Sleep Disorders Psychologist - Telehealth Australia-wide
Dr Gus Norris provides evidence-based psychological treatment for adults experiencing insomnia and other sleep difficulties. He is a Sydney-based Clinical Psychologist supporting adults across Australia via telehealth consultations, using structured approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I).
Support for sleep difficulties that is practical, structured, and non-medication based
Sleep disorders can have a significant impact on quality of life. Difficulties falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking too early and being unable to return to sleep can lead to daytime fatigue, mood disturbance, distress, frustration, and reduced functioning. Poor sleep can also occur alongside anxiety and depression or chronic pain.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is recognised as a highly effective non-pharmacological evidence-based psychological treatment for sleep difficulties, particularly insomnia. It focuses on the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours that contribute to poor sleep and aims to break the cycle of anxiety and frustration that often builds around bedtime and sleep loss.
Dr Norris has had a longstanding interest in the psychological treatment of sleep difficulties and has worked in this area for many years.
Sleep psychology support - Sydney-based, telehealth Australia-wide
Dr Norris works with adults across Australia who are seeking help for insomnia and other persistent sleep difficulties.
All consultations are conducted by video call via telehealth, making support accessible anywhere in Australia.
- Confidential telehealth consultations
- Telehealth Australia-wide
- Evidence-based treatment for insomnia and sleep-related anxiety
- Available via video call Australia-wide
How CBT-I and related strategies can help
CBT-I is a structured form of therapy that specifically targets the cognitive and behavioural factors that maintain insomnia. Many people with chronic sleep difficulties begin to worry about not sleeping, ruminate about the consequences of poor sleep, and become more alert and anxious at bedtime. That increased arousal can make sleep even harder.
CBT-I addresses this cycle directly, helping people change how they think about sleep and feel less anxious about it.
Behavioural techniques
- Stimulus control to re-associate bed with sleep
- Sleep restriction therapy to improve efficiency
- Helping the bed become a cue for sleep, not wakefulness
- Strengthening a more stable sleep pattern over time
Additional strategies
- Relaxation strategies such as mindful breathing
- Mindfulness approaches to reduce bedtime arousal
- Sleep education and sleep hygiene review
- Establishing a more consistent sleep routine
These strategies are not applied mechanically. They are used thoughtfully according to the individual's sleep pattern, contributing factors, and overall presentation.
Support for a broader range of sleep-related difficulties
While insomnia is the most common focus, CBT-based treatment may also help with other sleep-related difficulties - tailored to the particular pattern and context affecting the person.
CPAP adjustment difficulties
Support for people having difficulty adjusting to CPAP treatment for obstructive sleep apnoea.
Nightmares & parasomnias
Help with persistent nightmares, night terrors, waking with anxiety, and sleep paralysis.
Anxiety-driven sleep loss
Treatment where sleep difficulties are made worse by anxiety, stress, or unhelpful bedtime habits.
Treatment can also be relevant for hypersomnia and sleep difficulties made worse by anxiety, stress, or unhelpful bedtime habits.
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:
- Difficulty falling asleep most nights
- Waking during the night and struggling to return to sleep
- Waking too early and feeling unrested
- Anxiety or frustration about sleep itself
- Poor sleep affecting mood, concentration, or functioning
- Persistent sleep problems that have not improved with basic sleep advice alone
The aim is not only to improve sleep, but also to reduce the distress, worry, and disruption that poor sleep can create in daily life.
If any of the above resonates, support is available.
Speak with Dr NorrisWhy many patients seek evidence-based treatment for sleep disorders
When sleep problems become ongoing, they often begin to affect much more than the night itself. Treatment is usually sought when poor sleep starts to interfere with mood, energy, work, relationships, or the ability to think clearly and function well.
Reduced sleep-related worry
Address the worry, rumination, and frustration that often keep insomnia going.
More consistent sleep patterns
Use structured behavioural strategies to improve sleep efficiency and routine.
Better daytime functioning
Work toward improved concentration, steadier mood, and reduced fatigue.
Long-term management skills
Develop practical tools that can support better sleep over time without relying on medication alone.
CBT-I can be more effective in the medium and long term than sleeping tablets for many people with insomnia.
Why choose Dr Gus Norris for sleep disorder treatment
Dr Norris has had a longstanding interest and extensive experience in the psychological treatment of sleep difficulties. He has worked with sleep disorders for many years through his involvement with St George Hospital's Sleep Disorders Unit, where he currently runs a clinic, as well as through longstanding collaborative relationships with sleep specialists.
For adults seeking experienced sleep and insomnia psychology support via telehealth, Dr Norris offers a measured, evidence-based approach focused on understanding what is maintaining the sleep difficulty and applying practical treatment strategies that can make a meaningful difference.
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. Eligible patients can claim Medicare benefits for up to 10 individual and 10 group mental health treatment sessions each calendar year, subject to the applicable rules and referrals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Confidential support for sleep disorders - telehealth Australia-wide
If you are looking for an experienced psychologist for insomnia or sleep difficulties, Dr Gus Norris provides a calm, professional, and evidence-based approach focused on practical change. Appointments are available via telehealth across Sydney and Australia-wide.