Elevate Psychologists

Get to know Elevate Psychologists

From Elevate Psychologists's website.

• Our approach

  Elevate Psychologists takes a holistic approach to help you address immediate concerns, build on strengths and prepare for the future. Sessions use evidence-based techniques and interventions, including cognitive behavioural therapy, dialectic behavioural therapy, schema therapy, EMDR, reality/choice therapy, solution-focused work and mindfulness-based approaches. The clinical psychologist tailors treatment plans to suit your individual needs, whether through shorter-term counselling focused on specific problems or longer-term psychotherapy aimed at gaining deeper insight. Standard consultations last around 50 minutes and are held in a confidential and safe manner.

• Working with families

  Parental involvement is typically encouraged to support the child's progress. Sessions are strictly confidential between the psychologist and patient, though you may discuss confidentiality arrangements during the first session. In most cases, you can bring a support person to therapy sessions if you feel it would be beneficial, though it's best to discuss this with the clinical psychologist beforehand to ensure it aligns with treatment goals and maintains the focus of the sessions.

• Meet the team

  Vyda S. Chai is the clinical director and founder of Elevate Psychologists Sydney. She is a registered clinical psychologist with AHPRA and Medicare, a Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists, and Clinical Supervisor for the Psychology Board of Australia. Vyda holds a master's degree in clinical psychology and has more than 20 years of international experience in both private practice and hospital settings. She is trained in CBT, DBT, schema therapy, EMDR, reality/choice therapy and mindfulness-based therapies, and is certified to administer a wide range of psychometric tools for clinical diagnosis of both adults and children.

• Your first visit

  Your first session is normally an initial intake during which the clinical psychologist will ask questions to understand your concerns, background and goals for therapy. They will discuss confidentiality arrangements, explain the therapeutic process, and address any questions or concerns you may have. This is an opportunity for you to assess whether the psychologist is the right fit for you. It's helpful to think about the issues you want to discuss beforehand, reflect on your therapy goals, and bring any relevant medical records or previous therapy notes if available.