Therapy

My approach is integrative which means I tailor what we do according to the types of difficulties you bring and the most effective therapy for your specific concerns. Dr. Sabey uses Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and trauma-focused interventions (TF-CBT) in the treatment of complex anxiety and mood disorders. These include personality and eating disorders, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex/ developmental trauma, self-harm and suicidal thoughts, as well as psychosis.

Dr Sabey has run a number of group-based interventions and programs including CBT, DBT, and behavioural interventions to children with self-harming behaviours, ADHD and Autism Spectrum based disorders, issues involving relational aggression (bullying), and externalising behavioural problems. The programs involve use of a behaviour model of token economy and a CBT model of instruction, focusing also on social skills and assertiveness training.

Evidence-Based Treatment

At Dr. Sabey Inpsych Ltd we aim to provide evidence-based treatment and assessments with the view of making individuals feel supported and inspired to gain insight and make effective changes that are in line with their values. My ethos is to use my knowledge base as an experienced clinical psychologist to tailor interventions to suit individual needs, preferences, and expectations, and ultimately to pave the path for an effective recovery. I believe that forming an effective therapeutic relationship and alliance is the most effective way to enable clients to make meaningful insights and change. Our work initially will be geared towards rapid symptom reduction, and will ultimately develop to empower individuals to exert control over their experiences, narratives, lives and identity. 

Dr. Sabey applies an eclectic approach, integrating key practices from various schools of thought, theories and evidence-based practices in order to enhance treatment outcomes. In addition Dr. Sabey is trained in a plethora of diagnostic assessments, which will facilitate and guide treatment.

These include:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Dialectal Behaviour Therapy (DBT)
Trauma Focussed CBT (TF-CBT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive and Analytical Therapy (CAT)
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR)
Family Systems Therapy (FST)
Parent Training (Parent-Child Game, Non-Violent Resistance)
Neurodevelopmental Disorders (Autism, ADHD)

Session Structure

Initially, weekly sessions are recommended. The first session will focus on doing a psychological assessment with view to establish a working relationship with joint goals and formulation of the presenting problems. The next session will work towards enabling symptom reduction and stabilisation of mood, to then enable the patient to dedicate remaining sessions to continue uncovering important insights with use of practical strategies and tools, constant learning and reviews week to week. When increments and progress becomes apparent, it is possible to reduce down to fortnightly sessions in order to give a patient more agency and independent to experiment and take charge. Towards the end of treatment, relapse prevention and ongoing maintenance of positive gains will be considered to enable patients to take ownership and effectively become their own therapists.

Assessments

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Assessment

An ASD assessment enables a formal identification of autism.  Within the new framework Autism is understood as being on a spectrum. Most people looking for an assessment may on the ‘lower’ end of the spectrum, also known as ‘High Functioning Autism’, and previously known as ‘Aspergers’. Nonetheless daily life can feel exponentially more difficult for individuals on the spectrum, due to difficulties with social interactions, sensory sensitivities, and routines and repetitive behaviours which may cause disproportionate emotional reactions when disrupted. Having a formal diagnosis helps you to understand yours, or your child’s, difficulties within this context, and help you make simple adaptations to make everyday life more manageable. This assessment can also be used towards obtaining support within school and work settings, such as with an Educational Health Care Plan. The assessment is two parts: the first involves collating developmental history, usually from parents, which also helps establish one’s sensory profile, and the second part is a face-to-face interaction based assessment. We can do this assessment from ages 1 through late adulthood. We will also obtain information from school or collateral informants where appropriate.

Attention/Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Assessment

An ADHD assessment for children and adults helps those individuals who have difficulties with their attention and focus. This may be in the work or school context. It may also represent those individuals that have trouble with their executive functioning abilities, i.e., their ability to plan, organise, and to think about consequences. Impairment in this domain might be apparent in missed appointments, double-bookings, loss of belongings, difficulty meeting deadlines, and also an impact on social relationships. The assessment involves a semi-structured clinical interview, usually with the individual, and collateral information is obtained from family, friends, and school/work where appropriate. Treatment is either through using psychological and behavioural management strategies, or a referral would be made to a psychiatrist for initiation of medication.

Cognitive or Neuropsychological Assessments

Children and families of those who are struggling in any area or domain of school can feel vulnerable and ostracized.  Although children may have supportive, dedicated teachers and a competent Learning and Targeted Support division in school, there are areas of functioning that must be formally and comprehensively assessed before decisions about educational placements and accommodations can be made. Cognitive assessments allow us to understand and accommodate more specifically to students’ needs, abilities, achievement levels and/or skills within an academic, home and social setting. The process involves using intelligence tests and obtaining collateral information from the school, to provide an in-depth understanding of one’s cognitive strengths and weaknesses. Dr. Sabey will draw on strengths in a way that allows your child to enhance learning abilities, and to work within limitations.  It will also then be possible to create an individualised educational plan, which makes recommendations for the parents, as well as the teachers.

Personality and Diagnostic Assessments

A psychodiagnostic assessment is a type of psychological measurement, using psychological tests, observation, interviews, and collateral information when needed. These assessments facilitate individual clients and psychologists alike to figure out “what the problem is”, and thereby determine the most appropriate course of action.  They can also be helpful for other practitioners and professionals to obtained an informed understanding of the given individual, in order to offer a tailor-made and collaborative approach to treatment and services.