Sexual Abuse Psychologists and Therapists in Essendon, VIC

Vanessa Staub Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Essendon, VIC 3040
I am a Psychologist with over 20 Years experience treating a wide range of mental health issues. I help my clients develop a holistic mind-body approach to improve their mental heath & develop the tools they need to cope with all of life’s challenges. I take the time to listen & get to know you, to hear your story & what has lead you to access counselling. I work collaboratively with you to help you understand your symptoms, their causes & maintaining factors, & develop a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs. I also continue to support you with a recovery and relapse prevention plan once you are feeling well.
I am a Psychologist with over 20 Years experience treating a wide range of mental health issues. I help my clients develop a holistic mind-body approach to improve their mental heath & develop the tools they need to cope with all of life’s challenges. I take the time to listen & get to know you, to hear your story & what has lead you to access counselling. I work collaboratively with you to help you understand your symptoms, their causes & maintaining factors, & develop a treatment plan that best suits your individual needs. I also continue to support you with a recovery and relapse prevention plan once you are feeling well.
(03) 8338 1083 View (03) 8338 1083
Sherena Ng
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Essendon, VIC 3040
Sherena is a general psychologist providing evidence-based assessment and therapy across a broad range of presentations. She works within a collaborative, client-centred and trauma-informed framework, drawing on CBT, ACT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy and Schema Therapy to support adolescents and adults. Sherena has strong skills in formulation, treatment planning, psychological assessment and risk management, and is known for her calm, empathic communication and ability to build strong therapeutic rapport. She values ethical, culturally responsive practice and works effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
Sherena is a general psychologist providing evidence-based assessment and therapy across a broad range of presentations. She works within a collaborative, client-centred and trauma-informed framework, drawing on CBT, ACT, DBT, Interpersonal Therapy and Schema Therapy to support adolescents and adults. Sherena has strong skills in formulation, treatment planning, psychological assessment and risk management, and is known for her calm, empathic communication and ability to build strong therapeutic rapport. She values ethical, culturally responsive practice and works effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
(03) 9000 0903 View (03) 9000 0903
Bethany Phelan
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Online Only
Are anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or relationship difficulties affecting your daily life? I'm Beth, a Generally Registered Psychologist providing online therapy for adults across Australia. Many of the adults I work with have spent years caring for others and, despite appearing to cope on the outside, they feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, or unsure of what they need. I support adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, life transitions, and challenges with self-worth or emotional wellbeing.
Are anxiety, trauma, life transitions, or relationship difficulties affecting your daily life? I'm Beth, a Generally Registered Psychologist providing online therapy for adults across Australia. Many of the adults I work with have spent years caring for others and, despite appearing to cope on the outside, they feel overwhelmed, disconnected from themselves, or unsure of what they need. I support adults experiencing trauma, anxiety, relationship difficulties, workplace stress, life transitions, and challenges with self-worth or emotional wellbeing.
(03) 7003 2117 View (03) 7003 2117
STIA Psychology - Essendon
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
1 Endorsed
Essendon, VIC 3040
We offer individual therapy for a number of clinical conditions including: personality disorders, trauma, mood disorders, eating disorders & body image, substance use, anxiety & OCD , anger and related behaviours, couples & families, emotional dysregulation, and attachment Styles & relationship difficulties.
We offer individual therapy for a number of clinical conditions including: personality disorders, trauma, mood disorders, eating disorders & body image, substance use, anxiety & OCD , anger and related behaviours, couples & families, emotional dysregulation, and attachment Styles & relationship difficulties.
(03) 9007 2433 View (03) 9007 2433
Mariana G. Ferraz Dos Santos
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Essendon, VIC 3040
Mariana is a passionate, open minded and empathic Psychologist who enjoys listening to her clients' life stories and being part of their difficult times, providing them with the support they need to overcome their challenges. Relying on talk therapy and deep reflection techniques, she will help clients to bring thoughts, feelings and experiences to the surface under different perspectives.
Mariana is a passionate, open minded and empathic Psychologist who enjoys listening to her clients' life stories and being part of their difficult times, providing them with the support they need to overcome their challenges. Relying on talk therapy and deep reflection techniques, she will help clients to bring thoughts, feelings and experiences to the surface under different perspectives.
(03) 8338 1034 View (03) 8338 1034
Kind Heart Counselling
Social Worker, MA, AASW
Essendon, VIC 3040
If you carry the impact of trauma—from sexual assault, childhood abuse, discrimination, interpersonal violence, coercive control or medical misogyny—I’m here to support you slowly and gently.
My therapy is relational and integrative using evidence based therapies: trauma responsive therapy, attachment theory, inner child parts therapy, neurobiology, ACT, DBT & feminist principles. Safety underpins all sessions, ensuring you feel emotionally, psychologically, physically, culturally and spiritually safe. Longer sessions are available.
If you carry the impact of trauma—from sexual assault, childhood abuse, discrimination, interpersonal violence, coercive control or medical misogyny—I’m here to support you slowly and gently.
My therapy is relational and integrative using evidence based therapies: trauma responsive therapy, attachment theory, inner child parts therapy, neurobiology, ACT, DBT & feminist principles. Safety underpins all sessions, ensuring you feel emotionally, psychologically, physically, culturally and spiritually safe. Longer sessions are available.
(03) 9068 6218 View (03) 9068 6218
Eden Dwyer
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Eden is a queer- and neuro-affirming psychologist who centers curiosity and compassion in their work. They provide support for those interested in exploring their identity and those struggling with a range of concerns, including gender dysphoria, Autism and ADHD, personality vulnerabilities, trauma and dissociation, self-esteem challenges, and interpersonal difficulties.
Eden is a queer- and neuro-affirming psychologist who centers curiosity and compassion in their work. They provide support for those interested in exploring their identity and those struggling with a range of concerns, including gender dysphoria, Autism and ADHD, personality vulnerabilities, trauma and dissociation, self-esteem challenges, and interpersonal difficulties.
0447 948 094 View 0447 948 094
Ryan McKenzie
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Ryan is a registered psychologist with a gentle, empathetic therapy style. Ryan has a calm, reflective personality and a focus on promoting client self-efficacy. Ryan draws from several therapeutic frameworks to support his clients, including ACT, EMDR and psychodynamic perspectives. Ryan aims to work together with his clients to build a collaborative understanding of presenting concerns at their most fundamental levels.
Ryan is a registered psychologist with a gentle, empathetic therapy style. Ryan has a calm, reflective personality and a focus on promoting client self-efficacy. Ryan draws from several therapeutic frameworks to support his clients, including ACT, EMDR and psychodynamic perspectives. Ryan aims to work together with his clients to build a collaborative understanding of presenting concerns at their most fundamental levels.
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Tigist Kebede
Verified Verified
Serves Area
She has a history with working with racial trauma, sexual assault, family violence
Tigist (She/Her) is an Ethiopian woman who was born in Sudan and came to Australia as a child under the humanitarian program. She trained as a Counselor and has experience working in the public and private sector, including advisory roles in various levels of government. Tigist has strong grassroots connections with diverse communities, with expertise in workforce development and consulting. In 2018 “Pola Psychology,” was founded by Nasalifya Namwinga, Tigist Kebede joined in 2019 and together they established Pola Practice Pty Ltd in 2021.
She has a history with working with racial trauma, sexual assault, family violence
Tigist (She/Her) is an Ethiopian woman who was born in Sudan and came to Australia as a child under the humanitarian program. She trained as a Counselor and has experience working in the public and private sector, including advisory roles in various levels of government. Tigist has strong grassroots connections with diverse communities, with expertise in workforce development and consulting. In 2018 “Pola Psychology,” was founded by Nasalifya Namwinga, Tigist Kebede joined in 2019 and together they established Pola Practice Pty Ltd in 2021.
(03) 9001 5665 View (03) 9001 5665
Soorah Albatat
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA Endorsed
Serves Area
Soorah is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in both the public and private mental health sectors. She is passionate about supporting individuals through life’s challenges by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for personal growth and healing. Soorah adopts a person-centered approach, ensuring that therapy is customized to meet each individual's unique needs. She prioritizes building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives.
Soorah is a clinical psychologist with over 15 years of experience in both the public and private mental health sectors. She is passionate about supporting individuals through life’s challenges by providing a safe and non-judgmental space for personal growth and healing. Soorah adopts a person-centered approach, ensuring that therapy is customized to meet each individual's unique needs. She prioritizes building a strong therapeutic relationship where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered to create meaningful change in their lives.
(03) 7302 8861 View (03) 7302 8861
Anthony John Aris
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
I can understand that for many taking those first steps to seek professional help it can be quite daunting. I am mindful of the need therefore to set people at ease from the outset. I accommodate what differing clients are looking for from a psychologist ranging from finding solutions and learning strategies to process-oriented approaches that provide the opportunity to safely explore, understand, and heal the emotional pain that often underlies psychological stress and problematic behaviour.
I can understand that for many taking those first steps to seek professional help it can be quite daunting. I am mindful of the need therefore to set people at ease from the outset. I accommodate what differing clients are looking for from a psychologist ranging from finding solutions and learning strategies to process-oriented approaches that provide the opportunity to safely explore, understand, and heal the emotional pain that often underlies psychological stress and problematic behaviour.
(03) 7003 2771 View (03) 7003 2771
Sanctuary Space Counseling
Counsellor, ACA-L3
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Pam is a qualified counsellor with wealth of experience in the areas of addictions,trauma,mental health ,domestic family violence, sexual assault and supervision.
Pam has worked in a variety of roles in the public and private sector such as specialist trauma counsellor AOD counsellor,Mental health practitioner,team lead ,group facilitator and supervisor,in addition to her independent practice as a manager and senior counsellor.
Pam is a qualified counsellor with wealth of experience in the areas of addictions,trauma,mental health ,domestic family violence, sexual assault and supervision.
Pam has worked in a variety of roles in the public and private sector such as specialist trauma counsellor AOD counsellor,Mental health practitioner,team lead ,group facilitator and supervisor,in addition to her independent practice as a manager and senior counsellor.
(03) 7303 3702 View (03) 7303 3702
Kayla Cutajar
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Kayla is a Registered Psychologist and Director of Open Minds Studios. She has experience in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and parenting issues. Kayla enjoys helping people understand themselves and their environments better and to feel more empowered in their lives. She finds joy in seeing clients feel more comfortable in themselves and their relationships. Clients who work with Kayla receive an integrated approach to therapeutic care tailored to their needs and interests.
Kayla is a Registered Psychologist and Director of Open Minds Studios. She has experience in working with anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and parenting issues. Kayla enjoys helping people understand themselves and their environments better and to feel more empowered in their lives. She finds joy in seeing clients feel more comfortable in themselves and their relationships. Clients who work with Kayla receive an integrated approach to therapeutic care tailored to their needs and interests.
(03) 8104 9965 View (03) 8104 9965
Jake Iaria
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Jake is a registered psychologist known for his warm, grounded approach. Founder of Wayfind Psychology and Consulting, he supports children, adolescents, and adults to gain insight into any challenges they're experiencing, and develop practical strategies to navigate them. He provides both in-person and Telehealth support to individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioural and social-emotional difficulties, and neurodivergent presentations such as ADHD and autism. Additionally, Jake has delivered school-based support, targeted group programs, and professional development.
Jake is a registered psychologist known for his warm, grounded approach. Founder of Wayfind Psychology and Consulting, he supports children, adolescents, and adults to gain insight into any challenges they're experiencing, and develop practical strategies to navigate them. He provides both in-person and Telehealth support to individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, behavioural and social-emotional difficulties, and neurodivergent presentations such as ADHD and autism. Additionally, Jake has delivered school-based support, targeted group programs, and professional development.
0473 172 472 View 0473 172 472
Dr Vesna Newman-Morris
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Dr Vesna Newman-Morris is a senior clinical psychologist with further training in psychoanalysis. She has an established private practice and has worked in specialist public mental health services, community health services, and the university sector. She works with people with diverse backgrounds and a broad variety of issues. Her clinical and research expertise includes the impact of complex developmental trauma on personality function and mental health, including early childhood trauma and abuse, responses to traumatic events, and intergenerational risk and protective factors in attachment relationships.
Dr Vesna Newman-Morris is a senior clinical psychologist with further training in psychoanalysis. She has an established private practice and has worked in specialist public mental health services, community health services, and the university sector. She works with people with diverse backgrounds and a broad variety of issues. Her clinical and research expertise includes the impact of complex developmental trauma on personality function and mental health, including early childhood trauma and abuse, responses to traumatic events, and intergenerational risk and protective factors in attachment relationships.
(03) 8797 5601 View (03) 8797 5601
Claudia Rossi Psychotherapist, Art Therapist AThR
Counsellor, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
I am a compassionate and creative Jungian-oriented Psychodynamic Psychotherapist & Art Psychotherapist. Internal Family Systems (IFS) & trauma informed. With an approach of creative curiosity, we will explore your story to understand outdated, limiting defences and behaviours, to develop conscious alternatives that better suit your current life. Unconscious patterns affect how we think, feel and act, inhibiting our ability to live fully and authentically. With over 25 years experience, I offer a gentle, supportive, flexible and creative approach to explore the deeper layers of your inner world and move toward meaningful change.
I am a compassionate and creative Jungian-oriented Psychodynamic Psychotherapist & Art Psychotherapist. Internal Family Systems (IFS) & trauma informed. With an approach of creative curiosity, we will explore your story to understand outdated, limiting defences and behaviours, to develop conscious alternatives that better suit your current life. Unconscious patterns affect how we think, feel and act, inhibiting our ability to live fully and authentically. With over 25 years experience, I offer a gentle, supportive, flexible and creative approach to explore the deeper layers of your inner world and move toward meaningful change.
(03) 8613 3404 View (03) 8613 3404
Maria Andreadis
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Mary is a psychologist experienced in treating several mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, and relationship difficulties. She has a particular interest in how early life experiences and trauma contribute to current patterns; relationship issues and supporting people in personal growth and meaning. Mary’s ethos is grounded in the understanding that our inner world is deeply connected to our everyday lives. By exploring this connection, we can take meaningful steps toward lasting change. She offers a warm, compassionate, and honest space to build insight and support meaningful change.
Mary is a psychologist experienced in treating several mental health concerns including anxiety, depression, trauma, personality disorders, and relationship difficulties. She has a particular interest in how early life experiences and trauma contribute to current patterns; relationship issues and supporting people in personal growth and meaning. Mary’s ethos is grounded in the understanding that our inner world is deeply connected to our everyday lives. By exploring this connection, we can take meaningful steps toward lasting change. She offers a warm, compassionate, and honest space to build insight and support meaningful change.
(03) 8338 4336 View (03) 8338 4336
Livia Cremona-Bellizia
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
Livia is a warm and compassionate clinical psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's mental health challenges. She has a special interest in supporting adults during the perinatal period, as well as those dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Through a collaborative approach, Livia works with clients to clarify their motivations and goals, ensuring that therapy remains focused, meaningful, and aligned with their personal growth.
Livia is a warm and compassionate clinical psychologist dedicated to helping individuals navigate life's mental health challenges. She has a special interest in supporting adults during the perinatal period, as well as those dealing with depression, anxiety, and trauma. Through a collaborative approach, Livia works with clients to clarify their motivations and goals, ensuring that therapy remains focused, meaningful, and aligned with their personal growth.
(03) 9069 9744 View (03) 9069 9744
Ashtyn Vella
Social Worker, AASW
Online Only
Professionally, Ashtyn has held employment within the community health sector holding roles such as Counselling Team Leader and Family Violence Lead, Integrated Family Servies Program, Melbourne Magistrates Court, Centre for Sexual Assault (CASA House) and private practice.
Ashtyn prioritises building trust and understands the difficulty and vulnerability in which can be present when reaching out for support. Ashtyn utilises AASW approved focused psychological strategies including Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness & progressive muscle relaxation (PMR).
Professionally, Ashtyn has held employment within the community health sector holding roles such as Counselling Team Leader and Family Violence Lead, Integrated Family Servies Program, Melbourne Magistrates Court, Centre for Sexual Assault (CASA House) and private practice.
Ashtyn prioritises building trust and understands the difficulty and vulnerability in which can be present when reaching out for support. Ashtyn utilises AASW approved focused psychological strategies including Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT), cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulness & progressive muscle relaxation (PMR).
(03) 7302 2919 View (03) 7302 2919
Eleni Kidis
Social Worker, MA, AASW
Serves Area
My experience and strengths include supporting people heal from trauma, including childhood abuse and neglect, fractured family bonds as well as adult sexual assault.
I am an Emotional Focused Couples and Individual therapist (EFT). EFT is a therapeutic model based on attachment theory that strengthens emotional bonds to create emotional security within ourself, others and the world. I am a Family Constellation Facilitator and also use Radical Exposure Tapping (Laurie McKinnon) for resolving traumatic experiences.
My experience and strengths include supporting people heal from trauma, including childhood abuse and neglect, fractured family bonds as well as adult sexual assault.
I am an Emotional Focused Couples and Individual therapist (EFT). EFT is a therapeutic model based on attachment theory that strengthens emotional bonds to create emotional security within ourself, others and the world. I am a Family Constellation Facilitator and also use Radical Exposure Tapping (Laurie McKinnon) for resolving traumatic experiences.
(03) 8338 4349 View (03) 8338 4349
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.