Trauma and PTSD Psychologists and Therapists in North Sydney, NSW

Photo of Sophie Mellish, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Sophie Mellish
Psychotherapist, PACFA
North Sydney, NSW 2060
I use a person-centred, trauma-informed approach and integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
I can understand the overwhelming weight of feeling trapped. It might be navigating the complexities of a narcissistic personality, surviving domestic violence, or facing family conflict that leaves you questioning your reality. This pain is hard to explain to others, and the fear of being stuck can feel suffocating. It can often make us feel very lonely. In our work together, the focus isn’t on labelling or diagnosing the people in your life. Instead, its time to centre what you’ve experienced: the impact of chronic invalidation, control, or threats. Moreover, how those patterns have affected your sense of safety, and self belief.
I use a person-centred, trauma-informed approach and integrate Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy.
I can understand the overwhelming weight of feeling trapped. It might be navigating the complexities of a narcissistic personality, surviving domestic violence, or facing family conflict that leaves you questioning your reality. This pain is hard to explain to others, and the fear of being stuck can feel suffocating. It can often make us feel very lonely. In our work together, the focus isn’t on labelling or diagnosing the people in your life. Instead, its time to centre what you’ve experienced: the impact of chronic invalidation, control, or threats. Moreover, how those patterns have affected your sense of safety, and self belief.
(02) 9100 0617 View (02) 9100 0617
Photo of Amanda Georges, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Amanda Georges
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
North Sydney, NSW 2060
I am also interested in the way the brain develops in response to an accumulation of stress or trauma over time.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist under the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society. I have graduate and post-graduate degrees in Psychology and Clinical Psychology. I have a wealth of experience across both private and NSW Health public settings, working with acute, moderate to severe, and complex mental health presentations.
I am also interested in the way the brain develops in response to an accumulation of stress or trauma over time.
I am a registered Clinical Psychologist under the Australian Health Professional Regulation Agency (AHPRA) and a full member of the Australian Psychological Society. I have graduate and post-graduate degrees in Psychology and Clinical Psychology. I have a wealth of experience across both private and NSW Health public settings, working with acute, moderate to severe, and complex mental health presentations.
(02) 9100 0442 View (02) 9100 0442
Photo of Crawf Weir - Crawf Weir Psychotherapy, Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Crawf Weir Psychotherapy
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
2 Endorsed
North Sydney, NSW 2060
My approach is warm, grounded, and trauma-informed.
You might look like you’re coping on the outside—but inside, it feels different. Part of you pushes to stay in control, fix things, and keep it all together… while another part feels overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted. You may notice the same patterns repeating—overthinking, emotional reactions, or relationship tension—and no matter how hard you try, they don’t shift. There may also be older experiences or unresolved pain shaping how you feel and respond. What you’re looking for is a sense of calm, clarity, and understanding—along with support to make sense of what’s happening inside and feel more grounded and at ease.
My approach is warm, grounded, and trauma-informed.
You might look like you’re coping on the outside—but inside, it feels different. Part of you pushes to stay in control, fix things, and keep it all together… while another part feels overwhelmed, anxious, or exhausted. You may notice the same patterns repeating—overthinking, emotional reactions, or relationship tension—and no matter how hard you try, they don’t shift. There may also be older experiences or unresolved pain shaping how you feel and respond. What you’re looking for is a sense of calm, clarity, and understanding—along with support to make sense of what’s happening inside and feel more grounded and at ease.
(02) 9100 0451 View (02) 9100 0451
Photo of Bevan Pfeiffer, Psychotherapist, MSc, PACFA
Bevan Pfeiffer
Psychotherapist, MSc, PACFA
North Sydney, NSW 2060
Couples therapy offers a space to reconnect when you’re caught in patterns of distance, tension, or misunderstanding. You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells, having the same fights, or living more like roommates than partners. Maybe trust feels fragile, affection has faded, or you can’t seem to reach each other no matter how hard you try. Beneath the frustration, you both long to feel safe, desired, and understood, to find your way back to the love that once felt easy.
Couples therapy offers a space to reconnect when you’re caught in patterns of distance, tension, or misunderstanding. You might feel like you’re walking on eggshells, having the same fights, or living more like roommates than partners. Maybe trust feels fragile, affection has faded, or you can’t seem to reach each other no matter how hard you try. Beneath the frustration, you both long to feel safe, desired, and understood, to find your way back to the love that once felt easy.
0425 380 908 View 0425 380 908
Photo of Phoebe Lovett, Psychotherapist, MPsych, PACFA
Phoebe Lovett
Psychotherapist, MPsych, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Online Only
With a trauma and attachment informed lens, I lean on Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR and other suitable models for your particular needs.
Many of us feel like we are not good enough, overwhelmed by love, or afraid to be truly seen. We may long to connect with our partners but fear rejection, feel intense anger, or find ourselves constantly pleasing others to feel worthy. These struggles can leave us feeling anxious, disconnected, or stuck. But these feelings aren’t who we are — they’re parts of us trying to protect us from pain or danger, shaped by our past. These parts of us are trying to keep us safe, even if their methods feel overwhelming. I can provide opportunities to gently explore, connect to and understand these parts and their underlaying pain.
With a trauma and attachment informed lens, I lean on Internal Family Systems (IFS), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), EMDR and other suitable models for your particular needs.
Many of us feel like we are not good enough, overwhelmed by love, or afraid to be truly seen. We may long to connect with our partners but fear rejection, feel intense anger, or find ourselves constantly pleasing others to feel worthy. These struggles can leave us feeling anxious, disconnected, or stuck. But these feelings aren’t who we are — they’re parts of us trying to protect us from pain or danger, shaped by our past. These parts of us are trying to keep us safe, even if their methods feel overwhelming. I can provide opportunities to gently explore, connect to and understand these parts and their underlaying pain.
(08) 6171 3161 View (08) 6171 3161
Photo of Carol Marando, Psychotherapist, MA, ANZAP
Carol Marando
Psychotherapist, MA, ANZAP
Serves Area
My work is trauma-informed and, safety and trust are a priority.
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.
My work is trauma-informed and, safety and trust are a priority.
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
Photo of William Thomas Wykoff - A-Okay Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
A-Okay Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I am a client-centred, Neuroaffirming therapist who has experience with neurodivergence, children / adolescents, trauma backgrounds (EMDR Level 1) and Worker's Compensation / CTP. I also work with couples using the Gottman methodology (Gottman Level 2).
I am a client-centred, Neuroaffirming therapist who has experience with neurodivergence, children / adolescents, trauma backgrounds (EMDR Level 1) and Worker's Compensation / CTP. I also work with couples using the Gottman methodology (Gottman Level 2).
(02) 8074 5401 View (02) 8074 5401
Photo of Kristy-Lee Ferry, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Kristy-Lee Ferry
Psychotherapist, PACFA
6 Endorsed
Serves Area
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma (CPTSD - PTSD), relationships, sex, sexuality, addiction, trust, boundaries, or the courage to express your needs, we’ll explore why.
I am a Somatic Trauma Psychotherapist and Counsellor. I specialise in: •Relationships - divorce, codependency, infidelity, ethical non-monogamy, domestic abuse. •Sexuality - empowerment, diversity, addiction, fetishes and kinks. •CPTSD - PTSD - Developmental Trauma •Anxiety, stress, childhood, attachment. •Meditation and the mind-body connection.
Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, trauma (CPTSD - PTSD), relationships, sex, sexuality, addiction, trust, boundaries, or the courage to express your needs, we’ll explore why.
I am a Somatic Trauma Psychotherapist and Counsellor. I specialise in: •Relationships - divorce, codependency, infidelity, ethical non-monogamy, domestic abuse. •Sexuality - empowerment, diversity, addiction, fetishes and kinks. •CPTSD - PTSD - Developmental Trauma •Anxiety, stress, childhood, attachment. •Meditation and the mind-body connection.
(02) 9100 0218 View (02) 9100 0218
Photo of Beverley Stewart - Beverley Stewart - Counselling / Psychotherapy, Counsellor, ACA-L3
Beverley Stewart - Counselling / Psychotherapy
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Serves Area
I continue to study in my special interest areas of anxiety, trauma, domestic abuse, relationships, resilience & empowerment
“This isn’t how I thought my life would turn out.” “This isn’t where I want to be!” When we’re feeling stuck or lost in our life circumstances, it can seem overwhelming and never ending. We feel alone. We can spend our days constantly thinking about what’s gone wrong, and our nights unable to sleep with all the worry. Each day becomes the same as the day before, There seems no end to it, no future without these dark thoughts. Making it harder is the fact that no one understands what we’re going through. No one knows how anxiety, hopelessness or dread can engulf us.
I continue to study in my special interest areas of anxiety, trauma, domestic abuse, relationships, resilience & empowerment
“This isn’t how I thought my life would turn out.” “This isn’t where I want to be!” When we’re feeling stuck or lost in our life circumstances, it can seem overwhelming and never ending. We feel alone. We can spend our days constantly thinking about what’s gone wrong, and our nights unable to sleep with all the worry. Each day becomes the same as the day before, There seems no end to it, no future without these dark thoughts. Making it harder is the fact that no one understands what we’re going through. No one knows how anxiety, hopelessness or dread can engulf us.
(02) 9100 0469 View (02) 9100 0469
Photo of Michael Ossher, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Michael Ossher
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
Over 25 years I have helped many distressed people with symptoms of anxiety, depression, seeing and feeling negatively about themselves, difficulty in relationships or with finding a partner, sexuality, gender and trauma.
My role is to listen, to understand and to identify what it is that you seek help with. Our work will be about building an understanding of what is going on internally and externally for you, in particular, the things about yourself that you may not be aware of. As we gain this understanding of you, it becomes easier for you and I to make sense of what is happening within you, why you act and feel a particular way in certain situations and relationships. By understanding and acting on these things, you will be able to bring about change in your life.
Over 25 years I have helped many distressed people with symptoms of anxiety, depression, seeing and feeling negatively about themselves, difficulty in relationships or with finding a partner, sexuality, gender and trauma.
My role is to listen, to understand and to identify what it is that you seek help with. Our work will be about building an understanding of what is going on internally and externally for you, in particular, the things about yourself that you may not be aware of. As we gain this understanding of you, it becomes easier for you and I to make sense of what is happening within you, why you act and feel a particular way in certain situations and relationships. By understanding and acting on these things, you will be able to bring about change in your life.
(02) 9159 6907 View (02) 9159 6907
Photo of Silvia Roberts, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Silvia Roberts
Psychotherapist, PACFA
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I’m an integrative psychotherapist specialising in anxiety, trauma, addictions, disordered eating, depression and relational issues.
Hello and welcome. Do you feel disconnected from yourself and others? Are you struggling to manage your overwhelming emotions? You might be experiencing relationship challenges causing you distress and find it difficult to express your needs and wants. Perhaps difficult past experiences impact your present circumstances leaving you feeling stuck and lonely. Or you might be concerned about your or someone else’s substance use, disordered eating, or suffering chronic pain. These experiences might leave you feeling powerless. I am here to support you in finding freedom from what holds you back and achieving true lasting transformation.
I’m an integrative psychotherapist specialising in anxiety, trauma, addictions, disordered eating, depression and relational issues.
Hello and welcome. Do you feel disconnected from yourself and others? Are you struggling to manage your overwhelming emotions? You might be experiencing relationship challenges causing you distress and find it difficult to express your needs and wants. Perhaps difficult past experiences impact your present circumstances leaving you feeling stuck and lonely. Or you might be concerned about your or someone else’s substance use, disordered eating, or suffering chronic pain. These experiences might leave you feeling powerless. I am here to support you in finding freedom from what holds you back and achieving true lasting transformation.
(02) 9100 0288 View (02) 9100 0288
Photo of Carrie Kilburn, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Carrie Kilburn
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
As a trauma-informed somatic psychotherapist, I help people to find healing for themselves and their relationships.
I take a holistic therapeutic approach, which means I take care of your whole person – mindfully, somatically, and spiritually. I help you to discover and work with the processes that unconsciously create and maintain the way that you experience life and relationships.
As a trauma-informed somatic psychotherapist, I help people to find healing for themselves and their relationships.
I take a holistic therapeutic approach, which means I take care of your whole person – mindfully, somatically, and spiritually. I help you to discover and work with the processes that unconsciously create and maintain the way that you experience life and relationships.
0423 737 922 View 0423 737 922
Photo of Vassilka Dimitrova, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Vassilka Dimitrova
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
I work with adults living with the legacy of psychological trauma, also known as complex trauma.
My aim is to understand you in the context of your life. This understanding is at the basis of any interventions. I am not a devotee to any particular approach, however I base my work on the Relational Psychodynamic framework, drawing also on other techniques and approaches. As part of this process, I might offer you access to the Safe and Sound Protocol.
I work with adults living with the legacy of psychological trauma, also known as complex trauma.
My aim is to understand you in the context of your life. This understanding is at the basis of any interventions. I am not a devotee to any particular approach, however I base my work on the Relational Psychodynamic framework, drawing also on other techniques and approaches. As part of this process, I might offer you access to the Safe and Sound Protocol.
0493 627 800 View 0493 627 800
Photo of Loredana Punal, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Loredana Punal
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
As a heart-centred counsellor and psychotherapist, I weave in attachment theory (early bonding), trauma sensitivity (emotional flashbacks), psychodynamic (family history), somatic (mind-body), and transpersonal (spirit/soul) approaches to supporting individuals on their healing journey.
Whether you are seeking counselling/therapy for the first time, or you are a veteran on this journey, I welcome you, all of you, with an open mind and open heart. Often making the decision to seek support is a crucial step towards healing and sustainable change.
As a heart-centred counsellor and psychotherapist, I weave in attachment theory (early bonding), trauma sensitivity (emotional flashbacks), psychodynamic (family history), somatic (mind-body), and transpersonal (spirit/soul) approaches to supporting individuals on their healing journey.
Whether you are seeking counselling/therapy for the first time, or you are a veteran on this journey, I welcome you, all of you, with an open mind and open heart. Often making the decision to seek support is a crucial step towards healing and sustainable change.
(02) 9159 6746 View (02) 9159 6746
Photo of Gaby Browarczyk, Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Gaby Browarczyk
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
Utilizing creative, reflective and trauma informed practices together we work to support positive change in life’s most difficult and complex circumstances.
In counselling, psychotherapy or supervision we work together to discover personal insights and integrate the new awareness to improve your personal journey. I offer face to face, zoom and out in nature sessions.
Utilizing creative, reflective and trauma informed practices together we work to support positive change in life’s most difficult and complex circumstances.
In counselling, psychotherapy or supervision we work together to discover personal insights and integrate the new awareness to improve your personal journey. I offer face to face, zoom and out in nature sessions.
(08) 6490 9056 View (08) 6490 9056
Photo of Dony Chambers - Helm Psychology and Relationship Counselling , Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Helm Psychology and Relationship Counselling
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I have experience in Mood Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Addictions, PTSD, Trauma, Psychotic Disorders, Anger Management, Relationship Counselling, and Stress Management.
I enjoy connecting with a diverse range of clients from a variety of backgrounds. I use a strengths based approach to support people achieve their goals.
I have experience in Mood Disorders, Depression, Anxiety, Addictions, PTSD, Trauma, Psychotic Disorders, Anger Management, Relationship Counselling, and Stress Management.
I enjoy connecting with a diverse range of clients from a variety of backgrounds. I use a strengths based approach to support people achieve their goals.
(02) 9100 0940 View (02) 9100 0940
Photo of Andrea Haas, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Andrea Haas
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I work with complex trauma using a trauma-informed approach to process sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
I use a holistic approach centred on actions (your behaviours) and emotions (your personal and relational history of stressful events). Considering all contributing factors, you gain clarity about your problem & understand what you can do to resolve it. I provide you with practical support, clear directions & tailored tools that empower you to help yourself.
I work with complex trauma using a trauma-informed approach to process sexual, physical and emotional abuse.
I use a holistic approach centred on actions (your behaviours) and emotions (your personal and relational history of stressful events). Considering all contributing factors, you gain clarity about your problem & understand what you can do to resolve it. I provide you with practical support, clear directions & tailored tools that empower you to help yourself.
(02) 9538 7934 View (02) 9538 7934
Photo of Robyn Price, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Robyn Price
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
I take a relational, creative and trauma-informed approach, and tailor it for every person or group I work with.
Therapy with me includes the body, movement and creative processes and reaches places where talking alone might not. The journey for each client is entirely unique. My job is to create a safe space where you can grow to understand yourself and what is holding you back, then support you to explore, integrate, build confidence, and practice new ways of being.
I take a relational, creative and trauma-informed approach, and tailor it for every person or group I work with.
Therapy with me includes the body, movement and creative processes and reaches places where talking alone might not. The journey for each client is entirely unique. My job is to create a safe space where you can grow to understand yourself and what is holding you back, then support you to explore, integrate, build confidence, and practice new ways of being.
(02) 9100 0771 View (02) 9100 0771
Photo of Alberto Florez, Counsellor, PACFA
Alberto Florez
Counsellor, PACFA
Online Only
Are anxiety, depression, stress, or past traumas weighing you down?
My approach is gentle, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. I use evidence-based therapies, including somatic, cognitive and experiential techniques, and person-centred counselling. Together, we’ll integrate mind and body, explore unconscious patterns, release emotional blocks, and build resilience, self-compassion, and clarity for lasting well-being.
Are anxiety, depression, stress, or past traumas weighing you down?
My approach is gentle, collaborative, and tailored to your needs. I use evidence-based therapies, including somatic, cognitive and experiential techniques, and person-centred counselling. Together, we’ll integrate mind and body, explore unconscious patterns, release emotional blocks, and build resilience, self-compassion, and clarity for lasting well-being.
(02) 9100 0516 View (02) 9100 0516
Dr Alexander Strachan
Psychiatrist, FRANZCP
Serves Area
I work with adolescents and adults to help them resolve difficulties or problematic patterns they are struggling with. These may include issues with mood, anxiety, relationships, or work. You may not be able to put your finger on it, yet know there is a problem that is getting in the way of leading a fulfilling life. You may have tried everything you can think of to improve your situation, and be experiencing a range of painful feelings, including frustration, hopelessness, or feeling stuck. There may be mixed feelings about seeking help.
I work with adolescents and adults to help them resolve difficulties or problematic patterns they are struggling with. These may include issues with mood, anxiety, relationships, or work. You may not be able to put your finger on it, yet know there is a problem that is getting in the way of leading a fulfilling life. You may have tried everything you can think of to improve your situation, and be experiencing a range of painful feelings, including frustration, hopelessness, or feeling stuck. There may be mixed feelings about seeking help.
(08) 7008 9309 View (08) 7008 9309

See more therapy options for North Sydney

Trauma and PTSD Therapists
When should I seek treatment for trauma?
Not everyone who undergoes trauma needs therapy to heal, but many do. If, after experiencing a traumatic event, you find yourself struggling with symptoms such as nightmares, dissociation, irritability, or emotional numbness—especially if these symptoms last more than a month and are severe enough to interfere with your daily functioning—you may benefit from seeking out therapy with a trauma-informed provider.

How long does trauma therapy take?
Different types of therapy for trauma unfold on different timelines. Prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy, for example, each take about three months, while trauma-informed CBT may last anywhere from 8 to 25 sessions. Other approaches, especially those that are less structured or that incorporate elements from multiple modalities, may be more open-ended, though many patients report feeling better within the first few months of treatment.

What happens if trauma is left untreated?
Unaddressed trauma can have serious—even devastating—effects on relationships, career, and day-to-day functioning. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can lead people to distrust or lash out at others, making it difficult to maintain intimate relationships; it can also trigger symptoms such as flashbacks or hyperreactivity that can interfere with a person’s ability to function effectively, personally and/or professionally. Some sufferers turn to drugs to find relief. Symptoms may lessen on their own with time, but there is no guarantee that PTSD will resolve on its own.

Can PTSD come back after treatment?
It is possible for PTSD symptoms to recur months or years after successful treatment. This is because, like most mental health disorders, it is not possible to “cure” PTSD, and stressful life events may cause symptoms to recur in even the most resilient individuals. There is no shame in re-experiencing PTSD symptoms nor in returning to therapy when such relapses occur; indeed, many forms of trauma therapy explicitly encourage periodic “maintenance sessions” to reinforce coping skills and ensure that symptoms stay manageable.