Trauma & complex PTSD treatment in Melbourne.
Life can throw us into deep waters. A life-threatening event, a serious accident, abuse, or the death of someone close can leave the mind caught in a loop — replaying what happened even when you're safe, reshaping how you see the world, yourself, and the people around you.
Sometimes, with strong emotions, the only way forward is through. Our trauma psychologists guide people through and out — using evidence-based therapy and a compassionate, non-judgemental approach, at Carlton, St Kilda and by telehealth.
What trauma leaves behind.
Post-traumatic stress can follow a single overwhelming event. Complex PTSD can develop from prolonged experiences — sustained abuse, neglect, or environments where you never felt safe. Both are real, and both respond to proper treatment. People come to us with:
Reliving it
Intrusive memories, nightmares and flashbacks — the mind replaying the event despite being somewhere safe.
Constant alertness
Hypervigilance, being easily startled, scanning for danger, never quite able to relax.
Avoidance
Steering around places, people, conversations or feelings that might touch the memory.
A whirlwind of emotion
Fear, anger, guilt and shame — sometimes all at once, sometimes numbness instead.
Changed beliefs
A world that feels less safe, a self that feels damaged, trust that feels impossible.
The long shadow
With complex trauma: effects on mood, anxiety, relationships, identity and how you attach to others.
Through, at your pace.
Trauma therapy isn't about forcing you to relive the worst of it. It begins with safety and stabilisation — building the ground to stand on — before any processing work starts, and it only ever moves at a pace you've agreed to. Our psychologists use approaches with strong research support for PTSD and complex PTSD, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), trauma-focused CBT and prolonged exposure, alongside Schema Therapy where long-standing patterns from early experiences are part of the picture. Trauma can leave deep imprints on your physical and emotional wellbeing — but it doesn't have to define you. You can read more about these approaches on our treatments page.
Getting started.
Safety first
Early sessions focus on trust, stability and coping — you won't be asked to recount anything before you're ready.
Understanding your story
Together we map how the trauma is affecting you now — sleep, mood, relationships, body — and agree on what treatment should target.
Processing, when you're ready
Using EMDR or trauma-focused therapy, the memory is processed so it loses its raw, present-tense grip.
Reclaiming your life
The final phase looks forward — rebuilding trust, connection and the parts of life the trauma took over.
Funded pathways for trauma.
Trauma treatment is one of the areas where funded pathways most often apply. If your trauma follows a transport accident, the TAC can fund your psychology under your claim. If it stems from a workplace incident, WorkCover funding may apply — including provisional payments for mental injury claims while they're decided. Otherwise, Medicare rebates apply with a Mental Health Treatment Plan, and NDIS funding covers eligible participants. Call us and we'll help you work out which applies.
Frequently asked questions.
Will I have to talk about everything that happened?
No. You control what you share and when. Effective trauma therapy starts with safety and stabilisation, and any processing of memories happens only when you're ready and only at a pace you've agreed to.
What's the difference between PTSD and complex PTSD?
PTSD typically follows a single traumatic event. Complex PTSD develops from prolonged or repeated trauma — such as ongoing abuse or neglect — and tends to also affect emotions, self-perception and relationships. Both respond to treatment, though complex trauma work is usually more gradual.
What is EMDR?
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing is a structured, well-researched therapy in which traumatic memories are processed while your attention is guided in specific ways. Many people find it helps memories lose their overwhelming, present-tense quality without needing to describe every detail aloud.
My trauma was a long time ago. Is it too late?
No. People come to trauma therapy years — sometimes decades — after the events, often when they realise the effects never fully resolved. The work is just as valid, whenever you start it.
Is trauma therapy available by telehealth?
Yes — telehealth trauma therapy is available and can suit people for whom travel or clinical settings are themselves difficult. Your psychologist will discuss whether it's the right format for your situation.
It doesn't have to define you.
Healing is a testament to human resilience — and to the right support. When you're ready, we're here.
Reviewed by Dr Simon Vincenzi, Clinical Psychologist and Director of Clarity Psychology.