Dissociative Disorders (DID) Psychologists and Therapists in Balmain, NSW

Michelle Crowe
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Balmain, NSW 2041
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected? Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, past trauma including abuse and sexual abuse, or navigating a major life transition, you're not alone. Life can feel heavy at times, and reaching out for support is a courageous first step. As a counsellor with over 14 years of experience, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental, safe space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and challenges. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I am also a supervisor and can support you in setting up or expanding your business.
Are you feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected? Whether you're struggling with anxiety, stress, relationship challenges, past trauma including abuse and sexual abuse, or navigating a major life transition, you're not alone. Life can feel heavy at times, and reaching out for support is a courageous first step. As a counsellor with over 14 years of experience, I provide a compassionate, non-judgmental, safe space where you can explore your thoughts, emotions and challenges. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs. I am also a supervisor and can support you in setting up or expanding your business.
(03) 4823 4853 View (03) 4823 4853
Kate Mikhailouskaya
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
If you are haunted by traumatic past or challenged by present life circumstances, I invite you to take an active step towards clarity, self-understanding and change. Whether it is about making sense of childhood experiences or improving current relationships with self and others, psychoanalytic and existential approach with a close focus on childhood experiences provides a solid way forward. With more than ten years of experience in psychoanalytic practice, I offer individual therapy, training and supervision in the area of complex or single incident trauma.
If you are haunted by traumatic past or challenged by present life circumstances, I invite you to take an active step towards clarity, self-understanding and change. Whether it is about making sense of childhood experiences or improving current relationships with self and others, psychoanalytic and existential approach with a close focus on childhood experiences provides a solid way forward. With more than ten years of experience in psychoanalytic practice, I offer individual therapy, training and supervision in the area of complex or single incident trauma.
(02) 9159 6013 View (02) 9159 6013
Samantha Joplin
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Our experienced psychologists can help you overcome stress, anxiety, depression, cognitive difficulties, and other issues. We can also provide guidance to help you prioritise your mental health, achieve meaningful changes, build self-awareness, and gain insight into your unique difficulties. Through therapy, you can learn new strategies to better manage your thoughts, behaviours and emotions throughout challenging times. Establishing functional psychological skills and habits can bring about lasting change that extends beyond your time in therapy. Our psychologist also offer assessments for ADHD, ASD and learning disorders.
Our experienced psychologists can help you overcome stress, anxiety, depression, cognitive difficulties, and other issues. We can also provide guidance to help you prioritise your mental health, achieve meaningful changes, build self-awareness, and gain insight into your unique difficulties. Through therapy, you can learn new strategies to better manage your thoughts, behaviours and emotions throughout challenging times. Establishing functional psychological skills and habits can bring about lasting change that extends beyond your time in therapy. Our psychologist also offer assessments for ADHD, ASD and learning disorders.
(02) 8319 1970 View (02) 8319 1970
Dr Frank Valzano
Psychotherapist, PhD, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
You may be carrying pain that's hard to put into words. Perhaps it's the echo of past trauma, the fog of anxiety or depression, or the quiet ache of grief that doesn't seem to shift. Maybe you've spent years trying to hold everything together, all while feeling like you're falling apart inside. You're tired—of the overthinking, the emotional numbness, the disconnect in your relationships, the constant inner critic. You long for relief, but more than that, you want clarity, self-compassion, and a sense of wholeness. That's where we begin.
You may be carrying pain that's hard to put into words. Perhaps it's the echo of past trauma, the fog of anxiety or depression, or the quiet ache of grief that doesn't seem to shift. Maybe you've spent years trying to hold everything together, all while feeling like you're falling apart inside. You're tired—of the overthinking, the emotional numbness, the disconnect in your relationships, the constant inner critic. You long for relief, but more than that, you want clarity, self-compassion, and a sense of wholeness. That's where we begin.
(02) 8000 0047 View (02) 8000 0047
John Hristoforidis
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
Clients present to therapy for a variety of reasons. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space that meets where the client is at, and gently explores what's happening in their life. Together we can work towards goals that are alligned with their hopes, aspirations, desires or needs; to improve connection with the self, interpersonal relationships and the interplay with their surrounding social world.
Clients present to therapy for a variety of reasons. I provide a safe, non-judgemental space that meets where the client is at, and gently explores what's happening in their life. Together we can work towards goals that are alligned with their hopes, aspirations, desires or needs; to improve connection with the self, interpersonal relationships and the interplay with their surrounding social world.
(02) 9100 0965 View (02) 9100 0965
Sandy Macken
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
Are you feeling stuck inside despite all the effort and many attempts to get it right? Do you look ok on the outside but get the sense you’re crumbling internally or are you at war with yourself? Are you facing dilemmas or change that leaves you feeling overwhelmed? Are the difficulties of your past disturbing your dreams and giving you cause to lash out, cycle though addictions or want to disappear completely?
Are you feeling stuck inside despite all the effort and many attempts to get it right? Do you look ok on the outside but get the sense you’re crumbling internally or are you at war with yourself? Are you facing dilemmas or change that leaves you feeling overwhelmed? Are the difficulties of your past disturbing your dreams and giving you cause to lash out, cycle though addictions or want to disappear completely?
(02) 4501 7792 View (02) 4501 7792
Kate Mackie
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
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 and 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 and 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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iflow Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Serves Area
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
Sillow Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Petroula Quinn is a Psychologist, a certified EMDR Accredited Practitioner, and the founder of ‘Sillow Psychology’ - a Mental Health and Trauma Recovery service, providing psychology consultations to adults struggling with a range of issues, from general anxiety to deep trauma. Petroula has a special interest in the treatment of trauma and helping clients heal from past wounding. She helps guide clients to understand what has shaped them to operate or respond in certain ways and to change unhelpful patterns. She is passionate about helping people heal from adverse life experiences and achieve internal peace.
Petroula Quinn is a Psychologist, a certified EMDR Accredited Practitioner, and the founder of ‘Sillow Psychology’ - a Mental Health and Trauma Recovery service, providing psychology consultations to adults struggling with a range of issues, from general anxiety to deep trauma. Petroula has a special interest in the treatment of trauma and helping clients heal from past wounding. She helps guide clients to understand what has shaped them to operate or respond in certain ways and to change unhelpful patterns. She is passionate about helping people heal from adverse life experiences and achieve internal peace.
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Maria Simonetta
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
When lingering or reoccurring issues arise they create within us a dissatisfaction about life and how we feel about ourselves. Issues such as relationship difficulties, addictions, career, life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, stress, body image, negative beliefs and thoughts, emotional overwhelm, aggression, low energy, impulsivity etc. can affect your self esteem and your ability to think clearly and solve problems effectively. Learning new skills, building on resilience and resources and dealing with past issues that affect your present life can be empowering and create satisfaction and fulfilment in your life.
When lingering or reoccurring issues arise they create within us a dissatisfaction about life and how we feel about ourselves. Issues such as relationship difficulties, addictions, career, life transitions, parenting, depression, anxiety, stress, body image, negative beliefs and thoughts, emotional overwhelm, aggression, low energy, impulsivity etc. can affect your self esteem and your ability to think clearly and solve problems effectively. Learning new skills, building on resilience and resources and dealing with past issues that affect your present life can be empowering and create satisfaction and fulfilment in your life.
(02) 8073 9397 View (02) 8073 9397
Carol Marando
Psychotherapist, MA, ANZAP
Serves Area
I believe we are all doing the best we can with what we've got, but sometimes we don't have the right skills or viewpoint from which to understand and resolve the issues that cause us to suffer. Our old coping strategies fail and we become stressed, depressed, anxious, isolated, angry, fed up, stuck, lost or hopeless. And there's a voice in us that says we've got to figure it out for ourselves, we mustn't burden others or others won't understand us. I'll listen deeply and work beside you to find your own answers, in a confidential, non judgemental, safe space. We all need to be seen and understood and to understand ourselves.
I believe we are all doing the best we can with what we've got, but sometimes we don't have the right skills or viewpoint from which to understand and resolve the issues that cause us to suffer. Our old coping strategies fail and we become stressed, depressed, anxious, isolated, angry, fed up, stuck, lost or hopeless. And there's a voice in us that says we've got to figure it out for ourselves, we mustn't burden others or others won't understand us. I'll listen deeply and work beside you to find your own answers, in a confidential, non judgemental, safe space. We all need to be seen and understood and to understand ourselves.
(02) 8074 1972 View (02) 8074 1972

More Therapists Nearby

Dr Jamie Rickcord
Psychotherapist, MBBS, ANZAP Graduate
Serves Area
Some difficulties don't respond to short-course therapy, and it isn't because you didn't try hard enough. I was a GP for ten years before I trained as a psychotherapist, and I work with the problems that don't fit neatly: trauma, symptoms that keep returning with a normal result, depression that has outlasted everything reasonable, relationships that keep taking the same painful shape. I see adults and adolescents, in person in Byron Bay and by video anywhere in Australia.
Some difficulties don't respond to short-course therapy, and it isn't because you didn't try hard enough. I was a GP for ten years before I trained as a psychotherapist, and I work with the problems that don't fit neatly: trauma, symptoms that keep returning with a normal result, depression that has outlasted everything reasonable, relationships that keep taking the same painful shape. I see adults and adolescents, in person in Byron Bay and by video anywhere in Australia.
(08) 7562 7811 View (08) 7562 7811
Payal Parmar
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
Please use email for any inquiries, including booking an appointment. While I am passionate about helping my clients with difficulties such as depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks and low self esteem, I also have a special interest in treating difficulties related to recent and past trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Complex PTSD, recurring nightmares, dissociation, adult survivors of childhood neglect and abuse, and long term unhelpful patterns of relationship and/or behaviour.
Please use email for any inquiries, including booking an appointment. While I am passionate about helping my clients with difficulties such as depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks and low self esteem, I also have a special interest in treating difficulties related to recent and past trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Complex PTSD, recurring nightmares, dissociation, adult survivors of childhood neglect and abuse, and long term unhelpful patterns of relationship and/or behaviour.
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Rose Vala
Social Worker, MC, AMHSW
Sydney, NSW 2000
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.
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
Erin Mansfield
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
Hi, I’m Erin (AMHSW and EMDR therapist). I provide counselling and therapy to adults and young people (16yo+) who are looking for support with their mental health, nervous system, substance use and addiction, experiences of trauma and adversity, or in navigating life’s transitions. Whether you need support with specific challenges or are wanting to do deeper therapeutic work, you’re in the right place.
Hi, I’m Erin (AMHSW and EMDR therapist). I provide counselling and therapy to adults and young people (16yo+) who are looking for support with their mental health, nervous system, substance use and addiction, experiences of trauma and adversity, or in navigating life’s transitions. Whether you need support with specific challenges or are wanting to do deeper therapeutic work, you’re in the right place.
(02) 4307 5573 View (02) 4307 5573
Dae Bailey
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Online Only
Dae is a Registered Psychologist who is passionate about working with people who have felt ‘different’ their whole lives. They support people to heal from trauma, live more authentic lives, and fully embrace their identities. Dae holds space with curiosity and compassion, without judgement, and with the creativity to do things differently. Dae works with complex trauma, gender and sexuality, neurodivergence, disability, dissociation, diverse relationships, and the intersection of these, in a radically affirming way.
Dae is a Registered Psychologist who is passionate about working with people who have felt ‘different’ their whole lives. They support people to heal from trauma, live more authentic lives, and fully embrace their identities. Dae holds space with curiosity and compassion, without judgement, and with the creativity to do things differently. Dae works with complex trauma, gender and sexuality, neurodivergence, disability, dissociation, diverse relationships, and the intersection of these, in a radically affirming way.
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Samantha McDonnell
Psychotherapist
Paddington, NSW 2021
Are you affected by issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, abuse, loss, or relationships? My approach is compassionate and holistic, incorporating Sensorimotor Psyhotherapy, Internal Family Systems and Deep Brain Reorienting, to treat the somatic, emotional and psychological elements of unresolved trauma. Such symptoms may lie deep within the body, often at an unconscious level, and which traditional talking therapies may fail to address. I value our uniqueness as individuals and believe that we each have an innate capacity for healing and growth. I work with adults and offer both short-term and open-ended work.
Are you affected by issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, abuse, loss, or relationships? My approach is compassionate and holistic, incorporating Sensorimotor Psyhotherapy, Internal Family Systems and Deep Brain Reorienting, to treat the somatic, emotional and psychological elements of unresolved trauma. Such symptoms may lie deep within the body, often at an unconscious level, and which traditional talking therapies may fail to address. I value our uniqueness as individuals and believe that we each have an innate capacity for healing and growth. I work with adults and offer both short-term and open-ended work.
(02) 9100 0083 View (02) 9100 0083
Rebecca Higgins - EMDR & Trauma Treatment
Psychotherapist, ACA-L4
2 Endorsed
Online Only
Rebecca Higgins (Bec) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and EMDR Consultant, and the Clinical Director of The Radiant Group. She knows how deeply disorienting it can be when trauma, addiction, or relationship pain disrupts your sense of safety, identity, and connection. With warmth, steadiness, and genuine care, Rebecca creates a supportive space where you can feel understood and move toward clarity, healing, and renewed confidence, with access to focused intensive programs, individually tailored case conceptualisation, and affirming support for neurodivergent clients.
Rebecca Higgins (Bec) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Psychotherapist, and EMDR Consultant, and the Clinical Director of The Radiant Group. She knows how deeply disorienting it can be when trauma, addiction, or relationship pain disrupts your sense of safety, identity, and connection. With warmth, steadiness, and genuine care, Rebecca creates a supportive space where you can feel understood and move toward clarity, healing, and renewed confidence, with access to focused intensive programs, individually tailored case conceptualisation, and affirming support for neurodivergent clients.
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Anine Cummins (they/them)
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Online Only
My client says 'I came to you thinking that i needed to be fixed, that i just needed to work harder on myself so that all of my problems could be solved and then i could start 'living my real life.' I'm starting to learn that maybe it's ok that i don't always have my sht together. I’m human and that’s ok."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, autism, and other neurodiverse brains, activists and other people struggling with burn out.
My client says 'I came to you thinking that i needed to be fixed, that i just needed to work harder on myself so that all of my problems could be solved and then i could start 'living my real life.' I'm starting to learn that maybe it's ok that i don't always have my sht together. I’m human and that’s ok."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, autism, and other neurodiverse brains, activists and other people struggling with burn out.
(03) 8338 1789 View (03) 8338 1789
Von Coves
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Leichhardt, NSW 2040
Dissociation? TRAUMA? CPTSD? Perhaps you’ve tried therapy but it hasn’t helped at a deeper level. Perhaps you've felt judged or misunderstood. Yet therapy doesn’t have to be miserable! Healing is often found in the quality of your relationship with your therapist. If you experience complex trauma and dissociation, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It just means that responses that helped you survive in the past are getting in the way in the present. Together, with patience and understanding, we can update these patterns so you can feel better. Using IFS, EMDR, Psychodynamic approaches. You are welcome to contact me.
Dissociation? TRAUMA? CPTSD? Perhaps you’ve tried therapy but it hasn’t helped at a deeper level. Perhaps you've felt judged or misunderstood. Yet therapy doesn’t have to be miserable! Healing is often found in the quality of your relationship with your therapist. If you experience complex trauma and dissociation, it doesn’t mean there’s something wrong with you. It just means that responses that helped you survive in the past are getting in the way in the present. Together, with patience and understanding, we can update these patterns so you can feel better. Using IFS, EMDR, Psychodynamic approaches. You are welcome to contact me.
(02) 9100 0400 View (02) 9100 0400

See more therapy options for Balmain

Dissociative Disorders (DID) Therapists
How does therapy for dissociative disorders work?
Dissociation may be triggered by stress or other upsetting circumstances, and therapy can address the traumatic events at the core of an individual’s dissociation. Understanding why a person may dissociate can help the therapist and the individual come up with alternative methods of coping. A person with a dissociative disorder may get stuck on negative thinking, for example, and treatment like Cognitive behavioural therapy is a gold standard for breaking such thinking. And dialectical behaviour therapy, for example, can help a person manage their anguish through better emotion regulation.

Which therapies are best for dissociative disorders?
Specific approaches used by professionals include cognitive behavioural, dialectical behaviour, psychodynamic, schema therapies, among others. Cognitive behavioural and dialectical behaviour therapies are two widely used therapies that can help individuals with painful memories and past traumas. These therapies work to integrate an individual's different identities into one person.

Are there specific medications for dissociation?
There are no specific medications prescribed for dissociative disorders. However, psychosis, depression, anxiety, and/or panic often co-occur in dissociative disorders. A psychiatrist may prescribe medications for any accompanying symptom which may include antipsychotics, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety drugs.

How often and how long are therapy sessions?
Like any type of therapy, sessions depend on the individual. Patients may see improvement within 15 to 20 sessions, at an average of 50 minutes per session, others may opt for 20 to 30 sessions over, perhaps, a six-month period. There are still other patients, especially those who have co-occurring conditions like depression and anxiety, who may need to continue sessions for up to 12 to 18 months.