Sexual Abuse Psychologists and Therapists in Altona, VIC

Geetha Chetty
Counsellor, ACA-L4
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I've worked in correctional services, and various community sectors namely, disadvantaged and marginalised youth, AOD, homelessness, unemployment, sexual assault and family violence.
I believe that we are all unique and experience the world differently in our own special way. Therefore, I do not use a one size fits all counselling approach but adopt different strategies and techniques to provide the most effective treatment for my clients. I use a culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach to guide my practice.
I've worked in correctional services, and various community sectors namely, disadvantaged and marginalised youth, AOD, homelessness, unemployment, sexual assault and family violence.
I believe that we are all unique and experience the world differently in our own special way. Therefore, I do not use a one size fits all counselling approach but adopt different strategies and techniques to provide the most effective treatment for my clients. I use a culturally sensitive, strengths-based, and trauma-informed approach to guide my practice.
(03) 7302 2085 View (03) 7302 2085
Dayna Chivell
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Altona, VIC 3018
Many of the adults I work with have trauma and experience anxiety, depression, or personality-related difficulties, and often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves and others. They seek a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental therapeutic space where they can explore their experiences, process emotions, gain insight, and develop practical coping strategies. Their goals include fostering self-acceptance, strengthening relationships, building resilience, and living more authentically. Ultimately, they want to move from merely surviving to truly thriving — feeling grounded and empowered.
Many of the adults I work with have trauma and experience anxiety, depression, or personality-related difficulties, and often feel overwhelmed, stuck, or disconnected from themselves and others. They seek a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental therapeutic space where they can explore their experiences, process emotions, gain insight, and develop practical coping strategies. Their goals include fostering self-acceptance, strengthening relationships, building resilience, and living more authentically. Ultimately, they want to move from merely surviving to truly thriving — feeling grounded and empowered.
(03) 9397 0977 View (03) 9397 0977
Krista Senden
Social Worker, AMHSW
Online Only
You may be navigating work stress, family pressures, loss, past trauma, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety or a general sense of feeling stuck. Counselling offers a supportive space to slow down and reflect on what you are experiencing. Together we work to understand the patterns, experiences and pressures that may be shaping your current situation, with the aim of building insight, strengthening emotional stability and supporting meaningful change.
You may be navigating work stress, family pressures, loss, past trauma, relationship challenges, depression, anxiety or a general sense of feeling stuck. Counselling offers a supportive space to slow down and reflect on what you are experiencing. Together we work to understand the patterns, experiences and pressures that may be shaping your current situation, with the aim of building insight, strengthening emotional stability and supporting meaningful change.
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Dr Jen Emslie
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Altona, VIC 3018
You might seem like you’re doing well from the outside — but inside, you’re stretched thin. You're constantly juggling demands, pushing yourself to meet high expectations, and rarely giving yourself a break. You feel worn out, stuck in your head, or disconnected from the people and things that used to bring joy. You want to feel more present, at ease, and in control — but don’t know how to get there.
You might seem like you’re doing well from the outside — but inside, you’re stretched thin. You're constantly juggling demands, pushing yourself to meet high expectations, and rarely giving yourself a break. You feel worn out, stuck in your head, or disconnected from the people and things that used to bring joy. You want to feel more present, at ease, and in control — but don’t know how to get there.
(03) 8771 4923 View (03) 8771 4923
Julian O'Sullivan
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Julian's focus is on adult (18+) mental health. He provides treatment for various forms of psychological distress including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders, trauma and stressor related disorders, and addictive behaviours. He works with clients experiencing grief and loss, identity and existential crisis, social alienation, isolation and loneliness. He is interested in helping those with difficulties in relationships, work stress, or managing distressing emotions.
Julian's focus is on adult (18+) mental health. He provides treatment for various forms of psychological distress including anxiety, depression, personality disorders, eating disorders, trauma and stressor related disorders, and addictive behaviours. He works with clients experiencing grief and loss, identity and existential crisis, social alienation, isolation and loneliness. He is interested in helping those with difficulties in relationships, work stress, or managing distressing emotions.
(03) 7003 2798 View (03) 7003 2798
Dimitri Hawa
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Dimitri has significant experience providing psychotherapy with adults. Areas of expertise include relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, anger management, neurodiverse affirming (ADHD/ASD), and, facilitating the process of psychological recovery from trauma and complex trauma (i., e childhood/adult abuse issues, domestic violence, family dysfunction, childhood neglect). Dimitri has worked as a private practice over several years, school psychologist, Victims of Crime, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), NDIS disability work, along with previous experience in the provision of psychological support in prison settings.
Dimitri has significant experience providing psychotherapy with adults. Areas of expertise include relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, anger management, neurodiverse affirming (ADHD/ASD), and, facilitating the process of psychological recovery from trauma and complex trauma (i., e childhood/adult abuse issues, domestic violence, family dysfunction, childhood neglect). Dimitri has worked as a private practice over several years, school psychologist, Victims of Crime, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), NDIS disability work, along with previous experience in the provision of psychological support in prison settings.
(03) 9007 2339 View (03) 9007 2339
Cindy Melksham
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
Clients often come to me feeling stuck in anxiety, self-doubt, or overwhelmed by past experiences. Many struggle with performance anxiety, social anxiety, or confidence issues that affect school, work, relationships, or public speaking. I work with people who are ready to go beyond talk therapy to overcome their challenges and create opportunities. Using a trauma-informed, brain-body approach, including techniques such as Brainspotting and EFT tapping, I help teens and adults regulate their nervous system, process underlying experiences, and build lasting confidence so they can move forward with greater ease.
Clients often come to me feeling stuck in anxiety, self-doubt, or overwhelmed by past experiences. Many struggle with performance anxiety, social anxiety, or confidence issues that affect school, work, relationships, or public speaking. I work with people who are ready to go beyond talk therapy to overcome their challenges and create opportunities. Using a trauma-informed, brain-body approach, including techniques such as Brainspotting and EFT tapping, I help teens and adults regulate their nervous system, process underlying experiences, and build lasting confidence so they can move forward with greater ease.
0448 512 199 View 0448 512 199
Melis Topsahin
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Online Only
I assist clients that require therapy in the areas of anxiety, substance abuse (and/or other addictions), depression. My focus is on working with individual and couple's towards personal development and goal setting. Every client is unique, hence, requires a personal counselling approach that is catered entirely for them. As a therapist, i work with various approaches such as: CBT, ACT, humanistic approach and TRTP (trauma therapy) amongst many other(s).
I assist clients that require therapy in the areas of anxiety, substance abuse (and/or other addictions), depression. My focus is on working with individual and couple's towards personal development and goal setting. Every client is unique, hence, requires a personal counselling approach that is catered entirely for them. As a therapist, i work with various approaches such as: CBT, ACT, humanistic approach and TRTP (trauma therapy) amongst many other(s).
(02) 4504 0146 View (02) 4504 0146
Dr Tanja Takala
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I am a Clinical Psychologist and EMDR therapist working in Williamstown and Melbourne CBD (Flagstaff Gardens). I am passionate about working with individuals who are experiencing the effects of traumatic or stressful life events (current or historical) and hope to better understand their inner world, develop tools for regulating their emotions, and feel more confident in navigating life's challenges. I am committed to providing gender and neurodivergent affirming care and creating a safe space for those who wish to explore their identities, cultivate self-compassion and feel empowered to live life as their most authentic selves.
I am a Clinical Psychologist and EMDR therapist working in Williamstown and Melbourne CBD (Flagstaff Gardens). I am passionate about working with individuals who are experiencing the effects of traumatic or stressful life events (current or historical) and hope to better understand their inner world, develop tools for regulating their emotions, and feel more confident in navigating life's challenges. I am committed to providing gender and neurodivergent affirming care and creating a safe space for those who wish to explore their identities, cultivate self-compassion and feel empowered to live life as their most authentic selves.
(03) 7003 2457 View (03) 7003 2457
Sylvia Collinetti
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working across public and private mental health settings with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialise in developmental and relational trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, dissociation, personality vulnerabilities, relationship difficulties, and struggles with self-worth and identity. I work within a deeply trauma-informed framework that prioritises emotional safety, trust, and connection, creating a space where you can feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a central framework within my practice.
I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working across public and private mental health settings with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialise in developmental and relational trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, dissociation, personality vulnerabilities, relationship difficulties, and struggles with self-worth and identity. I work within a deeply trauma-informed framework that prioritises emotional safety, trust, and connection, creating a space where you can feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a central framework within my practice.
(03) 7003 2284 View (03) 7003 2284
Liam Hiney - The Connection Concept
Counsellor
Serves Area
I specialise in helping individuals, couples, and adolescents navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, and life transitions. Therapy with me is a collaborative journey to uncover the root causes of your concerns, equip you with practical tools, and foster meaningful, sustainable change. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you feel truly heard and supported. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, know that you're not alone—and change is possible.
I specialise in helping individuals, couples, and adolescents navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, trauma, relationship struggles, and life transitions. Therapy with me is a collaborative journey to uncover the root causes of your concerns, equip you with practical tools, and foster meaningful, sustainable change. My goal is to provide a safe, compassionate space where you feel truly heard and supported. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to move forward, know that you're not alone—and change is possible.
(03) 8658 2174 View (03) 8658 2174
Caroline Spiers
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Serves Area
Are you struggling with your life and feel you might have unresolved issues, trauma, relationship or neurodiversity challenges or managing family dynamics/adoptee/grief and loss, bereavement or cultural issues? LGBTQIA+ needs that aren’t being seen or understood? Effective therapy will allow you space to talk and be heard and validated, guide you at your own pace on your journey and provide safety and non judgement to explore what can be achieved. This is the foundation of my practice - always from a trauma informed perspective.
Are you struggling with your life and feel you might have unresolved issues, trauma, relationship or neurodiversity challenges or managing family dynamics/adoptee/grief and loss, bereavement or cultural issues? LGBTQIA+ needs that aren’t being seen or understood? Effective therapy will allow you space to talk and be heard and validated, guide you at your own pace on your journey and provide safety and non judgement to explore what can be achieved. This is the foundation of my practice - always from a trauma informed perspective.
(03) 7003 2855 View (03) 7003 2855

More Therapists Nearby

Maddison Cassidy
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
You can call me Maddison, or Maddy. My main interest is supporting individuals who are navigating impacts of traumatic events. I frequently work with people who have experienced complex trauma, sexual violence and refugee trauma. I also have an interest in youth and forensic mental health. I enjoy working with people who have struggled to find the right therapeutic fit, or those who have found it difficult to access and navigate mental health and wellbeing support. I am passionate about therapy that is accessible and affordable, meetings people's needs and honours the complexity of peoples intersecting identities and experiences.
You can call me Maddison, or Maddy. My main interest is supporting individuals who are navigating impacts of traumatic events. I frequently work with people who have experienced complex trauma, sexual violence and refugee trauma. I also have an interest in youth and forensic mental health. I enjoy working with people who have struggled to find the right therapeutic fit, or those who have found it difficult to access and navigate mental health and wellbeing support. I am passionate about therapy that is accessible and affordable, meetings people's needs and honours the complexity of peoples intersecting identities and experiences.
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Hannah Bruce
Counsellor, PACFA
2 Endorsed
Her areas of speciality include: • Childhood trauma and sexual abuse • Complex PTSD and dissociation • Attachment and relational trauma • Substance use and addiction • Victims of crime and institutional harm • Emotional regulation, grief, and identity
Hannah is a trauma counsellor who works primarily with adults who have experienced childhood trauma, complex trauma, addiction, abuse or other forms of victimisation. She also supports people navigating the impact of the National Redress Scheme and other victim support processes. Her approach is warm, practical and trauma-informed, drawing on EFT, somatic counselling, motivational interviewing and the Blue Knot Foundation’s guidelines for complex trauma.
Her areas of speciality include: • Childhood trauma and sexual abuse • Complex PTSD and dissociation • Attachment and relational trauma • Substance use and addiction • Victims of crime and institutional harm • Emotional regulation, grief, and identity
Hannah is a trauma counsellor who works primarily with adults who have experienced childhood trauma, complex trauma, addiction, abuse or other forms of victimisation. She also supports people navigating the impact of the National Redress Scheme and other victim support processes. Her approach is warm, practical and trauma-informed, drawing on EFT, somatic counselling, motivational interviewing and the Blue Knot Foundation’s guidelines for complex trauma.
(03) 8203 5751 View (03) 8203 5751
Barbara Drossos
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Fitzroy, VIC 3065
I support people who have experienced sexual assault and violence, as well as those who struggle with their mental health, childhood trauma, attachment, relationships, parenting, heartbreak and shame.
Life can be hard to navigate, especially when we face transitions, stressors and/or crises. Counselling can make a difference. I provide non-judgmental, warm and thoughtful support to work towards change through increasing self-awareness, developing interpersonal and self-care skills, as well as processing trauma that may still be impacting your life.
I support people who have experienced sexual assault and violence, as well as those who struggle with their mental health, childhood trauma, attachment, relationships, parenting, heartbreak and shame.
Life can be hard to navigate, especially when we face transitions, stressors and/or crises. Counselling can make a difference. I provide non-judgmental, warm and thoughtful support to work towards change through increasing self-awareness, developing interpersonal and self-care skills, as well as processing trauma that may still be impacting your life.
(03) 9344 1556 View (03) 9344 1556
Paula Lay
Social Worker, MA, AASW
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I am a social worker, sensorimotor psychotherapist, and yoga teacher specialising in working with trauma, anxiety, and depression. My therapeutic approach includes working at the intersection of body-centred practices including sensorimotor psychotherapy, yoga, mindfulness and somatics, as well as bringing a social justice, intersectional lens.Through centring the wisdom of the body and felt-experience and supported by practices that nourish and expand nervous system self-regulation capacity, my aim is to create a kind and safe space within the therapeutic relationship to make space for healing, growth and transformation.
I am a social worker, sensorimotor psychotherapist, and yoga teacher specialising in working with trauma, anxiety, and depression. My therapeutic approach includes working at the intersection of body-centred practices including sensorimotor psychotherapy, yoga, mindfulness and somatics, as well as bringing a social justice, intersectional lens.Through centring the wisdom of the body and felt-experience and supported by practices that nourish and expand nervous system self-regulation capacity, my aim is to create a kind and safe space within the therapeutic relationship to make space for healing, growth and transformation.
0412 952 786 View 0412 952 786
Align Therapies
Counsellor, ACA-L4
Online Only
Hi! I'm Olivia. I’m glad my profile found its way to you. At the heart of my work is a deep belief in the importance of healthy, authentic, and safe relationships. Life’s challenges can sometimes disconnect us from ourselves, affecting every part of our lives. Through the therapeutic relationship, we can explore and heal, helping you reconnect with yourself- an essential foundation for all relationships.
Hi! I'm Olivia. I’m glad my profile found its way to you. At the heart of my work is a deep belief in the importance of healthy, authentic, and safe relationships. Life’s challenges can sometimes disconnect us from ourselves, affecting every part of our lives. Through the therapeutic relationship, we can explore and heal, helping you reconnect with yourself- an essential foundation for all relationships.
(07) 5451 4047 View (07) 5451 4047
Amy Della-Torre
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Serves Area
Hiya, I'm Amy. I'm a Gestalt Psychotherapist who aims to create a space where you can show up, be real and talk about the hard stuff in life. My aim is not to fix but rather to be someone who you can cofide in and who genuinely cares about you! I work with adults and young people on things like trauma and its ongoing impacts, life transitions, stress and burnout, sexuality and gender identity, grief and loss... All the hard, human stuff.
Hiya, I'm Amy. I'm a Gestalt Psychotherapist who aims to create a space where you can show up, be real and talk about the hard stuff in life. My aim is not to fix but rather to be someone who you can cofide in and who genuinely cares about you! I work with adults and young people on things like trauma and its ongoing impacts, life transitions, stress and burnout, sexuality and gender identity, grief and loss... All the hard, human stuff.
(07) 2100 4671 View (07) 2100 4671
Phoebe Lovett
Psychotherapist, MPsych, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Online Only
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.
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
Kelly Higginbotham
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I typically work with people who have experienced chronic difficulties with their mental health, and/or those who have experienced trauma. My patients have typically worked with others and seek a different approach. A longterm therapeutic relationship provides a space where individuals feel safe to explore their current issues and the origins of these difficulties.
I typically work with people who have experienced chronic difficulties with their mental health, and/or those who have experienced trauma. My patients have typically worked with others and seek a different approach. A longterm therapeutic relationship provides a space where individuals feel safe to explore their current issues and the origins of these difficulties.
0419 259 341 View 0419 259 341
Sexual Abuse Therapists
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.