3a/352 South Street O’Connor WA 6163 | (08) 93376460

Focused Psychological Therapy

Practical, Evidence-Based Support for Mental Health, Pain, and Daily Function

When mental health challenges and physical symptoms overlap, it may feel like nothing fully addresses the whole picture. Anxiety may heighten pain. Chronic injury may erode confidence and motivation. Fatigue, burnout, or trauma may affect how the body heals and functions day to day.

Focused Psychological Therapy at Next Wave Therapy is designed to bridge that gap — supporting mental health as an essential part of physical recovery and overall wellbeing. Delivered by Mental Health Occupational Therapists, this approach goes beyond talk therapy alone, focusing on how thoughts, emotions, habits, and nervous system responses influence real-world function.

If you are seeking practical strategies to help you move, think, and feel more capable in everyday life, this service offers a structured, evidence-based pathway forward

When Mental Health and Physical Health Are Connected

Many people seek psychological support only to discover that their challenges are deeply linked to physical symptoms such as:

In these cases, addressing mental health in isolation may feel incomplete. Focused Psychological Therapy recognises that thought patterns, stress responses, sleep, routines, and sensory regulation may directly influence physical symptoms and recovery capacity.

This service is particularly suited to individuals who want practical tools, not just insight — and who value collaboration between mental and physical health professionals.

What Is Focused Psychological Therapy?

Focused Psychological Therapy is a Medicare-recognised mental health service delivered by qualified Occupational Therapists with mental health training.

Unlike traditional counselling models that focus primarily on emotional processing, OT-led psychological therapy centres on function — supporting people to:

At Next Wave Therapy, this service integrates seamlessly with physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and naturopathy to support complex presentations 

Young female patient with sciatica receiving manual therapy from a sciatica physio in Perth

Evidence-Based Approaches Used

Focused Psychological Therapy at Next Wave Therapy draws on established, evidence-based frameworks, selected based on individual needs:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

exploring how thoughts, behaviours, and physical symptoms interact

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

building psychological flexibility and values-based action

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

addressing relationship patterns and social stressors

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction

supporting nervous system regulation and body awareness

Focused Psychological Therapy at Next Wave Therapy draws on established, evidence-based frameworks, selected based on individual needs:

Sensory modulation and nervous system calming

Sleep hygiene and fatigue management

Routine and habit building

Workplace and daily task modification

Social skill and communication support

Who This Service May Support

Focused Psychological Therapy may be appropriate for adults experiencing:

A Truly Multidisciplinary Model

Next Wave Therapy offers a rare advantage: in-house collaboration across disciplines.

Mental Health OTs work alongside:

This allows care to be coordinated when mental health, pain, fatigue, and physical limitations intersect — without fragmented referrals or repeated explanations

What to Expect: The Therapy Process

1. Discovery Session (15 Minutes)

A brief, no-pressure conversation to understand your needs and confirm whether this service is appropriate.

2. Initial Assessment

A comprehensive session exploring mental health, physical symptoms, lifestyle demands, and functional challenges.

3. Personalised Therapy Plan

Evidence-based strategies tailored to your goals, symptoms, and daily life.

4. Ongoing Support

Sessions focus on skill-building, reflection, and real-world application — adjusted as your needs evolve.

Man doing deadlifts as part of his sports physio appointment

FAQs

Focused Psychological Therapy uses recognised psychological frameworks, but is delivered by Occupational Therapists with a strong emphasis on daily function, habits, and real-world participation.

A GP Mental Health Care Plan is required to access Medicare rebates. Private sessions may also be available.

Yes. This service is commonly used alongside physical rehabilitation to support pain coping, pacing, and nervous system regulation.

Yes. Therapy respects individual neurotypes and focuses on strengths, capacity, and practical supports rather than masking or “fixing”.

Yes. Many patients engage in both psychological and physical therapy as part of a coordinated plan.

Take the First Step with a Discovery Session

If you are looking for practical, evidence-based mental health support that acknowledges the connection between mind and body, Focused Psychological Therapy may be a valuable next step.

A short 15-minute Discovery Session offers a low-pressure way to explore whether this service suits your needs.