Trauma and PTSD Psychologists and Therapists in Petersham, NSW

Photo of Rebecca Harrison, Social Worker, AMHSW
Rebecca Harrison
Social Worker, AMHSW
Petersham, NSW 2049
I specialise in anxiety, including generalised anxiety, panic disorders and social anxiety, eating disorders, body image concerns, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorders, and mood and relationship difficulties.
An experienced provider of individual and group therapy, I've led implementation of specialist programs and services, offered consultation, clinical supervision and workforce development in a range of settings.
I specialise in anxiety, including generalised anxiety, panic disorders and social anxiety, eating disorders, body image concerns, trauma, obsessive compulsive disorders, and mood and relationship difficulties.
An experienced provider of individual and group therapy, I've led implementation of specialist programs and services, offered consultation, clinical supervision and workforce development in a range of settings.
(02) 9909 6136 View (02) 9909 6136
Photo of Maria Simonetta, Psychotherapist, PACFA
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
Photo of Bronwyn Davies Glover - Bronwyn Davies Glover - As You Are Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Bronwyn Davies Glover - As You Are Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
I am an integrative, empathic, person-centred therapist bringing holistic, somatic, creative and dynamic approaches to the intersections of anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice.
As a trauma-informed therapist who works within an anti-oppressive framework, I prioritise the importance of a safe, compassionate, genuine client-therapist relationship. I meet the client in their world, where they are, and with what has brought them to the therapeutic space. I believe that all healing is possible within this context.
I am an integrative, empathic, person-centred therapist bringing holistic, somatic, creative and dynamic approaches to the intersections of anti-oppressive, trauma informed practice.
As a trauma-informed therapist who works within an anti-oppressive framework, I prioritise the importance of a safe, compassionate, genuine client-therapist relationship. I meet the client in their world, where they are, and with what has brought them to the therapeutic space. I believe that all healing is possible within this context.
(02) 8074 1609 View (02) 8074 1609
Photo of Von Coves, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Von Coves
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
TRAUMA?
Master Counselling & Psychotherapy; Mediator; B.A. (Psychology & Philosophy); Grad. Cert. Management
TRAUMA?
Master Counselling & Psychotherapy; Mediator; B.A. (Psychology & Philosophy); Grad. Cert. Management
(02) 9100 0400 View (02) 9100 0400
Photo of Charlotte Ritchie - Charlotte Ritchie Counselling and Psychotherapy, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Charlotte Ritchie Counselling and Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
I have decades of lived and years of clinical experience with Alcohol and Other Drugs use and abuse and the traumas that so often lead to it and arise from it.
I am trained to help people with crisis and trauma in a number of ways. EMDR works to reconnect the two brain hemispheres, providing a new way to process memories that were intrusive or holding them back in some way. I also have training in various psychological modalities (DBT, IFS, Gestalt, for example) but feel this is just therapist babble!
I have decades of lived and years of clinical experience with Alcohol and Other Drugs use and abuse and the traumas that so often lead to it and arise from it.
I am trained to help people with crisis and trauma in a number of ways. EMDR works to reconnect the two brain hemispheres, providing a new way to process memories that were intrusive or holding them back in some way. I also have training in various psychological modalities (DBT, IFS, Gestalt, for example) but feel this is just therapist babble!
(02) 9100 0566 View (02) 9100 0566
Photo of Erin Stuart, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Erin Stuart
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with clients impacted by trauma, relationship difficulties, mental health concerns and feelings of overwhelm and disconnection.
I am a trauma‑informed counsellor working from a relational and feminist perspective. My integrative approach draws on somatic (body‑based) practices, emotion‑focused therapy, parts work, attachment theory, mindfulness and spiritual practices.
I work with clients impacted by trauma, relationship difficulties, mental health concerns and feelings of overwhelm and disconnection.
I am a trauma‑informed counsellor working from a relational and feminist perspective. My integrative approach draws on somatic (body‑based) practices, emotion‑focused therapy, parts work, attachment theory, mindfulness and spiritual practices.
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Photo of Val Coelho, Counsellor, ACA-L3
Val Coelho
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Petersham, NSW 2049
I'm a trauma-informed counsellor with extensive experience in DBT.
Many people come to counselling feeling stuck in survival mode. They are overwhelmed, constantly overthinking, emotionally reactive, or caught in the same relationship patterns they promised themselves they would not repeat. I work with people who are tired of analysing everything and still feeling the same. In our work together, we slow things down so you can understand what is driving your reactions, regulate your emotions, and respond differently with more clarity, control, and self-trust.
I'm a trauma-informed counsellor with extensive experience in DBT.
Many people come to counselling feeling stuck in survival mode. They are overwhelmed, constantly overthinking, emotionally reactive, or caught in the same relationship patterns they promised themselves they would not repeat. I work with people who are tired of analysing everything and still feeling the same. In our work together, we slow things down so you can understand what is driving your reactions, regulate your emotions, and respond differently with more clarity, control, and self-trust.
(02) 9100 0941 View (02) 9100 0941
Photo of Fiona Boughton - Well Therapy - Fiona Boughton, Social Worker, AMHSW
Well Therapy - Fiona Boughton
Social Worker, AMHSW
Petersham, NSW 2049
I work with adults navigating complex challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, chronic stress, and addiction.
With a strong foundation in trauma-informed, person-centred care, I offer an integrative approach that combines various evidence-based therapies, including CBT, ACT, DBT, IPT, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. My expertise lies in adapting these methods to create a personalised experience tailored to each client’s unique needs and presentation.
I work with adults navigating complex challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, chronic stress, and addiction.
With a strong foundation in trauma-informed, person-centred care, I offer an integrative approach that combines various evidence-based therapies, including CBT, ACT, DBT, IPT, Narrative Therapy, and EMDR. My expertise lies in adapting these methods to create a personalised experience tailored to each client’s unique needs and presentation.
0430 439 485 View 0430 439 485
Photo of Jane Rabie, Social Worker, AASW
Jane Rabie
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Petersham, NSW 2049
Often children don’t have words to describe their experiences and feelings and instead reveal them through behaviours which can be misunderstood. They may get into trouble, be labelled, or disconnect. I work with children and families just like this. As a carer, reaching out for support can be the hardest step. I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and Play Therapy creates the environment where the therapist enters into a child’s world and understands the experience from their perspective.
Often children don’t have words to describe their experiences and feelings and instead reveal them through behaviours which can be misunderstood. They may get into trouble, be labelled, or disconnect. I work with children and families just like this. As a carer, reaching out for support can be the hardest step. I work closely with you and your child through Play Therapy which is relationship based therapy for children aged 3-12 years. Play is a child’s natural way of communicating and Play Therapy creates the environment where the therapist enters into a child’s world and understands the experience from their perspective.
(02) 9100 0607 View (02) 9100 0607
Photo of Stuart Lokhee, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Stuart Lokhee
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Petersham, NSW 2049
Often, they have spent years managing pressure quietly; work, partners or as fathers, before reaching a point where stress, anxiety, burnout, anger, sleep problems, trauma, or emotional exhaustion begin affecting daily life.
My clinical experience spans private practice (adult and paediatric clinics), Headspace, and NSW Health. With over 25 years as a COP, I understand operational stress, workplace culture, and internal investigations. As a prior teacher, I understand kids, and I provide evidence-based therapy tailored to each client’s needs, including EMDR, CBT, ACT, and DBT.
Often, they have spent years managing pressure quietly; work, partners or as fathers, before reaching a point where stress, anxiety, burnout, anger, sleep problems, trauma, or emotional exhaustion begin affecting daily life.
My clinical experience spans private practice (adult and paediatric clinics), Headspace, and NSW Health. With over 25 years as a COP, I understand operational stress, workplace culture, and internal investigations. As a prior teacher, I understand kids, and I provide evidence-based therapy tailored to each client’s needs, including EMDR, CBT, ACT, and DBT.
0452 472 764 View 0452 472 764
Photo of Katie Summerfield - Heart Of Play Therapy Katie Summerfield
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.
Play is how children learn and develop and also how they regulate their emotions and communicate with others. Where an adult might seek talking therapy, play therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapy for children to explore and deal with stuck thoughts or feelings. Play is a child's language.
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.
Play is how children learn and develop and also how they regulate their emotions and communicate with others. Where an adult might seek talking therapy, play therapy is a developmentally appropriate therapy for children to explore and deal with stuck thoughts or feelings. Play is a child's language.
(02) 9100 0375 View (02) 9100 0375
Photo of Paul Jessop, Psychotherapist, MSc, PACFA
Paul Jessop
Psychotherapist, MSc, PACFA
Petersham, NSW 2049
If you are looking for a safe, supportive space where you will be truly heard, accepted and empowered to move forward, I invite you to connect with me. I am passionate about helping people through depression, anxiety, mood disorders and addiction. I can walk beside you to help you navigate and integrate major life transitions and experiences.
If you are looking for a safe, supportive space where you will be truly heard, accepted and empowered to move forward, I invite you to connect with me. I am passionate about helping people through depression, anxiety, mood disorders and addiction. I can walk beside you to help you navigate and integrate major life transitions and experiences.
(02) 8000 1695 View (02) 8000 1695
Photo of Tatiana Faundez, Social Worker, AASW
Tatiana Faundez
Social Worker, AASW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I bring a trauma informed approach to my work.
I am a Social Worker and a Gestalt Psychotherapist. I have worked in mental health, disability, with the aged and the dying. Throughout my life journey I have come to have a deep appreciation of the human spirit and its capacity for growth and development. I understand that we are all unique in our response to the challenges that we face, and I work towards creating a supportive and safe environment that allows exploration of what is currently occurring in your life and how it is impacting your ability to live as you would like. Through this process, awareness deepens and the possibility and opportunity for change can occur.
I bring a trauma informed approach to my work.
I am a Social Worker and a Gestalt Psychotherapist. I have worked in mental health, disability, with the aged and the dying. Throughout my life journey I have come to have a deep appreciation of the human spirit and its capacity for growth and development. I understand that we are all unique in our response to the challenges that we face, and I work towards creating a supportive and safe environment that allows exploration of what is currently occurring in your life and how it is impacting your ability to live as you would like. Through this process, awareness deepens and the possibility and opportunity for change can occur.
0402 975 707 View 0402 975 707
Photo of Roberta Iavarone, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Roberta Iavarone
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have extensive experience using individually tailored, strengths based therapies including mindfulness, compassion & trauma focused therapies & EMDR.
Are you struggling to navigate relationship difficulties/conflict with your partner, family member or work colleague? Perhaps you are struggling to navigate the pressures of a new job, life stage such as menopause or adult diagnosis of ADHD? You may feel anxious & overwhelmed and in need of support to help you confidently build skills so you can work towards the things that you really care about & want? Hi I'm Roberta & I have a special interest in working with women & men in all stages of life & to help you build the life you want.
I have extensive experience using individually tailored, strengths based therapies including mindfulness, compassion & trauma focused therapies & EMDR.
Are you struggling to navigate relationship difficulties/conflict with your partner, family member or work colleague? Perhaps you are struggling to navigate the pressures of a new job, life stage such as menopause or adult diagnosis of ADHD? You may feel anxious & overwhelmed and in need of support to help you confidently build skills so you can work towards the things that you really care about & want? Hi I'm Roberta & I have a special interest in working with women & men in all stages of life & to help you build the life you want.
(02) 9100 0107 View (02) 9100 0107
Photo of Lisa Barrett, Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
Lisa Barrett
Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I offer trauma-informed counselling and psychotherapy, specialising in relational therapy, neglect and developmental trauma working primarily from an IFS lens.
A holistic approach incorporates physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects as you learn to welcome all parts of yourself. IFS Therapy is a leading evidence-based model of therapy that incorporates elements of Somatic Therapy, Hakomi, Family Systems, Mindfulness and Neuroscience. This helps improve relationships & reduce anxiety & depression.
I offer trauma-informed counselling and psychotherapy, specialising in relational therapy, neglect and developmental trauma working primarily from an IFS lens.
A holistic approach incorporates physical, emotional, social and spiritual aspects as you learn to welcome all parts of yourself. IFS Therapy is a leading evidence-based model of therapy that incorporates elements of Somatic Therapy, Hakomi, Family Systems, Mindfulness and Neuroscience. This helps improve relationships & reduce anxiety & depression.
(02) 8806 0454 View (02) 8806 0454
Photo of Toni Leemen, Psychotherapist
Toni Leemen
Psychotherapist
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I trained as a therapist because I know the grief, health-related anxiety and depression of chronic illness can be overwhelming. What was going on pre-diagnosis can also need attention. I am available to validate difficult feelings, explore the sense of burden and work towards acceptance and restoring self-worth and confidence. My lived experience is of managing T1 Diabetes from the age of 17. My research interest is the role of chronic stress in auto-immune conditions and my purpose is to be available to those who seek more grounded and settled nervous systems as part of their approach to managing their health.
I trained as a therapist because I know the grief, health-related anxiety and depression of chronic illness can be overwhelming. What was going on pre-diagnosis can also need attention. I am available to validate difficult feelings, explore the sense of burden and work towards acceptance and restoring self-worth and confidence. My lived experience is of managing T1 Diabetes from the age of 17. My research interest is the role of chronic stress in auto-immune conditions and my purpose is to be available to those who seek more grounded and settled nervous systems as part of their approach to managing their health.
(02) 9159 6502 View (02) 9159 6502
Photo of Voula Kougelos, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Voula Kougelos
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I use a range of evidence based, wholistic, strength focussed and trauma informed strategies to support, empower and enhance mental wellbeing.
I work in partnership with my clients to reach the best outcomes. I have had the pleasure to work extensively with young people, parents and carers and adults from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences including indigenous and CALD backgrounds, refugees, carers and those who have been in care, or have experienced isolation and marginalisation.
I use a range of evidence based, wholistic, strength focussed and trauma informed strategies to support, empower and enhance mental wellbeing.
I work in partnership with my clients to reach the best outcomes. I have had the pleasure to work extensively with young people, parents and carers and adults from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences including indigenous and CALD backgrounds, refugees, carers and those who have been in care, or have experienced isolation and marginalisation.
(02) 8599 0768 View (02) 8599 0768
Photo of James Croft, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
James Croft
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Please reach out via the Croft Psychology website. James is a warm and friendly Clinical Psychologist specialising in individual therapy for adults. His kind and non-judgemental demeanour helps you to settle into therapy, open up, and be yourself. You will feel safe and heard, all the while knowing you’re in very capable hands.
Please reach out via the Croft Psychology website. James is a warm and friendly Clinical Psychologist specialising in individual therapy for adults. His kind and non-judgemental demeanour helps you to settle into therapy, open up, and be yourself. You will feel safe and heard, all the while knowing you’re in very capable hands.
(02) 9538 7957 View (02) 9538 7957
Photo of Mackie Demirel, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Mackie Demirel
Counsellor, ACA-L2
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Everyone is on a unique journey. If you're experiencing obstacles along your path, it simply means that some growth needs to be explored, and one size does not fit all. You do not need to be 'fixed' you just need to be guided truthfully. My services are tailored to meet your individual needs, incorporating evidence-based approaches, my own lived experiences and schools of thought from philosophy, spirituality and science. I am passionate and committed to providing you with a holistic and creative focus on your therapy journey.
Everyone is on a unique journey. If you're experiencing obstacles along your path, it simply means that some growth needs to be explored, and one size does not fit all. You do not need to be 'fixed' you just need to be guided truthfully. My services are tailored to meet your individual needs, incorporating evidence-based approaches, my own lived experiences and schools of thought from philosophy, spirituality and science. I am passionate and committed to providing you with a holistic and creative focus on your therapy journey.
(02) 9100 0465 View (02) 9100 0465
Photo of Tanuja Sahoo - Unlock The Mind Counselling Services, Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
Unlock The Mind Counselling Services
Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
She is skilled in Trauma, Domestic violence and suicide prevention, drawing from different therapeutic modalities.
Tanuja applies Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help the person overcome their challenges and use a strength-based approach to build positivity in themselves.
She is skilled in Trauma, Domestic violence and suicide prevention, drawing from different therapeutic modalities.
Tanuja applies Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Person-Centred Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, and mindfulness techniques to help the person overcome their challenges and use a strength-based approach to build positivity in themselves.
(02) 8105 5488 View (02) 8105 5488
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.