Sexual Abuse Counselling in Footscray, VIC
Consequently, I have worked extensively with victim/survivors of sexual assault and family violence.
We can focus on a specific problem area you bring to therapy, and delve to a deeper level of understanding of the issue/s so as to resolve it, or we can work in a more fluid, open-ended manner, with self-discovery in mind. While I am not resistant to diagnosis and working within a pathological lens, I like to see people outside of narrow diagnostic labels. In the first instance, my first approach is to understand a client’s suffering by learning about them as unique individuals with complex histories and adaptive coping strategies. As I engage wholeheartedly with clients, my ask is that clients attempt to engage wholeheartedly too.
Consequently, I have worked extensively with victim/survivors of sexual assault and family violence.
We can focus on a specific problem area you bring to therapy, and delve to a deeper level of understanding of the issue/s so as to resolve it, or we can work in a more fluid, open-ended manner, with self-discovery in mind. While I am not resistant to diagnosis and working within a pathological lens, I like to see people outside of narrow diagnostic labels. In the first instance, my first approach is to understand a client’s suffering by learning about them as unique individuals with complex histories and adaptive coping strategies. As I engage wholeheartedly with clients, my ask is that clients attempt to engage wholeheartedly too.
Tigist Kebede is Naarm (Melbourne) based Black Counsellor, who employs trauma informed, decolonizing and intersectional frameworks into her practice and advocacy. She specificalised in working with adults with particular interest in culturally responsive clinical practice. Tigist has experience working forensic, non-profit and health sector. She has a history with working with racial trauma, sexual assault, family violence and refugee trauma.
Tigist Kebede is Naarm (Melbourne) based Black Counsellor, who employs trauma informed, decolonizing and intersectional frameworks into her practice and advocacy. She specificalised in working with adults with particular interest in culturally responsive clinical practice. Tigist has experience working forensic, non-profit and health sector. She has a history with working with racial trauma, sexual assault, family violence and refugee trauma.
She has worked at the Centre Against Sexual Assault, Women’s Social Support Services (RWH), Pregnancy Advisory Services, the Foundation for Torture and Trauma and as a fertility counsellor with individuals and couples.
Christina has 20 years experience as a mental health social worker and psychotherapist. She works with people whose lives have been affected by childhood & adult trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family violence, and the impact of identity, family, ethnic and cultural issues on mental health. She has a special interest in supporting clients with chronic and physical health and disability issues. Christina hopes that through therapy, people can develop a greater awareness of their emotions, thoughts, strengths and goals and an overall improvement in their wellbeing and relationships with others.
She has worked at the Centre Against Sexual Assault, Women’s Social Support Services (RWH), Pregnancy Advisory Services, the Foundation for Torture and Trauma and as a fertility counsellor with individuals and couples.
Christina has 20 years experience as a mental health social worker and psychotherapist. She works with people whose lives have been affected by childhood & adult trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, family violence, and the impact of identity, family, ethnic and cultural issues on mental health. She has a special interest in supporting clients with chronic and physical health and disability issues. Christina hopes that through therapy, people can develop a greater awareness of their emotions, thoughts, strengths and goals and an overall improvement in their wellbeing and relationships with others.
Safe, compassionate and non-pathologising therapy for women 16+. As a woman, you may have experienced trauma caused by discrimination, sexual assault, abuse, bullying, domestic violence, social exclusion or hormonal life transitions. Understandably, these traumatic life experiences can have a significant impact on your social, emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing, particularly within relationships. I believe, given the right environment and opportunities, you can heal from trauma and live a rich and meaningful life.
Safe, compassionate and non-pathologising therapy for women 16+. As a woman, you may have experienced trauma caused by discrimination, sexual assault, abuse, bullying, domestic violence, social exclusion or hormonal life transitions. Understandably, these traumatic life experiences can have a significant impact on your social, emotional, physical and psychological wellbeing, particularly within relationships. I believe, given the right environment and opportunities, you can heal from trauma and live a rich and meaningful life.
I work with my clients in a human, down to earth way. I see us as two people working together to find what will make things better for you. We'll look at more than just your symptoms; we'll look at your life experiences, your family & ancestral history, societal & environmental systems around you, and how your body is responding to all of this. I tend to work deeply and do more than just teach you strategies. I am interested in getting to the root cause of things, because I believe that is where we find liberation and self-compassion.
I work with my clients in a human, down to earth way. I see us as two people working together to find what will make things better for you. We'll look at more than just your symptoms; we'll look at your life experiences, your family & ancestral history, societal & environmental systems around you, and how your body is responding to all of this. I tend to work deeply and do more than just teach you strategies. I am interested in getting to the root cause of things, because I believe that is where we find liberation and self-compassion.
Awombda is a Gestalt relational psychotherapist who is passionate about change, choice and allowing space to grow. She has worked in the community sector for over 20 years in mental health, homelessness and drug and alcohol. Awombda has extensive experience working with anxiety and depression, PTSD, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties and substance use issues. Awombda has specialist expertise working with the LGBTIQ community. In addition to her practice Awombda has taught in the Graduate Art therapy program at Miecat and is currently on faculty at Gestalt Therapy Australia.
Awombda is a Gestalt relational psychotherapist who is passionate about change, choice and allowing space to grow. She has worked in the community sector for over 20 years in mental health, homelessness and drug and alcohol. Awombda has extensive experience working with anxiety and depression, PTSD, grief and loss, trauma, relationship difficulties and substance use issues. Awombda has specialist expertise working with the LGBTIQ community. In addition to her practice Awombda has taught in the Graduate Art therapy program at Miecat and is currently on faculty at Gestalt Therapy Australia.
Asa Chen LCSW, SEP, AMHSW
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AASW
Verified Verified
Footscray, VIC 3011
I am a somatic psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical SW who works with people who live with complex mental health conditions and trauma symptoms, which may show up as syndromes like CFS or Fibromyalgia. My clients tend to have difficulty managing distressing and intense emotions, find it hard to stay present, and have a hard time fostering connection with others. They have usually experienced years of talk therapy (ie CBT, ACT, etc.) and still find themselves working hard to function. My aim is to work toward re-organising/regulating your physiology (which impacts your symptom expression) and increases your capacity/functioning.
I am a somatic psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical SW who works with people who live with complex mental health conditions and trauma symptoms, which may show up as syndromes like CFS or Fibromyalgia. My clients tend to have difficulty managing distressing and intense emotions, find it hard to stay present, and have a hard time fostering connection with others. They have usually experienced years of talk therapy (ie CBT, ACT, etc.) and still find themselves working hard to function. My aim is to work toward re-organising/regulating your physiology (which impacts your symptom expression) and increases your capacity/functioning.
Are you feeling worried, overwhelmed, or struggling in your relationship or daily life? Maybe you and your partner are finding it hard to connect, or perhaps you’re facing challenges on your own—feeling stressed, anxious, or like your usual energy has disappeared. When even small tasks or conversations feel like too much, it can be exhausting, and it’s easy to retreat from the world. I understand how difficult this can be, and I’m here to help. Whether you’re facing relationship issues, personal struggles, or family dynamics, I provide a non-judgmental space for individuals, couples, and families to work through their challenges.
Are you feeling worried, overwhelmed, or struggling in your relationship or daily life? Maybe you and your partner are finding it hard to connect, or perhaps you’re facing challenges on your own—feeling stressed, anxious, or like your usual energy has disappeared. When even small tasks or conversations feel like too much, it can be exhausting, and it’s easy to retreat from the world. I understand how difficult this can be, and I’m here to help. Whether you’re facing relationship issues, personal struggles, or family dynamics, I provide a non-judgmental space for individuals, couples, and families to work through their challenges.
I’ve been working as a psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor in private practice in Footscray for 18 years. The vibrancy, diversity and unique qualities of Footscray and the inner western suburbs of Melbourne have always felt like the right fit for my practice. I’ve worked with a diverse range of issues and presentations. As well as supporting people through mental health issues, I’m also interested in helping people develop their capacity for awareness and self-discovery. I have a steadfast commitment to the depth and transformative potential of the therapeutic process.
I’ve been working as a psychotherapist, counsellor and supervisor in private practice in Footscray for 18 years. The vibrancy, diversity and unique qualities of Footscray and the inner western suburbs of Melbourne have always felt like the right fit for my practice. I’ve worked with a diverse range of issues and presentations. As well as supporting people through mental health issues, I’m also interested in helping people develop their capacity for awareness and self-discovery. I have a steadfast commitment to the depth and transformative potential of the therapeutic process.
Casey Hosking
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Verified Verified
Footscray, VIC 3011 (Online Only)
Casey is genuinely interested in people’s stories and has a deep respect for each person’s individuality and autonomy. She is committed to providing a space where every person feels able to express themselves freely, one that fosters curiosity, openness and self-compassion. Her goal is to collaborate with her clients to create therapy goals that are both evidence-based and tailored to each person’s unique history, temperament, social and financial context, and hopes and desires for the future.
Casey is genuinely interested in people’s stories and has a deep respect for each person’s individuality and autonomy. She is committed to providing a space where every person feels able to express themselves freely, one that fosters curiosity, openness and self-compassion. Her goal is to collaborate with her clients to create therapy goals that are both evidence-based and tailored to each person’s unique history, temperament, social and financial context, and hopes and desires for the future.
Avrille Burrows
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Footscray, VIC 3011
Avrille Burrows is a Naarm (Melbourne) based Mental Health Clinician and Arts Therapist who utilises a visual and culturally responsive approach to her therapy. She has worked for over 13 years with individuals and families who have experienced trauma, family violence, abuse and those who are still navigating difficult family dynamics. Avrille supports building a stronger understanding of your mental health, your needs and your identity to help decision making easier, boundary setting adaptive and communication clearer. Avrille works in a collaborative manner, drawing in a trauma-informed, intersectional and systemic lens.
Avrille Burrows is a Naarm (Melbourne) based Mental Health Clinician and Arts Therapist who utilises a visual and culturally responsive approach to her therapy. She has worked for over 13 years with individuals and families who have experienced trauma, family violence, abuse and those who are still navigating difficult family dynamics. Avrille supports building a stronger understanding of your mental health, your needs and your identity to help decision making easier, boundary setting adaptive and communication clearer. Avrille works in a collaborative manner, drawing in a trauma-informed, intersectional and systemic lens.
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I have 25 years’ experience in public mental health and private practice. It is well established that the most important ingredient for any successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship which develops over time and helps you feel safe. I work with you to make sense of your unique story and the reasons you’re engaging in therapy. I start by understanding your early life experiences which impact your thinking patterns, emotions and behaviours from an emphatic and non-judgmental position. Therapy is embedded with compassion, tailored to meet your goals, from a strengths based position to empower your recovery journey.
I have 25 years’ experience in public mental health and private practice. It is well established that the most important ingredient for any successful therapy is the therapeutic relationship which develops over time and helps you feel safe. I work with you to make sense of your unique story and the reasons you’re engaging in therapy. I start by understanding your early life experiences which impact your thinking patterns, emotions and behaviours from an emphatic and non-judgmental position. Therapy is embedded with compassion, tailored to meet your goals, from a strengths based position to empower your recovery journey.
Christine is a Clinical Psychologist who has a special interest in supporting clients to process and understand past trauma and move beyond issues that have held them back. She also has a special interest in supporting clients who are experiencing fertility issues and undertaking ART, as well as those who are experiencing general adjustment issues, depression and anxiety. Christine believes that everyone has the ability to change and lead a more fulfilling and content life. She works collaboratively with clients to develop goals and strategies and finds that therapy works best when clients are able to play an active role.
Christine is a Clinical Psychologist who has a special interest in supporting clients to process and understand past trauma and move beyond issues that have held them back. She also has a special interest in supporting clients who are experiencing fertility issues and undertaking ART, as well as those who are experiencing general adjustment issues, depression and anxiety. Christine believes that everyone has the ability to change and lead a more fulfilling and content life. She works collaboratively with clients to develop goals and strategies and finds that therapy works best when clients are able to play an active role.
Are you struggling with your life and feel you might have unresolved issues, trauma, relationship or neurodiversity challenges or managing family dynamics/adoptee/grief and loss, bereavement or cultural issues? LGBTQIA+ needs that aren’t being seen or understood? A good counsellor will allow you space to talk, guide you gently along your journey and provide safety and non judgement to explore what can be achieved. This is the foundation of my practice - always from a trauma informed perspective.
Are you struggling with your life and feel you might have unresolved issues, trauma, relationship or neurodiversity challenges or managing family dynamics/adoptee/grief and loss, bereavement or cultural issues? LGBTQIA+ needs that aren’t being seen or understood? A good counsellor will allow you space to talk, guide you gently along your journey and provide safety and non judgement to explore what can be achieved. This is the foundation of my practice - always from a trauma informed perspective.
Vanessa Del Valle from Wellness & Co.
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Footscray, VIC 3011
Imagine feeling overwhelmed, lonely, unsupported, burdened by grief or mental health issues. These challenges can leave you feeling lost and stuck in your current circumstances. The goal is to find hope, purpose, and a healthier life. Vanessa Del Valle at Wellness & Co understands these struggles and provides the support and guidance needed to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger.
Imagine feeling overwhelmed, lonely, unsupported, burdened by grief or mental health issues. These challenges can leave you feeling lost and stuck in your current circumstances. The goal is to find hope, purpose, and a healthier life. Vanessa Del Valle at Wellness & Co understands these struggles and provides the support and guidance needed to navigate these challenges and emerge stronger.
My approach to working with clients is deeply rooted in empathy and warmth, creating a safe and compassionate space for exploration and growth. I believe in the power of authenticity, adapting my methods to suit each individual's unique needs and preferences. With a person-centered focus, I collaborate closely with clients to understand their story and guide them towards making meaningful changes and living a values-based life.
My approach to working with clients is deeply rooted in empathy and warmth, creating a safe and compassionate space for exploration and growth. I believe in the power of authenticity, adapting my methods to suit each individual's unique needs and preferences. With a person-centered focus, I collaborate closely with clients to understand their story and guide them towards making meaningful changes and living a values-based life.
Dimitri has significant experience providing psychotherapy with adults. Areas of expertise include relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, anger management, neurodiverse challenges (ADHD/ASD), and, facilitating the process of psychological recovery from trauma and complex trauma (i., e childhood/adult abuse issues, domestic violence, family dysfunction, childhood neglect). Dimitri has worked as a private practice over several years, school psychologist, Victims of Crime, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), NDIS disability work, along with previous experience in the provision of psychological support in prison settings.
Dimitri has significant experience providing psychotherapy with adults. Areas of expertise include relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, anger management, neurodiverse challenges (ADHD/ASD), and, facilitating the process of psychological recovery from trauma and complex trauma (i., e childhood/adult abuse issues, domestic violence, family dysfunction, childhood neglect). Dimitri has worked as a private practice over several years, school psychologist, Victims of Crime, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), NDIS disability work, along with previous experience in the provision of psychological support in prison settings.
Kiri Tsalparos
Psychologist, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Verified Verified
Footscray, VIC 3011
I am a registered psychologist and AHPRA board approved supervisor. I have worked across both the government and private sectors for over 15 years. I am currently focussing on assessment work and have extensive experience in ASD assessment, ADHD assessment for both children and adults. I also conduct cognitive assessments for NDIS funding and within the the school system. I have also worked within the justice system with Corrections Victoria and QLD Corrections with sexual and violent offenders.
I am a registered psychologist and AHPRA board approved supervisor. I have worked across both the government and private sectors for over 15 years. I am currently focussing on assessment work and have extensive experience in ASD assessment, ADHD assessment for both children and adults. I also conduct cognitive assessments for NDIS funding and within the the school system. I have also worked within the justice system with Corrections Victoria and QLD Corrections with sexual and violent offenders.
I have been providing psychological services & counselling to adults for over 2 decades. I am also a Gottman informed couple's therapist. Clients who love working with me are often growth and values oriented and strategy focussed because I am strength and strategy focussed. I am very passionate about my work and have 28 years of experience working with people from an array of cultural backgrounds navigating personal, familial and workplace relationships.
I have been providing psychological services & counselling to adults for over 2 decades. I am also a Gottman informed couple's therapist. Clients who love working with me are often growth and values oriented and strategy focussed because I am strength and strategy focussed. I am very passionate about my work and have 28 years of experience working with people from an array of cultural backgrounds navigating personal, familial and workplace relationships.
Mental and emotional well-being is essential to achieving goals and being the best version of ourselves. Even negative emotions contain messages if unaddressed can lead to poor mental health and interpersonal difficulties. Medicating away or numbing out difficult emotions is not the only way. By being emotionally intelligent, we can achieve goals and have the relationship we want.
Mental and emotional well-being is essential to achieving goals and being the best version of ourselves. Even negative emotions contain messages if unaddressed can lead to poor mental health and interpersonal difficulties. Medicating away or numbing out difficult emotions is not the only way. By being emotionally intelligent, we can achieve goals and have the relationship we want.
See more therapy options for Footscray
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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.