The referral pathways guide
Read with intention
Meet the cliniciansMindfulness-based therapy.
Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment, on purpose and without judgement. Mindfulness-based therapy uses it to change how you relate to difficult thoughts and feelings, rather than fighting them.
Noticing, not fighting.
Most sessions combine a short practice with time to talk about what you noticed.
Guided practice
Short exercises such as a body scan, mindful breathing or mindful movement.
Stepping back from thoughts
Learning to notice a thought as a thought, rather than a fact you must act on.
Spotting early signs
Recognising the early signs of low mood or a stress spiral, so you can respond sooner.
Everyday mindfulness
Bringing attention to ordinary moments, such as eating, walking or listening.
Many starting points.
- People who have had depression before and want to stay well (mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, or MBCT)
- Stress, worry and anxiety
- Living with chronic pain or a long-term health condition
- Anyone who wants a calmer, more present way of relating to their own mind
Mindfulness is also part of ACT and DBT. See ACT and our Mindfulness X program.
How it usually runs.
Sessions are 50 minutes, in Parramatta or by telehealth.
- 1
Starting out
Your clinician asks what brings you in and introduces mindfulness practice gently.
Early sessions - 2
Building the practice
Each session includes a short practice and time to talk about it. MBCT is often run over eight weeks.
The sessions that follow - 3
Practice between sessions
A few minutes a day at home, often with recordings, which you talk through at the next session.
Ongoing
Who offers this approach.
The clinicians below list mindfulness-based therapy on their profile.
Fees and other options.
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, Medicare pays a rebate for each individual session and there is usually a gap. Our fees are set out before you book.
Check in with yourself.
Free, private tools to try before or alongside sessions. They are not a diagnosis.
Free · 5 to 10 min
Take the Mind Health Check
Short questionnaires, scored privately in your browser. We have ticked the ones most related to this page, and you can change them.
Fact sheet: Emotional regulation
A plain-language guide with practical steps. Free to download.
Try this week
- Take three slow breaths before you look at your phone in the morning.
- Eat one meal this week without a screen, noticing taste and texture.
- When your mind wanders, notice where it went, then gently come back.
Need help now? Our urgent help page has who to call, day and night.
Before you book, answered.
What is mindfulness?
What is MBCT?
Do I need to be good at meditating?
How much practice will I need to do?
Is it religious?
Is it right for everyone?
Do I need a referral?
Can I have sessions by telehealth?
Take the first step, at your pace.
Tell us a little about what is going on, and that you are interested in mindfulness-based therapy. We will suggest a clinician and a time.
