Evidence-Based Support for Real Change
Psychological Therapy
Psychological therapy offers a confidential and supportive space to better understand yourself, navigate challenges, and create meaningful change. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or seeking greater clarity, Viviens’ approach is authentic, collaborative, and strengths-based, focusing on both the difficulties you are facing and your existing resilience and capacities.
Vivien utilizes an integrative approach to psychotherapy that combines elements of different therapeutic models, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), ACT and DBT and insight oriented approaches.
Rather than relying on a single method, it allows therapy to be tailored to the individual, drawing on techniques that best support each person’s needs and goals.
This approach addresses both current difficulties and the underlying patterns that may contribute to them, supporting a deeper understanding of oneself and more adaptive ways of coping and relating.
Therapy Modalities
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a widely used and evidence-based form of psychotherapy that focuses on the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
It is based on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs influence our feelings and behaviours, and that by identifying and changing negative or unhelpful thought patterns, we can alleviate emotional distress and improve our quality of life.
Trauma Therapy (CPT, IFS and DBT)
Vivien uses several evidence-based therapies specifically designed to address and alleviate the effects of trauma. These therapies aim to help individuals process traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and promote healing and recovery.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behaviour change techniques. It is based on CBT but places greater emphasis on acceptance, values, and living a meaningful life.
Interpersonal & Insight-Oriented Therapy
This approach explores how your past experiences and relationship patterns may be shaping the way you connect with others today. Alongside this deeper insight, we work on present-day relationship challenges, such as communication, conflict, loss and life transitions, supporting you to develop more authentic and secure ways of relating.
Schema Therapy
Schema Therapy combines CBT, attachment theory and psychodynamic principles to address deep-rooted patterns, known as schemas, that form early in life and shape how a person relates to themselves and others. Working at a deeper level than standard CBT, it is particularly effective for personality disorders, complex trauma, chronic anxiety or depression, and relationship difficulties that have not responded to shorter-term approaches.
Vivien provides therapy for a wide range of concerns, including
Anxiety and excessive worry.
Depression and persistent low mood.
Trauma and post-traumatic stress (PTSD).
Relationship and interpersonal difficulties.
Grief, loss and bereavement.
Life transitions and adjustment.
Self-esteem and identity concerns.
Stress and burnout.
ADHD-related challenges in adults and adolescents.
Autism-related adjustment and support.
Post-natal depression and perinatal concerns.
And complex or long-standing psychological difficulties.
If you are unsure whether therapy is right for your situation, or which approach might best suit you, please get in touch - an initial conversation can help clarify the best path forward.
Presenting Issues Vivien Works With
Clinical Psychologist with Masters in Educational Psychology, Member of Australian Psychological Society, Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Meet Vivien Suttner
Vivien Suttner is a clinical psychologist offering individual therapy and evidence-based psychological assessments for adults and adolescents in Newtown, Sydney's Inner West, and via telehealth for clients across NSW.
With over 25 years of clinical experience, Vivien is trained in a broad range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, each selected to suit the individual's needs, goals and circumstances rather than applied as a one-size-fits-all model. Underlying every therapeutic relationship is a focus on authenticity, empowerment and meaningful, lasting change.
Medicare rebates may be available for eligible clients with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their GP, covering up to 10 sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative. Vivien also sees clients from the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Parramatta and Western Sydney.
Vivien focuses on diagnostic accuracy, clarity and practical recommendations that are meaningful for families, schools, GPs and other professionals.
Request a therapy appointment
To discuss which form of psychological therapy is right for you or request an appointment, please complete this form and Vivien will be in touch.