Trauma and PTSD Counselling in Melbourne
We provide trauma and PTSD counselling in Melbourne for adults recovering from single-incident and complex trauma. Our trauma-focused psychologists use evidence-based therapies in a confidential, client-paced setting, with in-person appointments in Moorabbin and Chelsea Heights and telehealth available across Australia. This page sits alongside our broader clinical psychology treatments, for anyone comparing all the ways we can support you.
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Trauma Therapy in Melbourne
Trauma responses are normal reactions to abnormal events, whether that event happened once or unfolded over years. Our trauma counsellors and trauma psychologists work from a trauma-informed model, which means safety and pacing come first, always. Sessions are confidential, and you set how much detail you share and when.
We see adults working through the effects of accidents, assault, workplace incidents, medical trauma, and prolonged or relational trauma from childhood or past relationships. Whatever brought you here, you do not need to justify why it counts.
PTSD Counselling and Treatment
PTSD can show up as intrusive memories, nightmares, hypervigilance, or avoidance of anything that reminds you of what happened. Complex PTSD develops from prolonged or repeated trauma, often starting in childhood, and adds difficulties with emotional regulation, self-perception and relationships on top of core PTSD symptoms. We support both, and you do not need a formal diagnosis to start treatment. Many clients begin counselling while they are still working out what they are dealing with.
If your trauma developed over time rather than from one event, our guide to complex PTSD explains the signs and treatment approach in more depth.
How Trauma Can Affect Daily Life
You do not need to meet every item below to benefit from counselling. If several feel familiar, that is enough reason to reach out.
- Disrupted sleep, or exhaustion that rest does not fix
- Difficulty concentrating or holding focus at work or study
- Feeling on edge, easily startled, or scanning for danger without knowing why
- Strained trust in relationships, or pulling away from people who care about you
- Parenting feels harder than it should, or reacting more strongly than you mean to
- Physical tension, unexplained pain, or a body that never quite feels safe
- Leaning on alcohol, overworking or other habits to get through the day
If you recognise your childhood in this list rather than a single event, our article on childhood trauma explains how early experiences shape adult patterns, and what helps.
Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies
We match the approach to you, not the other way round. Read more about our integrative approach to therapy and why combining methods within one treatment plan often works better than a single modality alone.
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing). Helps the brain reprocess specific traumatic memories so they carry less charge. Learn more about EMDR therapy.
- Trauma-focused CBT. Addresses the thoughts and beliefs trauma leaves behind, such as self-blame or a sense of ongoing danger.
- Somatic and attachment-focused approaches. Address how trauma is held in the body and in patterns of trust and connection.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Works with the protective and wounded “parts” of you at a pace that never forces contact with painful material before you are ready. Learn more about IFS and parts work.
EMDR and trauma-focused CBT are recommended approaches in Australian PTSD treatment guidelines. Your psychologist will discuss which combination suits your situation.
What Happens During Therapy
Getting comfortable
Your first sessions focus on understanding your history and building a working relationship with your psychologist.
Stabilisation
Before anything else, you build practical coping skills for sleep, anxiety and regulation.
Processing
When you are ready, and only then, you work through specific memories or patterns using approaches like EMDR.
Consolidation
You integrate what has shifted and build confidence in maintaining it.
How to Get Started
Getting started is simple:
- Enquire or book online through our contact page or by phone.
- A brief intake conversation to understand what support you are looking for.
- Your first appointment, at your own pace, with no pressure to share more than you are ready to.
No referral is needed to begin. A GP referral and Mental Health Treatment Plan are only required if you want to claim a Medicare rebate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both can provide trauma-focused support, but a psychologist holds AHPRA registration and postgraduate training in assessment and evidence-based treatment. Our team’s specific registrations are outlined on our About page.
It varies by person and by what happened. Some clients notice change within several sessions; complex or prolonged trauma often benefits from longer-term work. Your psychologist will discuss realistic expectations with you directly.
Yes, with a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP. Visit our Fees and Rebates page for current amounts.