Sexual Abuse Counselling in Annandale, NSW

Photo of Kate O'Brien, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate O'Brien
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Annandale, NSW 2038
As humans, we will all go through challenging times and need support. Therapeutically, I work to assist the brain and body cope with trauma, challenging emotions & life experiences. I aim to sensitively attune to each person and look to work together to address your concerns. I humanise lived experiences and see the relevance of how our social and cultural context can shape our mood, mental health and recovery. I have special interest and experience working with people who have had a difficult childhood and those affected by trauma including sexual, physical, emotional, psychological & domestic abuse.
As humans, we will all go through challenging times and need support. Therapeutically, I work to assist the brain and body cope with trauma, challenging emotions & life experiences. I aim to sensitively attune to each person and look to work together to address your concerns. I humanise lived experiences and see the relevance of how our social and cultural context can shape our mood, mental health and recovery. I have special interest and experience working with people who have had a difficult childhood and those affected by trauma including sexual, physical, emotional, psychological & domestic abuse.
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Photo of Sonia Scali, PACFA, Counsellor
Sonia Scali
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Annandale, NSW 2038
Welcome, I’m Sonia, a warm, compassionate and open-minded counsellor. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative and strength-based, listening and tailoring my approach around your needs. My aim is to help you manage life's challenges with self-compassion and self-kindness. I work with both adults and adolescents, specialising in trauma, PTSD and C-PTSD, domestic and family violence, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, difficulties with boundaries, family estrangement and shame. Supporting my clients with communication and interpersonal relationships is a special interest of mine.
Welcome, I’m Sonia, a warm, compassionate and open-minded counsellor. My approach is trauma-informed, collaborative and strength-based, listening and tailoring my approach around your needs. My aim is to help you manage life's challenges with self-compassion and self-kindness. I work with both adults and adolescents, specialising in trauma, PTSD and C-PTSD, domestic and family violence, grief and loss, anxiety, depression, life transitions, difficulties with boundaries, family estrangement and shame. Supporting my clients with communication and interpersonal relationships is a special interest of mine.
(02) 9100 0424 View (02) 9100 0424
Photo of Safari Lee, Counsellor
Safari Lee
Counsellor
Verified Verified
Annandale, NSW 2038  (Online Only)
Do you need some calm in the middle of what you are facing? It can be really helpful to talk about ways to cope, manage symptoms, and ways to get life back in balance. Whether it's a recent family, work, health or life issue, or this has been going on for a long time, we can aim to make sense of what is happening. We can look at obstacles and plan a way forward.
Do you need some calm in the middle of what you are facing? It can be really helpful to talk about ways to cope, manage symptoms, and ways to get life back in balance. Whether it's a recent family, work, health or life issue, or this has been going on for a long time, we can aim to make sense of what is happening. We can look at obstacles and plan a way forward.
(02) 9100 0930 View (02) 9100 0930
Photo of Natasha Lawrence, PACFA, Counsellor
Natasha Lawrence
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Annandale, NSW 2038
Each person's experience is unique. You might be struggling with past hurts, experiencing challenging thoughts, have feelings of self-sabotage or that no matter what you do, you end up in the same relationships and repeating the same patterns. The answers lie within you and I can help you uncover them. I bring non-judgemental acceptance, belief in your resilience, and compassion to the journey that we embark on together. I will support you to find the patterns and behaviours in your life that no longer serve you.
Each person's experience is unique. You might be struggling with past hurts, experiencing challenging thoughts, have feelings of self-sabotage or that no matter what you do, you end up in the same relationships and repeating the same patterns. The answers lie within you and I can help you uncover them. I bring non-judgemental acceptance, belief in your resilience, and compassion to the journey that we embark on together. I will support you to find the patterns and behaviours in your life that no longer serve you.
(02) 9188 7723 View (02) 9188 7723
Photo of undefined - Heart Of Play Therapy Katie Summerfield
Heart Of Play Therapy Katie Summerfield
Verified Verified
Annandale, NSW 2038
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”. I recognise the importance of family and offer assistance to parents and carers to work towards a safer, happier and more relaxed home environment in a strength-based way. Child-centred Play Therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming way of supporting children in their unique reactions to coping with daily life, big life events or trauma and attachment issues.
Like a flower, we bloom in the right environment; in the play therapy room I work with empathy and acceptance to create a safe space for children and families in order for them to work through their issues and “grow”. I recognise the importance of family and offer assistance to parents and carers to work towards a safer, happier and more relaxed home environment in a strength-based way. Child-centred Play Therapy is a gentle, trauma-informed and neuro-affirming way of supporting children in their unique reactions to coping with daily life, big life events or trauma and attachment issues.
(02) 9100 0375 View (02) 9100 0375
Photo of Kate Zughbi, MA, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Kate Zughbi
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MA, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Annandale, NSW 2038
Are you struggling with issues relating to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, managing and understanding your emotions or just feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start? I endeavour to provide individualised, collaborative and evidence based treatment to meet your needs. It will be a space where you are seen and heard.
Are you struggling with issues relating to trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, relationships, managing and understanding your emotions or just feeling overwhelmed and don't know where to start? I endeavour to provide individualised, collaborative and evidence based treatment to meet your needs. It will be a space where you are seen and heard.
(02) 9100 0485 View (02) 9100 0485
Photo of Stacey McCraw, MPsych, MACPA, Psychologist
Stacey McCraw
Psychologist, MPsych, MACPA
Verified Verified
Annandale, NSW 2038
I have special interests in providing therapy to adults experiencing anxiety (panic or social), often on a background of trauma or difficult childhood experiences, and sometimes with substance use. Finding direction and purpose, overcoming depressed mood, and reducing relationship and work pressures are also common challenges that I assist with. I offer strategies useful for managing overwhelming feelings so that you can have more choice in how to respond to stress.
I have special interests in providing therapy to adults experiencing anxiety (panic or social), often on a background of trauma or difficult childhood experiences, and sometimes with substance use. Finding direction and purpose, overcoming depressed mood, and reducing relationship and work pressures are also common challenges that I assist with. I offer strategies useful for managing overwhelming feelings so that you can have more choice in how to respond to stress.
(02) 9331 7546 View (02) 9331 7546
Photo of Marina Suarez, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Marina Suarez
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Verified Verified
Annandale, NSW 2038
Are you struggling with anxiety, shame, intimacy or low self-esteem? Do you often feel that there's something wrong with you or that you are not good enough, no matter how hard you try? Do you constantly worry about what other people think of you or feel guilty a lot of the time? Are you trying to deal with the impact of difficult childhood experiences? Psychotherapy can help. With the right guidance and support it's possible to work through these issues. I work in partnership with my clients to help them find ways to feel better in the world and with themselves.
Are you struggling with anxiety, shame, intimacy or low self-esteem? Do you often feel that there's something wrong with you or that you are not good enough, no matter how hard you try? Do you constantly worry about what other people think of you or feel guilty a lot of the time? Are you trying to deal with the impact of difficult childhood experiences? Psychotherapy can help. With the right guidance and support it's possible to work through these issues. I work in partnership with my clients to help them find ways to feel better in the world and with themselves.
(02) 5104 1032 View (02) 5104 1032
Photo of undefined - iflow Psychology, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed, Psychologist
iflow Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Verified Verified
Annandale, NSW 2038
Confidential, advanced psychological counselling services. Invest in your psychological well-being and optimise your quality of life. Address issues in your life, grow and succeed. The first step, calling, is the hardest. We make the rest easy. Contact us and we will guide you the rest of the way. No obligation.
Confidential, advanced psychological counselling services. Invest in your psychological well-being and optimise your quality of life. Address issues in your life, grow and succeed. The first step, calling, is the hardest. We make the rest easy. Contact us and we will guide you the rest of the way. No obligation.
(02) 8766 0541 View (02) 8766 0541
Photo of Paula Parmakellis, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Paula Parmakellis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Annandale, NSW 2038
Not accepting new clients
Are you finding it difficult to manage your intense emotions? Have you experienced trauma in your life which is unresolved and affecting your life now? Or maybe you are at a point in life where you maybe feeling confused or just want to understand yourself better. I am an Accredited Mental Health Social worker with over 19 years experience in various roles with Children and Adolescents in Government and NGOs and counselling experience with Adolescents, families, ADF and their families. I am warm, empathic, authentic and enjoy a good laugh and would love to hear from you if you feel I would be a good fit.
Are you finding it difficult to manage your intense emotions? Have you experienced trauma in your life which is unresolved and affecting your life now? Or maybe you are at a point in life where you maybe feeling confused or just want to understand yourself better. I am an Accredited Mental Health Social worker with over 19 years experience in various roles with Children and Adolescents in Government and NGOs and counselling experience with Adolescents, families, ADF and their families. I am warm, empathic, authentic and enjoy a good laugh and would love to hear from you if you feel I would be a good fit.
(02) 9100 0106 View (02) 9100 0106

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Rose Vala, MC, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Rose Vala
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MC, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
I can work with most issues, and have a special interest and expertise in working with adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
We can all have times in our lives when things can seem unmanageable, whether it is within our family or close relationships, divorce or bereavement, or our health, our work or in coming to terms with difficult events that have happened either recently or in the past , which still don’t feel resolved. You are not alone, as human beings we all have difficult times. It is a brave decision to try to resolve those issues in the best way you can. A counsellor is not there to judge you, or to give you text book solutions. They are there to help and guide you towards the solution that is right for you.
I can work with most issues, and have a special interest and expertise in working with adult survivors of child sexual abuse.
We can all have times in our lives when things can seem unmanageable, whether it is within our family or close relationships, divorce or bereavement, or our health, our work or in coming to terms with difficult events that have happened either recently or in the past , which still don’t feel resolved. You are not alone, as human beings we all have difficult times. It is a brave decision to try to resolve those issues in the best way you can. A counsellor is not there to judge you, or to give you text book solutions. They are there to help and guide you towards the solution that is right for you.
(02) 9100 0835 View (02) 9100 0835
Photo of Elizabeth Chikako Crouch, MPsych, MAPS, Psychologist
Elizabeth Chikako Crouch
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Verified Verified
Newtown, NSW 2042
Therapy can be a big step and decision and it is important that your therapist is someone you feel safe and supported by, that you are respected and so are your strengths and capacities. I work in a holistic and supportive way working with clients to heal, and achieve the outcomes that they choose. I have worked for a number of years with survivors of childhood sexual assault, adult sexual assault, intimate partner and other violence and also work with those who use violence.
Therapy can be a big step and decision and it is important that your therapist is someone you feel safe and supported by, that you are respected and so are your strengths and capacities. I work in a holistic and supportive way working with clients to heal, and achieve the outcomes that they choose. I have worked for a number of years with survivors of childhood sexual assault, adult sexual assault, intimate partner and other violence and also work with those who use violence.
(02) 8294 6092 View (02) 8294 6092
Photo of undefined - EMDR Consultation and Supervision, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
EMDR Consultation and Supervision
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Ashfield, NSW 2131
Lorraine Wright is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and EMDR Consultant with over 25 years of experience in trauma therapy. She specializes in complex post-traumatic stress, childhood sexual assault survivors, and domestic violence. Lorraine offers a holistic approach, integrating various therapies like EMDR, ACT, and DBT. She provides supervision and consultation to health professionals and sees clients through Open Arms, Victim Services, Medicare, and privately. With evidence-based practice and intuition, Lorraine guides individuals on their healing journey.
Lorraine Wright is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and EMDR Consultant with over 25 years of experience in trauma therapy. She specializes in complex post-traumatic stress, childhood sexual assault survivors, and domestic violence. Lorraine offers a holistic approach, integrating various therapies like EMDR, ACT, and DBT. She provides supervision and consultation to health professionals and sees clients through Open Arms, Victim Services, Medicare, and privately. With evidence-based practice and intuition, Lorraine guides individuals on their healing journey.
(02) 8294 9667 View (02) 8294 9667
Photo of Peter Gormly, AMHSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Peter Gormly
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, AMHSW
Verified Verified
Darlington, NSW 2008
I provide a broad range of expertise that includes the impact of childhood trauma, such as sexual assault and domestic violence, and identity.
I‘m Peter; I provide counselling for both couples and individuals. I’ve been helping people with the trauma affecting their lives for over 20 years. Trauma can include child and adolescent mental health, medical procedures, bullying, sexual assault, domestic violence, palliative care, oncology, chronic pain and homelessness. The traumatic experience remains and influences our daily lives and our decisions.
I provide a broad range of expertise that includes the impact of childhood trauma, such as sexual assault and domestic violence, and identity.
I‘m Peter; I provide counselling for both couples and individuals. I’ve been helping people with the trauma affecting their lives for over 20 years. Trauma can include child and adolescent mental health, medical procedures, bullying, sexual assault, domestic violence, palliative care, oncology, chronic pain and homelessness. The traumatic experience remains and influences our daily lives and our decisions.
(02) 9100 0749 View (02) 9100 0749
Photo of Cate Simpson, MA, PACFA, Psychotherapist
Cate Simpson
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000
I specialise in working with people who have experienced trauma. Many of my clients have difficulty in managing emotions and personal relationships and may have been diagnosed with complex trauma, dissociative disorders or borderline personality disorder but people also come to see me for many other reasons as well. Some of the the other concerns that I see clients for on a regular basis include Depression, Anxiety, Relationship concerns and grief and loss. Ive been around for a while and worked in a diverse range of areas including community mental health, Youth, suicide/self harm programs, sexual assault and LGBTQIA .
I specialise in working with people who have experienced trauma. Many of my clients have difficulty in managing emotions and personal relationships and may have been diagnosed with complex trauma, dissociative disorders or borderline personality disorder but people also come to see me for many other reasons as well. Some of the the other concerns that I see clients for on a regular basis include Depression, Anxiety, Relationship concerns and grief and loss. Ive been around for a while and worked in a diverse range of areas including community mental health, Youth, suicide/self harm programs, sexual assault and LGBTQIA .
(08) 7078 8218 View (08) 7078 8218
Photo of Carlyn Chen, PACFA, Counsellor
Carlyn Chen
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Woolloomooloo, NSW 2011
I am experienced seeing clients with issues such as attachment trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, oppression, racism, cultural issues, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, identity issues, religious trauma, grief, domestic violence, family issues and relationships.
I am a Teochew person working on Gadigal land, working to decolonise myself and my therapy to offer culturally sensitive and inclusive counselling to people of all cultures and identities. I offer trauma-informed, integrative therapy that will be tailored to your needs, taking into account mind, body, nervous system, emotions and context. I believe in the innate capacity of each person to heal and will work collaboratively with you to uncover and grow this. I have provided holistic counselling and case management support to young people and adults experiencing complex trauma in the not for profit and health sectors since 2015.
I am experienced seeing clients with issues such as attachment trauma, addiction, anxiety, depression, neurodiversity, oppression, racism, cultural issues, sexual abuse, childhood trauma, identity issues, religious trauma, grief, domestic violence, family issues and relationships.
I am a Teochew person working on Gadigal land, working to decolonise myself and my therapy to offer culturally sensitive and inclusive counselling to people of all cultures and identities. I offer trauma-informed, integrative therapy that will be tailored to your needs, taking into account mind, body, nervous system, emotions and context. I believe in the innate capacity of each person to heal and will work collaboratively with you to uncover and grow this. I have provided holistic counselling and case management support to young people and adults experiencing complex trauma in the not for profit and health sectors since 2015.
(02) 9100 0467 View (02) 9100 0467
Photo of Dr Nicolas Kessous, PsychD, Psychologist
Dr Nicolas Kessous
Psychologist, PsychD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Sydney, NSW 2000  (Online Only)
I am a clinical and forensic psychologist registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. I am also a member of the Australian Psychological Society, and a clinical member of the Association for the Treatment & Prevention of Sexual Abuse. I was trained to practise psychology in Canada, where I began my career as a psychologist in 2013.
I am a clinical and forensic psychologist registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. I am also a member of the Australian Psychological Society, and a clinical member of the Association for the Treatment & Prevention of Sexual Abuse. I was trained to practise psychology in Canada, where I began my career as a psychologist in 2013.
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Photo of Claudia Vayda, PsyBA General, Psychologist
Claudia Vayda
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Verified Verified
Stanmore, NSW 2048
I have a particular interest in trauma recovery, mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns, focussing on providing support for those who have experienced trauma, including childhood sexual or physical assault, grief and loss, domestic violence, sexual assault, traumatic accidents, medical trauma, religious trauma, and abuse.
With over 25 years’ experience as a Psychologist and Family Therapist, I have worked both in crisis and outpatient settings with drug and alcohol, at-risk, and acute mental health populations as well as in private practice with couples, families, and individuals. My work now focusses on working together to facilitate and create sustained positive change with my clients, and to assist recovery from abuse, trauma, and adverse life events.
I have a particular interest in trauma recovery, mood and anxiety disorders, and relationship concerns, focussing on providing support for those who have experienced trauma, including childhood sexual or physical assault, grief and loss, domestic violence, sexual assault, traumatic accidents, medical trauma, religious trauma, and abuse.
With over 25 years’ experience as a Psychologist and Family Therapist, I have worked both in crisis and outpatient settings with drug and alcohol, at-risk, and acute mental health populations as well as in private practice with couples, families, and individuals. My work now focusses on working together to facilitate and create sustained positive change with my clients, and to assist recovery from abuse, trauma, and adverse life events.
0493 838 567 View 0493 838 567
Photo of undefined - Anine Cummins (they/them) - Ginger Cat Counselling, ACA-L1, Counsellor
Anine Cummins (they/them) - Ginger Cat Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Verified Verified
Sydney, NSW 2000  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Please note: I am a counsellor, and cannot accept mental health care plans. I provide online counselling for adults and teenagers. Everyone is welcome! I work with LGBTIQ+ clients, including trans and non-binary people, people with traumatic histories, including sexual assault and abuse, people with dissociative disorders, including DID, people with ADHD and autism, and other neurodiverse brains, activists and other people struggling with burn out.
Please note: I am a counsellor, and cannot accept mental health care plans. I provide online counselling for adults and teenagers. Everyone is welcome! I work with LGBTIQ+ clients, including trans and non-binary people, people with traumatic histories, including sexual assault and abuse, people with dissociative disorders, including DID, people with ADHD and autism, and other neurodiverse brains, activists and other people struggling with burn out.
(03) 8338 1789 View (03) 8338 1789
Photo of Amrita Sharma, PACFA, Counsellor
Amrita Sharma
Counsellor, PACFA
Verified Verified
Summer Hill, NSW 2130  (Online Only)
I work as a Counsellor and Educator. I have been working as a Counsellor for 15 years and teaching Diploma of Counselling for 5 years. I specialise in working with people who have experienced trauma, particularly domestic family violence and sexual assault. I am passionate about working with clients from historically marginalised groups such as those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and those that identify as LGBTIQ. I have a particular interest in workplace issues including bullying, stress and burnout.
I work as a Counsellor and Educator. I have been working as a Counsellor for 15 years and teaching Diploma of Counselling for 5 years. I specialise in working with people who have experienced trauma, particularly domestic family violence and sexual assault. I am passionate about working with clients from historically marginalised groups such as those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and those that identify as LGBTIQ. I have a particular interest in workplace issues including bullying, stress and burnout.
(02) 9538 7110 View (02) 9538 7110

See more therapy options for Annandale

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.