a warm, highly experienced psychologist who brings nearly two decades of clinical practice to helping people feel understood, supported and confident as they work towards meaningful change.
2 clinics
Accepting new clientsBook with MaiaraMaiara Kunzler
Psychologist
Maiara is passionate about creating a safe, warm, and collaborative space where clients feel supported, respected, and empowered throughout the therapeutic process.
2 clinics
Accepting new clientsBook with SumairaSumaira Yousaf
Psychologist
Sumaira Yousaf is a registered General Psychologist with extensive international clinical experience across Australia and the UAE. She works with children, adolescents, adults, and families with a warm, strengths-focused approach.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Common questions about sleep and insomnia
What is insomnia?
Insomnia is ongoing difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early, despite having the opportunity to sleep, in a way that affects how you feel and function during the day. It is common and often linked with stress, anxiety, low mood, or pain. Occasional poor sleep is normal, but persistent sleep difficulties are worth addressing, because good sleep affects almost every part of wellbeing.
When should I seek help for sleep problems?
Consider support if sleep difficulties happen most nights for several weeks or more, if they affect your mood, concentration, or daily functioning, or if worry about sleep itself is becoming a problem. It is also worth seeing your GP to rule out physical causes. If stress or a racing mind is keeping you awake, psychological support can be particularly helpful.
What is the most effective treatment for insomnia?
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) is the recommended first-line treatment for chronic insomnia and is more effective long-term than sleep medication. It addresses the thoughts, habits, and routines that keep sleep difficulties going, and mindfulness and relaxation techniques are often included to quieten a busy mind. Many people see improvement within a small number of sessions, and your psychologist will also work with any related anxiety or low mood.
Do I need a referral for sleep support?
No referral is needed to book with us, though seeing your GP first can help rule out medical causes and, with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, may provide Medicare rebates on individual sessions. Sessions are available in person and by telehealth across Australia. Contact us and we can match you with a psychologist experienced in sleep difficulties.
Why do I keep waking up at the same time every night?
Waking briefly overnight is a normal part of sleep, and most people do it without remembering. Waking fully at a similar time, often in the early hours, can be linked to stress and a busy mind, alcohol, your body clock, or the habit of checking the clock and then worrying about being awake. Occasional nights are nothing to worry about. If it is frequent and leaving you tired, psychological support for sleep can help.
Prefer to reach out directly? We're happy to help.