What does Skilled Sleep do?

Skilled Sleep is an online sleep psychology service led by Clinical Psychologist Dr Amanda Gamble. We provide CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia), treatment for insomnia, circadian rhythm disorders, anxiety-related sleep problems, and evidence-based paediatric sleep psychology. All care is delivered via secure telehealth across Australia.

What conditions do you treat?

We specialise in:

• Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, early waking)

• Circadian rhythm disorders (delayed sleep phase, irregular sleep-wake cycles)

• Sleep issues related to anxiety, stress, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors

• Paediatric sleep problems for children aged 5+

• Parent coaching for younger children under 5

If you’re unsure whether your sleep issue fits these categories, we can guide you during your initial assessment.

What types of treatments do you use?

At Skilled Sleep, treatment is grounded in evidence-based psychological approaches proven to improve sleep. The main therapies we use include:

CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia)

• CBT-I is the gold-standard, first-line treatment for insomnia recommended worldwide. CBT-I typically includes sleep scheduling, stimulus control, sleep efficiency training, cognitive strategies, and relaxation techniques. It produces measurable improvements within 3–6 sessions for many people.

ACT for Sleep (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)

• ACT is useful when sleep difficulties are tied to stress, anxiety, perfectionism, or rumination. It helps you disengage from toxic thoughts, reduce the struggle with wakefulness and build psychological flexibility. ACT pairs extremely well with CBT-I, especially for those with long-standing insomnia or high sleep-related anxiety.

Schema Therapy (for chronic sleep difficulties linked to long-term patterns)

• Schema therapy is used when sleep problems are influenced by deeper, longstanding patterns such as: High self-expectations, fear of failure, chronic worry or pessimism, hypervigilance and vulnerability. Schema work helps you understand and shift these modes so your nervous system can settle more easily.

We combined these therapies to achieve immediate improvements and long-term resilience, helping you sleep well now and stay well in the future.

What should I expect in the first session?

Your first session is a detailed sleep assessment, including:

• A structured clinical interview

• Review of your sleep patterns and routines

• Validated sleep and mental health questionnaires

• Clear goal-setting

• A personalised, evidence-based treatment plan

Most clients leave the first session with increased understanding of their sleep issue and a roadmap of what treatment will involve.

Do I need a referral?

No, you can book directly.

However, to access Medicare rebates, you will need a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. You may also be eligible for private health insurance rebates—please check with your insurer.

How are sessions delivered?

Sessions are delivered via secure telehealth. This allows:

• Access from anywhere in Australia

• Screen-sharing for sleep diaries and education

• Use of validated outcome measures

• Flexible appointment times

Telehealth is equally effective as in-person treatment for insomnia.

How long before I see improvement?

Many clients notice significant improvements within 3–6 sessions when CBT-I strategies are applied consistently. We track your progress using:

• Daily sleep diaries

• Standardised measures

• Regular plan review and adjustment

Do you work with children?

Yes — we provide paediatric sleep psychology for children aged 5 and above.
For younger children (3-5yrs) , we offer parent-only sessions using evidence-based strategies.

What results can I expect?

Clients commonly experience:

• Falling asleep faster

• Fewer nighttime awakenings

• Improved sleep efficiency

• More daytime energy and mental clarity

• Reduced worry or anxiety around sleep

• More consistent routines

Our approach supports long-term, sustainable improvements.