Focussed Psychological Strategies

The range of FPS currently covers the following psychological interventions.

Psycho-education
Psycho-education usually involves giving the client information about the mental health disorder, including its prevalence, symptoms and related difficulties, aetiology, prognosis and recommended treatments.

Motivational interviewing
The goal of this technique is to build the motivation for change in clients who are either ambivalent or who are reluctant to change. Discrepancies between clients' current behaviour and their goals are highlighted as a vehicle to trigger behaviour change.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
CBT has two aspects: behaviour therapy and cognitive therapy. Behaviour therapy is based on the theory that behaviour is learned and therefore can be changed. Cognitive therapy is based on the theory that distressing emotions and maladaptive behaviours are the result of faulty or irrational patterns of thinking. Therefore, therapeutic interventions are aimed at replacing such dysfunctional thoughts with more rational cognitions, which then leads to an alleviation of problem thoughts, emotions and behaviour. CBT interventions include the following:

Behavioural interventions
	Behaviour modification (particularly for children, including analysis of behaviour and contingency management) Exposure techniques Activity scheduling
Cognitive interventions
	Cognitive analysis, challenging and restructuring of thoughts Self-instructional training Attention regulation

Relaxation strategies
	Guided imagery Deep muscle relaxation Isometric relaxation
Skills training
	Problem-solving skills training Anger management Stress management Communication training Social skills training Parent management training

 

Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
IPT is based on the theory that interpersonal relationships play a significant role in both causing and maintaining depression. IPT aims to identify and resolve interpersonal difficulties that are thought to be related to depression. These difficulties may include conflict with others, role disputes or role transitions, social isolation and prolonged grief following loss. IPT explores clients' perceptions and expectations of relationships, and aims to improve communication and interpersonal skills.

Narrative therapy (indigenous clients only)
Narrative therapy has been approved as a psychological intervention only for indigenous clients with mental health problems. Narrative therapy has been identified as a mode of working of particular value to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as it builds on the story telling that is a central part of their culture. Narrative therapy is based on the notion that people arrange their life experiences in sequences across time in order to arrive at a coherent account of themselves and the world around them (referred to as a 'self-narrative'). The role of narrative therapy is to assist clients to move away from problem-dominated stories that leave them without solutions and towards stories that highlight possibilities and opportunities.