Schizophrenia Psychologist - Telehealth Australia-wide
Dr Gus Norris provides evidence-based psychological support for adults living with schizophrenia, psychosis-related difficulties, and the emotional, social, and functional challenges that can accompany these conditions. He is a Sydney-based Clinical Psychologist supporting adults across Australia via telehealth consultations.
Support for schizophrenia that is structured, evidence-based, and clinically informed
Schizophrenia is a complex, chronic psychiatric condition that can involve episodes of psychosis, including delusions, hallucinations, disorganised thinking, and other cognitive difficulties. It can also affect many other areas of wellbeing and functioning.
Many people living with schizophrenia also experience anxiety and depression, substance misuse, social isolation, interpersonal difficulties, disorganised behaviour, and problems managing everyday tasks. These difficulties can significantly affect quality of life, relationships, confidence, independence, and daily functioning. In some cases, forensic psychological services may also be relevant where legal matters arise.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis (CBTp) is an established evidence-based psychological treatment used alongside broader clinical care for people with psychosis and schizophrenia. NICE (National Institute for Health and Care Excellence - UK) states that adults with psychosis or schizophrenia should be offered cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis, which can help people find ways to cope with symptoms. Where appropriate, collaborative care with families and other health and support providers can also be very helpful.
Dr Norris provides a calm, structured, and evidence-based approach for adults seeking psychological support with schizophrenia and related difficulties.
Schizophrenia and psychosis-related support - Sydney-based, telehealth Australia-wide
Dr Norris works with adults across Australia who are seeking professional psychological support for schizophrenia, psychosis-related experiences, and associated emotional or functional difficulties.
All consultations are conducted by video call, so telehealth consultations are accessible anywhere in Australia.
- Confidential telehealth consultations
- Telehealth Australia-wide
- CBT-based support for schizophrenia and psychosis-related difficulties
- Available Australia-wide via video call
How CBT can help with schizophrenia and psychosis-related difficulties
CBT for schizophrenia can be used in an individually tailored way to help a person better understand and respond to the thoughts, beliefs, emotions, and behaviours associated with their difficulties. It may focus on the distress connected with delusions, hallucinations, unusual beliefs, anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, or reduced functioning.
For example, a person may hold a distressing belief that they are being watched or monitored. A person living with schizophrenia may also benefit from addressing barriers to social connection, finding meaning, and employment. CBT may help the person examine the belief more carefully, understand how it may be connected with their illness, and develop ways to reduce the distress and disruption associated with it.
Treatment may include
- Identifying distressing thoughts, beliefs, or interpretations
- Reducing the emotional impact of difficult experiences
- Developing coping strategies for symptoms
- Improving problem-solving and stress management
- Addressing anxiety, depression, or avoidance
- Strengthening social skills and daily functioning
Healthdirect notes that CBT may help people with schizophrenia challenge delusions and cope with symptoms, while psychoeducation can support communication and daily activities.
A targeted approach to symptoms, coping, and daily functioning
Treatment is tailored to the person's individual presentation, history, goals, and broader care needs. CBT may involve cognitive restructuring, coping strategies, problem-solving, social skills work, exposure-based strategies where anxiety is present, and psychoeducation where appropriate.
Cognitive and emotional support
- Exploring unhelpful or distressing beliefs
- Reducing fear, shame, or distress linked to symptoms
- Developing more balanced ways of responding to experiences
- Addressing anxiety, depression, or hopelessness
- Improving confidence in managing difficult thoughts
Functional and social support
- Strengthening problem-solving skills
- Improving communication and social confidence
- Supporting daily structure and routines
- Reducing avoidance and social withdrawal
- Building strategies for stress management
This approach is not about dismissing a person's experiences. It is about helping the person develop more effective ways to manage distress, improve functioning, and engage more fully with life where possible.
Schizophrenia can affect more than symptoms alone
Schizophrenia can affect emotional wellbeing, relationships, independence, work or study, family life, and a person's sense of identity and confidence. For many people, the associated difficulties - such as anxiety, depression, loneliness, shame, or reduced daily functioning - can become just as important to address as the psychotic symptoms themselves.
CBT for schizophrenia often involves psychoeducation, where people - and sometimes families or support people - develop a clearer understanding of the nature of the condition. This can help reduce stigma, improve communication, and support more effective management.
NICE guidance on psychosis and schizophrenia focuses on long-term recovery, early recognition, coexisting health concerns, and support for family members and carers.
This service may be helpful if you are experiencing
Adults often seek treatment with Dr Norris when one or more of the following are present:
- Schizophrenia or psychosis-related difficulties
- Distress linked to unusual beliefs, voices, or intrusive experiences
- Anxiety or depression occurring alongside schizophrenia
- Social withdrawal or isolation
- Difficulties with everyday structure or functioning
- Interpersonal challenges or reduced confidence
- Stress, shame, or fear linked to symptoms
- A need for psychological support alongside broader clinical care
The goal of treatment is not simply to discuss symptoms, but to develop a clearer understanding of the person's difficulties and apply practical strategies that support coping, functioning, and quality of life.
Why many patients seek evidence-based support for schizophrenia
People may seek psychological support when schizophrenia or psychosis-related difficulties begin to affect distress levels, confidence, relationships, independence, daily routines, or quality of life.
Reduced distress
Work on reducing the emotional impact of distressing thoughts, beliefs, or experiences.
Improved coping
Develop practical strategies to manage symptoms, stress, anxiety, or low mood.
Better daily functioning
Support routines, communication, problem-solving, and participation in everyday life.
Greater understanding
Use psychoeducation and structured therapy to better understand the condition and reduce stigma.
Why choose Dr Gus Norris for schizophrenia support
Dr Norris completed his PhD in Clinical Psychology with doctoral research in schizophrenia at the University of Sydney and has published in the area. He has worked extensively with the assessment and treatment of people living with schizophrenia through many years in the public health system and in private practice.
This background gives him substantial experience with the complexity of schizophrenia, including psychosis-related symptoms as well as the emotional, social, and functional difficulties that often occur alongside the condition.
For adults seeking an experienced schizophrenia and psychosis psychologist via telehealth, Dr Norris provides structured telehealth treatment that is evidence-based, respectful, and tailored to the individual.
Do you need a referral?
A referral is not required to make a private appointment with Dr Norris. However, some patients may be eligible for Medicare rebates if they have a valid Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral from their GP, psychiatrist, or paediatrician.
For schizophrenia and psychosis-related difficulties, many people will also have involvement from a GP, psychiatrist, mental health team, or other treating professionals. Psychological treatment can form one part of a broader care plan where appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Confidential support for schizophrenia - telehealth Australia-wide
If you are looking for an experienced psychologist for schizophrenia or psychosis-related difficulties, Dr Gus Norris provides a calm, professional, and evidence-based approach focused on reducing distress, improving coping, and supporting daily functioning. Appointments are available via telehealth across Sydney and Australia-wide.