Trauma and PTSD Psychologists and Therapists in Ballarat Central, VIC

Photo of Fiona Joy Hocking - Creative Butterfly Expressive Arts Therapy
I use trauma-informed practices in a safe, nurturing and non-judgemental space either in person or online work to with individuals or groups.
I offer Arts-based inquiry and counselling even if you feel you're not creative or can't do art. Using arts-based processes, we can explore ways to live well with emotional and physical pain, diagnosed illnesses or neurodivergence, to find wisdom to live with more well-being or healing. We can collaborate to find the best way forward for you, with a personalised plan to support you or a young person in your care.
I use trauma-informed practices in a safe, nurturing and non-judgemental space either in person or online work to with individuals or groups.
I offer Arts-based inquiry and counselling even if you feel you're not creative or can't do art. Using arts-based processes, we can explore ways to live well with emotional and physical pain, diagnosed illnesses or neurodivergence, to find wisdom to live with more well-being or healing. We can collaborate to find the best way forward for you, with a personalised plan to support you or a young person in your care.
(03) 4321 2731 View (03) 4321 2731
Photo of Kelly Celeste Nadarajan - KIT Psychology, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
KIT Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
Hello, my name is Kelly. I am a clinical psychologist offering therapeutic, evidence-based interventions to young people and adults struggling with their mental health and wellbeing within my practice at KIT Psychology. I have a special interest in neurodiversity (including ADHD and Autism) and enjoy using creative therapies as an adjunct to traditional talk-therapies and EMDR therapy.
Hello, my name is Kelly. I am a clinical psychologist offering therapeutic, evidence-based interventions to young people and adults struggling with their mental health and wellbeing within my practice at KIT Psychology. I have a special interest in neurodiversity (including ADHD and Autism) and enjoy using creative therapies as an adjunct to traditional talk-therapies and EMDR therapy.
(03) 4320 5444 View (03) 4320 5444
Photo of Portia Kambasha, MSc
Portia Kambasha
Verified Verified
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
I have more than 20 years experience with complex mental health issues across the age spectrum. I offer a kind, empathetic service to families and individuals using my skills as a family therapist and mental health clinician. I welcome individuals and families who represent marginalised communities, (neurodiverse, LGBTQIA, culturally diverse, and anyone who has ever been “othered”) and provide a service that is inclusive and affirming whilst utilising an anti racist and decolonized lens.
I have more than 20 years experience with complex mental health issues across the age spectrum. I offer a kind, empathetic service to families and individuals using my skills as a family therapist and mental health clinician. I welcome individuals and families who represent marginalised communities, (neurodiverse, LGBTQIA, culturally diverse, and anyone who has ever been “othered”) and provide a service that is inclusive and affirming whilst utilising an anti racist and decolonized lens.
(03) 4327 9085 View (03) 4327 9085
Photo of Sue Balkin-Mitchell, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Sue Balkin-Mitchell
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Ballarat Central, VIC 3350
I have a special interest in anxiety disorders and trauma.
With years of diverse experience, I navigate a wide array of psychological concerns. Whether your issue is acute or prolonged, I provide an empathic, and collaborative approach to addressing your needs and goals. I utilise a range of evidence-based tools and therapies to address needs as appropriate, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). Being acutely aware that every client is unique, I take great care to tailor approaches to each clients personality and thinking style.
I have a special interest in anxiety disorders and trauma.
With years of diverse experience, I navigate a wide array of psychological concerns. Whether your issue is acute or prolonged, I provide an empathic, and collaborative approach to addressing your needs and goals. I utilise a range of evidence-based tools and therapies to address needs as appropriate, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR). Being acutely aware that every client is unique, I take great care to tailor approaches to each clients personality and thinking style.
(03) 5316 7218 View (03) 5316 7218
Photo of Elizabeth Holmquest - Elizabeth Holmquest - Paper Daisy Therapy , Social Worker, AMHSW
Elizabeth Holmquest - Paper Daisy Therapy
Social Worker, AMHSW
Online Only
Online Only - Hello! I'm Elizabeth. Are you struggling with family of origin issues from the past and need support? I work with people who have had experiences including (but not limited to) sexual, physical and emotional abuse and/or neglect. You're not alone. Recovery is possible. I support people to achieve the goals and intentions most important to them.
Online Only - Hello! I'm Elizabeth. Are you struggling with family of origin issues from the past and need support? I work with people who have had experiences including (but not limited to) sexual, physical and emotional abuse and/or neglect. You're not alone. Recovery is possible. I support people to achieve the goals and intentions most important to them.
View
Photo of Freya Maberly - Freya's Farm: Animal Assisted Therapy, Social Worker, AASW
Freya's Farm: Animal Assisted Therapy
Social Worker, AASW
Serves Area
My specialities are trauma recovery (including from sexual assault & family violence), neurodiversity and couples counselling.
Hi, I'm Freya. I've been counselling for over 25 years, and 7 years ago started incorporating my animals (horses, dogs, cats) into my therapeutic practice. I work with all ages, and the people I work with are as unique as the issues they want to address. My clients are individuals, couples, and children. I have lived experience of neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, HSP) and consequently work with a lot of people who are neurodiverse themselves. My work focusses on understanding why we are the way we are, with techniques that foster change and growth. The end goal is permanent healing and improved resilience to navigate life.
My specialities are trauma recovery (including from sexual assault & family violence), neurodiversity and couples counselling.
Hi, I'm Freya. I've been counselling for over 25 years, and 7 years ago started incorporating my animals (horses, dogs, cats) into my therapeutic practice. I work with all ages, and the people I work with are as unique as the issues they want to address. My clients are individuals, couples, and children. I have lived experience of neurodiversity (ASD, ADHD, Dyslexia, HSP) and consequently work with a lot of people who are neurodiverse themselves. My work focusses on understanding why we are the way we are, with techniques that foster change and growth. The end goal is permanent healing and improved resilience to navigate life.
(03) 4320 5775 View (03) 4320 5775
Photo of Natasha Kiemel-Incorvaia, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Natasha Kiemel-Incorvaia
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Online Only
With over 10 years' experience as a psychologist, I combine trauma‑focused (e.g. EMDR), body‑based (e.g. somatic) and cognitive therapies to support clients holistically, including work with the vagus nerve and gut‑brain connection.
I help women navigate challenges by combining empathy and curiosity to uncover patterns and foster self‑awareness. Depending on your goals, I may use EMDR, CBT, CBiT, ACT and sensorimotor approaches alongside other trauma‑focused and holistic strategies. Together, we'll find practical, values‑aligned steps for change.
With over 10 years' experience as a psychologist, I combine trauma‑focused (e.g. EMDR), body‑based (e.g. somatic) and cognitive therapies to support clients holistically, including work with the vagus nerve and gut‑brain connection.
I help women navigate challenges by combining empathy and curiosity to uncover patterns and foster self‑awareness. Depending on your goals, I may use EMDR, CBT, CBiT, ACT and sensorimotor approaches alongside other trauma‑focused and holistic strategies. Together, we'll find practical, values‑aligned steps for change.
(02) 9100 0843 View (02) 9100 0843
Photo of Harpreet Deol - Mind Mosaics Psychology, Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
Mind Mosaics Psychology
Psychologist, MSc, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Mind Mosaics works with varied client presentations from general anxiety, depression to complex trauma providing them a safe and a non-judgmental space.
Harpreet at Mind Mosacis engage in holistic treatment approaches using evidence based therapies like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy, Positive Psychology and Trauma focussed treatments. She lays her strength in working with culturally dynamic groups.
Mind Mosaics works with varied client presentations from general anxiety, depression to complex trauma providing them a safe and a non-judgmental space.
Harpreet at Mind Mosacis engage in holistic treatment approaches using evidence based therapies like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Schema Therapy, Solution Focussed Therapy, Positive Psychology and Trauma focussed treatments. She lays her strength in working with culturally dynamic groups.
(03) 4416 2328 View (03) 4416 2328
Photo of Barbara Grace, Psychotherapist, MA
Barbara Grace
Psychotherapist, MA
Serves Area
Relationship troubles? Wondering if anything or anyone could help? You may be feeling alone, and doubtful - full of worry, guilt or shame at being here. But hearing more anger or blame as you withdraw emotionally only prolongs the problem & often makes things worse. It's lonely being in a relationship where the other person no longer feels 'present'. Ignoring the problems doesn't work, rather it pushes them underground where they fester. At this point you may be feeling raw, stressed, isolated, fearful or disillusioned. Tears & frustration one minute, anger the next. If rekindling love and connection is important to you, let's talk.
Relationship troubles? Wondering if anything or anyone could help? You may be feeling alone, and doubtful - full of worry, guilt or shame at being here. But hearing more anger or blame as you withdraw emotionally only prolongs the problem & often makes things worse. It's lonely being in a relationship where the other person no longer feels 'present'. Ignoring the problems doesn't work, rather it pushes them underground where they fester. At this point you may be feeling raw, stressed, isolated, fearful or disillusioned. Tears & frustration one minute, anger the next. If rekindling love and connection is important to you, let's talk.
(03) 9070 5773 View (03) 9070 5773
Photo of Amanda Wiggs - Aspire Counselling | Trauma Therapy & EMDR, Social Worker, AMHSW
Aspire Counselling | Trauma Therapy & EMDR
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
I support adults navigating life transitions, burnout, trauma, relationship changes, caregiving pressures, identity shifts and the emotional weight of always being the strong one.
I am trained in EMDR, Resource Therapy, Flash Technique, TF-CBT, ACT, and other evidence-based trauma therapies. I specialise in adults impacted by childhood, sexual, relational, and single-incident trauma, with an outcome-focused approach supporting sustained symptom reduction and improved functioning.
I support adults navigating life transitions, burnout, trauma, relationship changes, caregiving pressures, identity shifts and the emotional weight of always being the strong one.
I am trained in EMDR, Resource Therapy, Flash Technique, TF-CBT, ACT, and other evidence-based trauma therapies. I specialise in adults impacted by childhood, sexual, relational, and single-incident trauma, with an outcome-focused approach supporting sustained symptom reduction and improved functioning.
(03) 8203 5988 View (03) 8203 5988
Photo of Michelle Downs, Social Worker, AMHSW
Michelle Downs
Social Worker, AMHSW
Serves Area
Specialising in c- PTSD, I work with adults impacted by childhood trauma and attachment disruption.
With over 18 years’ experience, working in both the UK and Australia. I am trained and practiced in EMDR, Resource Therapy, FLASH 2.0, TF-CBT, ACT and other evidenced trauma therapies. Specialising in adults living with childhood trauma, sexual trauma, relational trauma and one-off traumatic events. People leave my service with significant symptom reduction.
Specialising in c- PTSD, I work with adults impacted by childhood trauma and attachment disruption.
With over 18 years’ experience, working in both the UK and Australia. I am trained and practiced in EMDR, Resource Therapy, FLASH 2.0, TF-CBT, ACT and other evidenced trauma therapies. Specialising in adults living with childhood trauma, sexual trauma, relational trauma and one-off traumatic events. People leave my service with significant symptom reduction.
(03) 5905 7112 View (03) 5905 7112
Photo of Helen Fraser, Psychologist, MAPS
Helen Fraser
Psychologist, MAPS
Online Only
As a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, I focus on helping individuals and couples navigate the challenging terrain of relational trauma, abuse recovery, and relationship transformation.
Recovery from relational trauma involves immediate stabilisation and deeper healing work. In our sessions, we address safety concerns while exploring the deeper impact of traumatic experiences. Through dream work, we access the wisdom of your unconscious mind. EMDR therapy helps process traumatic memories, while psychoanalytic work builds understanding.
As a psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience, I focus on helping individuals and couples navigate the challenging terrain of relational trauma, abuse recovery, and relationship transformation.
Recovery from relational trauma involves immediate stabilisation and deeper healing work. In our sessions, we address safety concerns while exploring the deeper impact of traumatic experiences. Through dream work, we access the wisdom of your unconscious mind. EMDR therapy helps process traumatic memories, while psychoanalytic work builds understanding.
(03) 8595 5347 View (03) 8595 5347
Photo of Deirdre Rolfe - CounsellorOnCall, Psychotherapist, ACA-L4
CounsellorOnCall
Psychotherapist, ACA-L4
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My ideal clients are insightful, motivated adults ready to move beyond survival adaptations such as anxiety, people pleasing, depression, addiction, relational trauma, and negative core beliefs.
I help adults recover from trauma, anxiety, addiction, stress, narcissistic abuse, depression, and destructive relational patterns with a strong focus on resilience. Drawing on 30 years of clinical experience, I offer integrative treatment that targets the nervous system, unconscious patterns, and the behavioural changes needed for lasting transformation.
My ideal clients are insightful, motivated adults ready to move beyond survival adaptations such as anxiety, people pleasing, depression, addiction, relational trauma, and negative core beliefs.
I help adults recover from trauma, anxiety, addiction, stress, narcissistic abuse, depression, and destructive relational patterns with a strong focus on resilience. Drawing on 30 years of clinical experience, I offer integrative treatment that targets the nervous system, unconscious patterns, and the behavioural changes needed for lasting transformation.
(03) 4422 4813 View (03) 4422 4813
Photo of Reza Nejad - Prime Path Psychology, Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Prime Path Psychology
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
They may be facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, eating or sleep difficulties, or grief.
At Prime Path Psychology, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care for adults, and couples. Our team supports clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, grief, health anxiety, body image concerns, eating and sleep disorders, and relationship issues using CBT, ACT, DBT, Gottman Method Couple therapy and trauma-informed approaches.
They may be facing anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, eating or sleep difficulties, or grief.
At Prime Path Psychology, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care for adults, and couples. Our team supports clients with anxiety, depression, trauma, OCD, grief, health anxiety, body image concerns, eating and sleep disorders, and relationship issues using CBT, ACT, DBT, Gottman Method Couple therapy and trauma-informed approaches.
(08) 7008 7952 View (08) 7008 7952
Photo of Tamera Broughton - Tamera Broughton- EMDR Immersives , Social Worker, AMHSW
Tamera Broughton- EMDR Immersives
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
If you've been carrying trauma, anxiety, or relational pain for a long time and feel like weekly therapy isn't moving the needle fast enough, you might be ready for something different.
I specialise in EMDR Immersives and retreats: immersive, focused experiences designed to create the kind of deep shift that can take years to reach in traditional therapy. Set in the restorative landscape of Daylesford, Victoria's spa country, my Immersives and retreats combine evidence-based EMDR therapy with the power of slowing down and stepping away.
If you've been carrying trauma, anxiety, or relational pain for a long time and feel like weekly therapy isn't moving the needle fast enough, you might be ready for something different.
I specialise in EMDR Immersives and retreats: immersive, focused experiences designed to create the kind of deep shift that can take years to reach in traditional therapy. Set in the restorative landscape of Daylesford, Victoria's spa country, my Immersives and retreats combine evidence-based EMDR therapy with the power of slowing down and stepping away.
(03) 4420 3660 View (03) 4420 3660
Photo of Siobhan McKenna, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Siobhan McKenna
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Serves Area
She works with adults experiencing Trauma, PTSD, Life transitions, Grief and Loss.
Clients will find Siobhan approachable and down-to-earth, so please feel free to contact her to discuss your concerns. Medicare Rebates available. Registered with TAC and Worksafe.
She works with adults experiencing Trauma, PTSD, Life transitions, Grief and Loss.
Clients will find Siobhan approachable and down-to-earth, so please feel free to contact her to discuss your concerns. Medicare Rebates available. Registered with TAC and Worksafe.
(03) 7003 2761 View (03) 7003 2761
Photo of Layla Oueidat - Layla at Time and Space Counselling, Counsellor, ACA-L3
Layla at Time and Space Counselling
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Online Only
I walk with people who may be navigating systemic oppression, complex trauma & addiction, substance use concerns, as well as neurodivergent, LGTBQIA+, mixed-cultural & BIPOC experiences.
In our sessions, I offer a culturally-responsive space, walking alongside you using antioppressive, intersectional, trauma- & addiction-informed lenses grounded in evidence-based therapies. Here, you can bring your identity, body & stories into a space that invites connection, choice & the unfolding of what has been held, unspoken, or ready to heal.
I walk with people who may be navigating systemic oppression, complex trauma & addiction, substance use concerns, as well as neurodivergent, LGTBQIA+, mixed-cultural & BIPOC experiences.
In our sessions, I offer a culturally-responsive space, walking alongside you using antioppressive, intersectional, trauma- & addiction-informed lenses grounded in evidence-based therapies. Here, you can bring your identity, body & stories into a space that invites connection, choice & the unfolding of what has been held, unspoken, or ready to heal.
(03) 8771 4367 View (03) 8771 4367
Photo of Tony O'Loughlin, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Tony O'Loughlin
Psychotherapist, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Maybe trauma has left you disconnected from yourself or the people you love.
I'm Tony, a PACFA-registered psychotherapist in Castlemaine, online across Australia. I specialise in trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions — using somatic therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to work with your nervous system, not against it. Together, we'll gently shift the patterns keeping you stuck.
Maybe trauma has left you disconnected from yourself or the people you love.
I'm Tony, a PACFA-registered psychotherapist in Castlemaine, online across Australia. I specialise in trauma and PTSD, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, and life transitions — using somatic therapy and Internal Family Systems (IFS) to work with your nervous system, not against it. Together, we'll gently shift the patterns keeping you stuck.
(02) 5849 6468 View (02) 5849 6468
Photo of Rhiannon Williams-Demmon, Social Worker, AASW
Rhiannon Williams-Demmon
Social Worker, AASW
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I'm an accredited social worker, and a member of the EMDR Association of Australia and Trauma Recovery Network.
Hi! I’m Rhiannon, and I work with folks wanting to understands how early experiences shape the way we move through the world. You might be a person who's spent years prioritising everyone else's needs while yours went unmet. Perhaps you struggle to trust your own judgment, find yourself constantly scanning for signs that someone's upset with you, or feel guilty whenever you try to set a boundary. Any of these experience could show up as body tension, disconnection, or a knot in your stomach when conflict arises.
I'm an accredited social worker, and a member of the EMDR Association of Australia and Trauma Recovery Network.
Hi! I’m Rhiannon, and I work with folks wanting to understands how early experiences shape the way we move through the world. You might be a person who's spent years prioritising everyone else's needs while yours went unmet. Perhaps you struggle to trust your own judgment, find yourself constantly scanning for signs that someone's upset with you, or feel guilty whenever you try to set a boundary. Any of these experience could show up as body tension, disconnection, or a knot in your stomach when conflict arises.
(02) 5017 1516 View (02) 5017 1516
Photo of Grant Finlay, Counsellor, ACA-L3
Grant Finlay
Counsellor, ACA-L3
Serves Area
You may be carrying anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, relationship difficulties, stress, low self-worth, identity questions, or the quiet exhaustion of holding everything together.
I offer thoughtful, experienced counselling that helps you feel heard, supported and understood. Together, we can calm overwhelm, work through painful experiences, improve relationships, build confidence, and create practical steps forward. My approach is warm, inclusive and carefully tailored to you, drawing on strong training, experience and genuine care.
You may be carrying anxiety, trauma, grief, depression, relationship difficulties, stress, low self-worth, identity questions, or the quiet exhaustion of holding everything together.
I offer thoughtful, experienced counselling that helps you feel heard, supported and understood. Together, we can calm overwhelm, work through painful experiences, improve relationships, build confidence, and create practical steps forward. My approach is warm, inclusive and carefully tailored to you, drawing on strong training, experience and genuine care.
(03) 4427 7092 View (03) 4427 7092

See more therapy options for Ballarat Central

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.