Client guide
Preparing for a first appointment
A one-page prompt sheet to help organise what you may want to discuss.
Download PDFResources
Psychology resources and CBT worksheets from Axis Clinical Psychology.
Free, practical guides and fillable worksheets for people considering therapy, current clients, families and referrers. Resources cover CBT skills, trauma, OCD and ERP, adjustment, preparing for therapy and related topics.
The resources are free to download without an account or login.
Downloadable guides and worksheets
These PDFs are open to download. They are general resources and do not replace individual assessment, clinical advice or emergency care.
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CBT guides and fillable worksheets
Illustrated CBT guides and fillable worksheets for getting started, understanding patterns, regulation and coping, trauma and adjustment.
GP and referrer guide
How to refer to Axis
Scope, referral steps, information to include and what referrers can expect.
Download PDFProfessional referral
Blank referral form
A print-ready form with direct email return instructions. Do not send urgent clinical information through the website or by email.
Download PDFShort guides
Guides to therapy and treatment
Choose a topic to read here, download the matching guide or find out more about therapy at Axis.
Guide 01
Preparing for a first appointment
You do not need a polished account of what is wrong. A few notes can make the first conversation easier.
- What has prompted you to seek help now
- How the concern affects daily life, relationships, work or study
- Previous therapy, medication or strategies that were helpful or unhelpful
- Current supports, important health information and any immediate safety concern
- What you would most like to be different
Guide 02
What trauma therapy can involve
Trauma therapy includes assessment and preparation before memory processing is considered. The focus and pace are agreed with your psychologist and reviewed as the work develops.
- Understanding current symptoms, triggers and patterns
- Building safety, emotional regulation and ways to return to the present
- Agreeing on goals and choosing an appropriate method
- Processing selected material only when there is enough readiness
- Integrating change into relationships, identity and daily life
Guide 03
Supporting a young person to attend therapy
Young people are more likely to engage when adults explain the purpose honestly and leave room for their questions.
- Describe therapy as a place to understand and work on a problem, not a punishment
- Avoid promising complete secrecy or demanding a detailed report after every session
- Let them know they can ask how confidentiality works
- Share key information with the psychologist without asking the young person to carry every message
- Expect the process and adult involvement to change with age and need
Guide 04
Understanding exposure and response prevention
ERP is a well-established behavioural approach for OCD and related patterns. It is planned collaboratively, not imposed without preparation.
- Identify the situations, thoughts or sensations that trigger distress
- Understand the rituals, checking, reassurance or avoidance that follow
- Build a graded plan for approaching triggers
- Practise allowing uncertainty without completing the usual response
- Review learning and adjust the pace as confidence develops
Guide 05
Psychological care alongside illness or pain
Psychological therapy does not imply that symptoms are imagined. It can support adjustment while respecting the medical reality.
- Managing fear, uncertainty, grief and changes in identity
- Working with cycles between pain, stress, sleep and activity
- Communicating needs and limits to others
- Rebuilding meaningful activity within current capacity
- Coordinating with health professionals when appropriate and consented
Related Axis services
Find the relevant therapy or referral pathway.
These pages explain how Axis approaches related clinical and referral pathways.
Individual therapy
Adult psychological therapy
Assessment and therapy for adults with a range of current concerns and longer-standing patterns.Read about adult therapyFocused therapy
OCD and ERP
Assessment and collaborative exposure and response prevention where clinically appropriate.Read about OCD and ERP therapyFocused therapy
Trauma therapy
Carefully paced trauma therapy with attention to safety, preparation, choice and integration.Read about trauma therapyReferral information
Veterans and serving personnel
Information for people considering psychological care through Open Arms.Read about the veterans pathwayFunded pathway
WA Police
Preferred-provider information for WA Police staff, including how to enquire and arrange a referral.Read about WA Police referralsProfessional referrals
Workplace-funded services
Information for organisations, insurers and other approved workplace-funded referral pathways.Read about workplace-funded servicesTaking the next step
Considering an appointment?
Find out more about therapy at Axis or send an enquiry about an appointment.
Individual consultations are $280 for 50 minutes. Medicare rebates are available with an eligible referral. Funded appointment arrangements are confirmed before booking.