Sexual Abuse Counselling in Clifton Hill, VIC

Photo of Paula-Jane Buckland, PACFA, Counsellor
Paula-Jane Buckland
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
Paula-Jane specializes in complex trauma, working with adults who are victim/survivors of childhood sexual assault, and sex and intimacy education for NDIS participants.
Paula-Jane is an accredited mental health counsellor and sex therapist working with individuals and intimate couples; providing care for a diverse range of issues and concerns. The greatest joy of her role is seeing people leaving her care feeling content, lighter and calm within themselves and hope for their future. Paula-Jane is committed to holding a space that is calm accepting trusting safe and welcoming, allowing you to feel at ease and move at a pace comfortable to you. Welcoming all people from different communities, lifestyles and abilities.
Paula-Jane specializes in complex trauma, working with adults who are victim/survivors of childhood sexual assault, and sex and intimacy education for NDIS participants.
Paula-Jane is an accredited mental health counsellor and sex therapist working with individuals and intimate couples; providing care for a diverse range of issues and concerns. The greatest joy of her role is seeing people leaving her care feeling content, lighter and calm within themselves and hope for their future. Paula-Jane is committed to holding a space that is calm accepting trusting safe and welcoming, allowing you to feel at ease and move at a pace comfortable to you. Welcoming all people from different communities, lifestyles and abilities.
(03) 8338 4767 View (03) 8338 4767
Photo of Peta de Burgh, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Peta de Burgh
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker & Accredited E.M.D.R Practitioner with more than 16 years experience working in the area of Trauma. I have experience working with adults who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect, as well as those who have been affected by a recent traumatic event. I have a particular interest in trauma and how it impacts on a person's ability to have a harmonious relationships with themselves and others. https://www.breathcounselling.com.au/
I am an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker & Accredited E.M.D.R Practitioner with more than 16 years experience working in the area of Trauma. I have experience working with adults who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect, as well as those who have been affected by a recent traumatic event. I have a particular interest in trauma and how it impacts on a person's ability to have a harmonious relationships with themselves and others. https://www.breathcounselling.com.au/
(03) 7003 2905 View (03) 7003 2905
Photo of Sweeney O'Heare-Young, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Sweeney O'Heare-Young
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
A wish to get better, and a willingness to look inside oneself. These are the only essentials for success in therapy. I enjoy helping people with OCD and rumination to regain a sense of agency over their mind, people with depression to understand what is happening inside themselves that is causing their suffering and free themselves from it, people with PTSD to feel safe again and gain self-compassion and heal their nervous system, people with difficulty in relationships to understand what is happening and operate more smoothly, and helping people with many other difficulties to heal and move forward.
A wish to get better, and a willingness to look inside oneself. These are the only essentials for success in therapy. I enjoy helping people with OCD and rumination to regain a sense of agency over their mind, people with depression to understand what is happening inside themselves that is causing their suffering and free themselves from it, people with PTSD to feel safe again and gain self-compassion and heal their nervous system, people with difficulty in relationships to understand what is happening and operate more smoothly, and helping people with many other difficulties to heal and move forward.
(03) 7003 2205 View (03) 7003 2205
Photo of Lisa Winther, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Lisa Winther
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
Hello there! I'm an experienced counselling psychologist and registered supervisor, dedicated to helping individuals find their path and unlock new possibilities through therapeutic engagement and evidence-informed techniques. I'm really passionate about emotionally focused therapies. Why? Because I've seen how exploring emotional patterns can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others, paving the way for tackling life's hurdles with greater clarity and resilience.
Hello there! I'm an experienced counselling psychologist and registered supervisor, dedicated to helping individuals find their path and unlock new possibilities through therapeutic engagement and evidence-informed techniques. I'm really passionate about emotionally focused therapies. Why? Because I've seen how exploring emotional patterns can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and others, paving the way for tackling life's hurdles with greater clarity and resilience.
(03) 7003 2135 View (03) 7003 2135
Photo of Laura Petrie, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Laura Petrie
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
Do you experience aspects of your life as dissatisfying or distressing, this may feel like depression, anxiety, hopelessness or a pervasive self criticism? Such dissatisfaction and distress can be supported through Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Laura's focus is the development of a safe, trusting and reliable relationship which becomes the basis for exploring your thoughts and feelings, and generating insights about the sources of your personal struggles. Generating insights open new opportunities for more satisfying connections to self and others, and greater life choices.
Do you experience aspects of your life as dissatisfying or distressing, this may feel like depression, anxiety, hopelessness or a pervasive self criticism? Such dissatisfaction and distress can be supported through Psychoanalytic Psychotherapy. Laura's focus is the development of a safe, trusting and reliable relationship which becomes the basis for exploring your thoughts and feelings, and generating insights about the sources of your personal struggles. Generating insights open new opportunities for more satisfying connections to self and others, and greater life choices.
(03) 8797 5226 View (03) 8797 5226
Photo of Ana-Louise Almagro, MA, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Ana-Louise Almagro
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
My areas of interest are couples counselling, trauma and anxiety. I work primarily using CBT, Schema, EMDR and Gottman Method.
My areas of interest are couples counselling, trauma and anxiety. I work primarily using CBT, Schema, EMDR and Gottman Method.
(03) 7003 2488 View (03) 7003 2488
Photo of Dr Milanda Matthews, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist
Dr Milanda Matthews
Psychologist, PsyBA Endorsed
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
People come to therapy for a range of reasons. There might be recurrent problems in relationships or work, there might be disturbing feelings within, or behaviours that are defeating or destructive. Many people find that their usual ways of coping don’t seem to work for them anymore. Whatever the issue, undertaking psychotherapy is an opportunity for you to really understand the underlying drivers of the problem, in the context of your unique life history, and to find a way to transform your suffering. New possibilities for living with greater freedom and creativity might then appear.
People come to therapy for a range of reasons. There might be recurrent problems in relationships or work, there might be disturbing feelings within, or behaviours that are defeating or destructive. Many people find that their usual ways of coping don’t seem to work for them anymore. Whatever the issue, undertaking psychotherapy is an opportunity for you to really understand the underlying drivers of the problem, in the context of your unique life history, and to find a way to transform your suffering. New possibilities for living with greater freedom and creativity might then appear.
(03) 9118 9071 View (03) 9118 9071
Photo of Romy Briner - Mindview Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist
Romy Briner - Mindview Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
I'm a registered clinical psychologist with a broad range of experience providing psychological support to individuals and couples with various life situations. I am passionate about supporting people to reflect upon and find meaning in their life experiences and to improve their self-awareness. Part of this is encouraging clients to explore the meaning behind their experiences and to understand the links between early life events and their current difficulties. I strive to practise a person-centred approach and to work collaboratively with clients.
I'm a registered clinical psychologist with a broad range of experience providing psychological support to individuals and couples with various life situations. I am passionate about supporting people to reflect upon and find meaning in their life experiences and to improve their self-awareness. Part of this is encouraging clients to explore the meaning behind their experiences and to understand the links between early life events and their current difficulties. I strive to practise a person-centred approach and to work collaboratively with clients.
(03) 7003 2435 View (03) 7003 2435
Photo of Woody Balfour, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Woody Balfour
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
As a therapist, I understand the need for warmth and acceptance. This is the foundation of a therapeutic relationship where people can show up with aspects of themselves that are problematic and unhelpful without judgement. I can relate to very human uncomfortable and undesirable behaviors, feelings and beliefs about ourselves. Through consistent support, compassion and curiosity, positive change becomes possible.
As a therapist, I understand the need for warmth and acceptance. This is the foundation of a therapeutic relationship where people can show up with aspects of themselves that are problematic and unhelpful without judgement. I can relate to very human uncomfortable and undesirable behaviors, feelings and beliefs about ourselves. Through consistent support, compassion and curiosity, positive change becomes possible.
(03) 7003 2659 View (03) 7003 2659
Photo of Sherena Ismail, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Sherena Ismail
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
Sherena studied at The University of Melbourne. She is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and Board-approved Supervisor. She has worked extensively in the public & private settings with individuals experiencing: •Mood, Anxiety, Trauma & stressor-related & Personality disorders •Acquired brain injuries •Pain management, Relationship, Grief, Cross cultural & Lifestyle adjustment issues. She has special interest in BPD, trauma-focused work, and couple therapy.
Sherena studied at The University of Melbourne. She is an experienced Clinical Psychologist and Board-approved Supervisor. She has worked extensively in the public & private settings with individuals experiencing: •Mood, Anxiety, Trauma & stressor-related & Personality disorders •Acquired brain injuries •Pain management, Relationship, Grief, Cross cultural & Lifestyle adjustment issues. She has special interest in BPD, trauma-focused work, and couple therapy.
(03) 7003 2414 View (03) 7003 2414
Photo of Tessa Hutcheson, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Tessa Hutcheson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
I specialise in assisting people who have experienced trauma at any stage of life to heal from these experiences and their consequences, supporting them to grow and focus on what gives their life meaning now. I work with adults to address: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma, recent traumatic events (eg. medical trauma, birth trauma), anxiety and phobias, and depression.
I specialise in assisting people who have experienced trauma at any stage of life to heal from these experiences and their consequences, supporting them to grow and focus on what gives their life meaning now. I work with adults to address: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex trauma, recent traumatic events (eg. medical trauma, birth trauma), anxiety and phobias, and depression.
(03) 7003 2490 View (03) 7003 2490
Photo of Alexandra Heynatz, MA, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Alexandra Heynatz
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
Working with me is a collaborative process, oriented by curiosity, acceptance and choice. Sessions provide opportunity to rekindle awareness for what you most need and want, build trust in your wisest impulses, and reconnect with ways of living that disrupt harm, promote healing and support ease of being.
Working with me is a collaborative process, oriented by curiosity, acceptance and choice. Sessions provide opportunity to rekindle awareness for what you most need and want, build trust in your wisest impulses, and reconnect with ways of living that disrupt harm, promote healing and support ease of being.
(03) 8338 4265 View (03) 8338 4265
Photo of Gill Dolan - Gill Dolan - Plus 1 Psychology, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Gill Dolan - Plus 1 Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
I am passionate about helping individuals heal from incidents they have experienced as traumatic. I have a particular interest in working with first responders and veterans, as well as those who have encountered distressing interpersonal difficulties, often within their family of origin.
I am passionate about helping individuals heal from incidents they have experienced as traumatic. I have a particular interest in working with first responders and veterans, as well as those who have encountered distressing interpersonal difficulties, often within their family of origin.
(03) 7003 2752 View (03) 7003 2752
Photo of Ermanno Bergami, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Ermanno Bergami
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
As a psychotherapist I create a field, I prepare the ground and the conditions, I set processes in motion, I resonate and synchronise with the rhythm of the person. I help the person to centre inside, to anchor in the body, in the present and in reality. What I am most interested in is the relationship people have with themselves. Most problems that occur in interpersonal relationships have to do with conflict within us. My work is about lowering fears, taking small and big courageous steps, regaining the capacity to love, rebuilding trust in ourselves so that we can find and follow our path.
As a psychotherapist I create a field, I prepare the ground and the conditions, I set processes in motion, I resonate and synchronise with the rhythm of the person. I help the person to centre inside, to anchor in the body, in the present and in reality. What I am most interested in is the relationship people have with themselves. Most problems that occur in interpersonal relationships have to do with conflict within us. My work is about lowering fears, taking small and big courageous steps, regaining the capacity to love, rebuilding trust in ourselves so that we can find and follow our path.
(03) 8797 5448 View (03) 8797 5448
Photo of Zac Teichmann, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych, Psychologist
Zac Teichmann
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
Zac is a clinical psychologist who typically works with clients experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, managing emotions, coping with stress or dealing with conflict in relationships. He enjoys working with clients to increase understanding of how they got to where they are now, reduce suffering, build skills, develop goals and meaning. Clients often come in crisis, when they have tried everything and struggled for a long time, but continue treatment long after crisis has resolved to work on creating a fuller and better life. Zac enjoys developing a deeper therapeutic relationship and working long-term.
Zac is a clinical psychologist who typically works with clients experiencing difficulties with anxiety, mood, managing emotions, coping with stress or dealing with conflict in relationships. He enjoys working with clients to increase understanding of how they got to where they are now, reduce suffering, build skills, develop goals and meaning. Clients often come in crisis, when they have tried everything and struggled for a long time, but continue treatment long after crisis has resolved to work on creating a fuller and better life. Zac enjoys developing a deeper therapeutic relationship and working long-term.
(03) 7003 2008 View (03) 7003 2008
Photo of Matthew Austin, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Matthew Austin
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
Caring & non-judgemental counselling for LGBTQIA+ folk. You may have been feeling bad about yourself and have noticed that you have been acting in inauthentic ways. Perhaps you are worried others won’t accept the real you. It’s been difficult to share your self-critical thoughts with others. I help LGBTQIA+ folk with a non-Judgmental and caring space to explore and better understand and process their distress.
Caring & non-judgemental counselling for LGBTQIA+ folk. You may have been feeling bad about yourself and have noticed that you have been acting in inauthentic ways. Perhaps you are worried others won’t accept the real you. It’s been difficult to share your self-critical thoughts with others. I help LGBTQIA+ folk with a non-Judgmental and caring space to explore and better understand and process their distress.
(03) 7020 2779 View (03) 7020 2779
Photo of Karen Dreher - Fitzroy North Counselling, MA, ACA-L2, Counsellor
Fitzroy North Counselling
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
Karen works with adolescents, adults & couples. She has a particular interest in anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, grief, life transitions, & communication and relationships. In her confidential counselling space she helps clarify issues, identify goals, & explores thinking, emotions, and behaviour that may be getting us a little stuck. Karen provides a warm, authentic counselling space that will support you in sharing your story, in creating your own meaning, and in building your own strategies to navigate your identified concerns.
Karen works with adolescents, adults & couples. She has a particular interest in anxiety, depression, trauma, identity, grief, life transitions, & communication and relationships. In her confidential counselling space she helps clarify issues, identify goals, & explores thinking, emotions, and behaviour that may be getting us a little stuck. Karen provides a warm, authentic counselling space that will support you in sharing your story, in creating your own meaning, and in building your own strategies to navigate your identified concerns.
(03) 7003 2721 View (03) 7003 2721
Photo of Leyna Fennell, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Leyna Fennell
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
Relationship Therapist and Clinical Supervisor, working with individuals, couples & families. I will work with you to strengthen your relationships with self and others, through careful exploration of your emotional landscape, attending to any emotional blocks holding you back from relating well. Attention given to enhancing communication and supporting expressions of more vulnerable emotions and experiences. Special interest working with challenges related to love, desire, sex and intimacy. My interest and focus surrounds exploring issues through the lens of relationship- whether that be intimate or other.
Relationship Therapist and Clinical Supervisor, working with individuals, couples & families. I will work with you to strengthen your relationships with self and others, through careful exploration of your emotional landscape, attending to any emotional blocks holding you back from relating well. Attention given to enhancing communication and supporting expressions of more vulnerable emotions and experiences. Special interest working with challenges related to love, desire, sex and intimacy. My interest and focus surrounds exploring issues through the lens of relationship- whether that be intimate or other.
(03) 8592 9269 View (03) 8592 9269
Photo of Ruth Katerelos, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Ruth Katerelos
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
In over 20 years as a therapist, I have worked with a wide range of clients and couples with many and varied issues. I work in a way that is strongly client, and emotionally focused. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, substance issues, food disorders, grief, child-hood trauma, uncertainty around sexuality and gender, around identity and self confidence/esteem. I work well with clients who are looking to change their lives and who are open to exploring their issues; to challenge their thinking and to examine what isn't working for them and to take practical steps to shift beyond where they are now.
In over 20 years as a therapist, I have worked with a wide range of clients and couples with many and varied issues. I work in a way that is strongly client, and emotionally focused. I have worked with clients experiencing depression, anxiety, substance issues, food disorders, grief, child-hood trauma, uncertainty around sexuality and gender, around identity and self confidence/esteem. I work well with clients who are looking to change their lives and who are open to exploring their issues; to challenge their thinking and to examine what isn't working for them and to take practical steps to shift beyond where they are now.
(02) 4504 0223 View (02) 4504 0223
Photo of Josh Sasai - Josh Sasai - Wisdom Psychotherapy, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Josh Sasai - Wisdom Psychotherapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Clifton Hill, VIC 3068
Hi, my name is Josh. I specialise in working with clients with trauma (C/PTSD), anxiety, depression and chronic conditions by facilitating Body-Mind Processing practices. I use Buddhist Psychotherapy as my therapeutic framework. Buddhist Psychotherapy is a non-religious, brain science-focused and compassion-oriented framework, which can combine evidence-based counselling methods with body-mind integrative practices for a restored sense of wellbeing. My practice focuses on the body’s innate wisdom to work out solutions to the presented issues, as well as working with emotions as the vehicles to connect body-and-mind.
Hi, my name is Josh. I specialise in working with clients with trauma (C/PTSD), anxiety, depression and chronic conditions by facilitating Body-Mind Processing practices. I use Buddhist Psychotherapy as my therapeutic framework. Buddhist Psychotherapy is a non-religious, brain science-focused and compassion-oriented framework, which can combine evidence-based counselling methods with body-mind integrative practices for a restored sense of wellbeing. My practice focuses on the body’s innate wisdom to work out solutions to the presented issues, as well as working with emotions as the vehicles to connect body-and-mind.
0490 965 822 View 0490 965 822
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Sexual Abuse Counsellors

How do therapists treat sexual abuse?

A good therapist will be nonjudgmental and possibly demonstrate active listening, repeating back what the client says to show that they have understood. These skills allow people to feel comfortable discussing their traumatic experiences openly. Some important treatment goals are to restore a sense of safety and to rebuild confidence. In addition to working one-on-one with the patient, a therapist might bring in supportive family members to assist the client.

Do you have to talk extensively about sexual abuse in therapy?

Survivors frequently find it difficult to describe what happened to them out loud. They can even still be in a state of denial if the sexual abuse occurred recently. It is important for survivors to acknowledge that what happened isn’t their fault and to challenge and reappraise any unhealthy feelings or thoughts as they arise. Art therapy and play therapy are useful non-verbal means of communication for some survivors.

How long does treatment for sexual abuse take?

Recovery from sexual abuse can be a long and difficult process. Some survivors are able to move on naturally on their own, given time, while others require the guidance of a trained therapist. Therapy needs vary and can range from a few sessions to months or even years. Healing from sexual abuse takes time, and everyone’s journey will look a little different.

Can trauma symptoms caused by sexual abuse come back after treatment?

As occurs in many cases of trauma, survivors of sexual abuse may experience PTSD-like symptoms long after the abuse has ceased or after an initial round of treatment has occurred. In such a case, there is evidence that prolonged exposure therapy is a useful treatment for survivors, and may be more efficacious than supportive counseling alone. While triggers may continue to cause distress, the idea is that, with time and repeated exposure, their power will fade, allowing survivors to move on with their lives.