Sexual Abuse Psychologists and Therapists in Malvern East, VIC

Kat O'Mara
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Serves Area
I also work with women who have experienced sexual abuse, assault, and rape.
You’ve always been the one who holds it all together: for your children, your partner, your family. Now you’re quietly falling apart. Perhaps you’re coping with the pain of estrangement, the aftermath of a controlling or emotionally abusive relationship, or the exhaustion of trying to keep everyone else afloat while ignoring your own needs. On the outside, you seem capable; inside, you feel anxious, alone, or disconnected. The old strategies like perfectionism, people-pleasing and staying silent aren’t working anymore.
I also work with women who have experienced sexual abuse, assault, and rape.
You’ve always been the one who holds it all together: for your children, your partner, your family. Now you’re quietly falling apart. Perhaps you’re coping with the pain of estrangement, the aftermath of a controlling or emotionally abusive relationship, or the exhaustion of trying to keep everyone else afloat while ignoring your own needs. On the outside, you seem capable; inside, you feel anxious, alone, or disconnected. The old strategies like perfectionism, people-pleasing and staying silent aren’t working anymore.
(03) 7500 5605 View (03) 7500 5605
Olivia Syposs
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Malvern East, VIC 3145
Navigating life’s transitions, relationships, and personal challenges can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face them alone. I specialise in working with adolescents young adults in their 20s and 30s who are navigating relationship challenges, eating disorders, family trauma, mood disorders, and the ripple effects of complex family dynamics or sustained trauma. Together, we’ll create a space where your story is valued, your experiences are understood, and your goals take center stage.
Navigating life’s transitions, relationships, and personal challenges can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face them alone. I specialise in working with adolescents young adults in their 20s and 30s who are navigating relationship challenges, eating disorders, family trauma, mood disorders, and the ripple effects of complex family dynamics or sustained trauma. Together, we’ll create a space where your story is valued, your experiences are understood, and your goals take center stage.
(03) 7500 5494 View (03) 7500 5494
Tamara How
Counsellor, PACFA
Malvern East, VIC 3145
Many clients come seeking relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, or challenges with drug and alcohol reliance. They want to feel heard, regain control, and build resilience to live more empowered and fulfilling lives. They need a safe, supportive space to heal and grow.
Many clients come seeking relief from anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship struggles, or challenges with drug and alcohol reliance. They want to feel heard, regain control, and build resilience to live more empowered and fulfilling lives. They need a safe, supportive space to heal and grow.
(03) 7003 2687 View (03) 7003 2687
The Play Therapy Studio
Counsellor, AASW
Serves Area
EMDR & Play Therapy sessions can be really impactful way of helping you connect with your child to work through inner feelings, and process what might be challenging in your relationship. It is often really tough for children to express what's going on for them using words, and this is often why they find ways to communicate with us through their behaviour. This can feel scary and overwhelming for us as caregivers, who may just be needing things to become a little easier at home. I also offer EMDR to children and adolescents - allowing young people to safely process their internal needs and worries meaningfully.
EMDR & Play Therapy sessions can be really impactful way of helping you connect with your child to work through inner feelings, and process what might be challenging in your relationship. It is often really tough for children to express what's going on for them using words, and this is often why they find ways to communicate with us through their behaviour. This can feel scary and overwhelming for us as caregivers, who may just be needing things to become a little easier at home. I also offer EMDR to children and adolescents - allowing young people to safely process their internal needs and worries meaningfully.
(03) 7500 5114 View (03) 7500 5114
Daniel Leung
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Dr Daniel Leung is a warm and empathic Clinical Psychologist and PsyBA-Approved Supervisor who has worked in hospital, university, and community mental health settings. He has experience providing short- and long-term therapy for individuals as well as facilitated group-based therapy programs in both inpatient and outpatient settings designed to reduce the impact of anxiety and depression. He primarily works with mid-to-late adolescents and adults who are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, GAD, panic disorder, OCD), depression, complex trauma and PTSD, and substance use issues.
Dr Daniel Leung is a warm and empathic Clinical Psychologist and PsyBA-Approved Supervisor who has worked in hospital, university, and community mental health settings. He has experience providing short- and long-term therapy for individuals as well as facilitated group-based therapy programs in both inpatient and outpatient settings designed to reduce the impact of anxiety and depression. He primarily works with mid-to-late adolescents and adults who are struggling with mental health issues such as anxiety disorders (e.g., social anxiety, GAD, panic disorder, OCD), depression, complex trauma and PTSD, and substance use issues.
(02) 4810 0693 View (02) 4810 0693
Nav Wellington
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties can leave you feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to understand or change. You may feel overwhelmed by worry, disconnected from others, highly self-critical, or caught in ways of coping that no longer serve you. Using trauma-informed approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR Therapy, and Schema Therapy, I help you understand the parts, emotional wounds, and deeply held patterns shaping how you feel and relate. Together, we work towards reducing distress, healing what sits beneath the surface, and creating greater connection, clarity, and choice.
Anxiety, depression, trauma, and relationship difficulties can leave you feeling stuck in patterns that are hard to understand or change. You may feel overwhelmed by worry, disconnected from others, highly self-critical, or caught in ways of coping that no longer serve you. Using trauma-informed approaches, including Internal Family Systems (IFS), EMDR Therapy, and Schema Therapy, I help you understand the parts, emotional wounds, and deeply held patterns shaping how you feel and relate. Together, we work towards reducing distress, healing what sits beneath the surface, and creating greater connection, clarity, and choice.
(03) 8797 5134 View (03) 8797 5134
Nirvana Psychology
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I’m Shanilka, a registered psychologist and founder of Nirvana Psychology which is located in Oakleigh. I provide therapy to individuals across Melbourne, with Telehealth available Australia-wide. I work with adolescents and adults, from complex concerns to NDIS, to everyday challenges that come with work, relationships, identity, stress, or major life transitions. My approach to therapy is grounded in patience, compassion, and deep respect for each person’s unique journey. Born and raised in Australia with a proud Sri Lankan heritage, I bring a nuanced understanding of multicultural identity and cross-cultural awareness.
I’m Shanilka, a registered psychologist and founder of Nirvana Psychology which is located in Oakleigh. I provide therapy to individuals across Melbourne, with Telehealth available Australia-wide. I work with adolescents and adults, from complex concerns to NDIS, to everyday challenges that come with work, relationships, identity, stress, or major life transitions. My approach to therapy is grounded in patience, compassion, and deep respect for each person’s unique journey. Born and raised in Australia with a proud Sri Lankan heritage, I bring a nuanced understanding of multicultural identity and cross-cultural awareness.
(03) 8771 5863 View (03) 8771 5863
Dr Megan Dobbie
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Often people present to my services and are unsure of what they want, need, or how a psychologist can help. It is my job to make a space for you to explore what may help, and for me to use my expertise to put a "scaffold" around you as we navigate the next steps together. I work with all commonly experienced conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, those experiencing major transitions in life, and have significant expertise working with trauma presentations in emergency services personnel. It is humbling and a priviledge to be able to do the work I do, and have people trust in my care when they are in need of support.
Often people present to my services and are unsure of what they want, need, or how a psychologist can help. It is my job to make a space for you to explore what may help, and for me to use my expertise to put a "scaffold" around you as we navigate the next steps together. I work with all commonly experienced conditions such as depression, anxiety, stress, those experiencing major transitions in life, and have significant expertise working with trauma presentations in emergency services personnel. It is humbling and a priviledge to be able to do the work I do, and have people trust in my care when they are in need of support.
(03) 8771 4821 View (03) 8771 4821
Rav Sallehpour
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
Rav (Rahvack) is a clinically registered counsellor who is deeply committed to honouring and respecting the individuality of each client experience. Approaching her practice with genuine warmth and gentle curiosity, Rav aims to create a welcoming and accepting environment where individuals, or couples, can safely explore the unique personal journeys that have led them to seek therapy. Rav’s compassionate, client-centred counselling style has been shaped by the decade of clinical and therapeutic experience she has working with individuals across the justice, family violence, and general mental health sectors.
Rav (Rahvack) is a clinically registered counsellor who is deeply committed to honouring and respecting the individuality of each client experience. Approaching her practice with genuine warmth and gentle curiosity, Rav aims to create a welcoming and accepting environment where individuals, or couples, can safely explore the unique personal journeys that have led them to seek therapy. Rav’s compassionate, client-centred counselling style has been shaped by the decade of clinical and therapeutic experience she has working with individuals across the justice, family violence, and general mental health sectors.
0430 618 252 View 0430 618 252
Savleen Wellington
Psychologist, MAPS
Serves Area
Anxiety, depression, relationship and communication difficulties, people pleasing, shame, perfectionism, and low self-worth are just some of the struggles that can leave you feeling caught in painful patterns that are difficult to change. Often, these patterns make more sense when we understand them in the context of your early relationships and life experiences. My work helps you explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion, so they no longer define how you relate to yourself, others, and the world. Together, we work towards greater self-trust, emotional wellbeing, and healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
Anxiety, depression, relationship and communication difficulties, people pleasing, shame, perfectionism, and low self-worth are just some of the struggles that can leave you feeling caught in painful patterns that are difficult to change. Often, these patterns make more sense when we understand them in the context of your early relationships and life experiences. My work helps you explore these patterns with curiosity and compassion, so they no longer define how you relate to yourself, others, and the world. Together, we work towards greater self-trust, emotional wellbeing, and healthier, more fulfilling relationships.
(03) 9068 5037 View (03) 9068 5037
Dr Sesil Ozgis
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
Hi my name is Sesil. I have completed the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) postgraduate degree. I am a registered Clinical Psychologist. I began practising in 2002 and have had a range of experiences working in a variety of settings. Some of the areas I work with include anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life changes, relationship issues, grief/loss and stress. I am currently available to offer Telehealth psychology services for adults.
Hi my name is Sesil. I have completed the Doctor of Psychology (Clinical) postgraduate degree. I am a registered Clinical Psychologist. I began practising in 2002 and have had a range of experiences working in a variety of settings. Some of the areas I work with include anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, life changes, relationship issues, grief/loss and stress. I am currently available to offer Telehealth psychology services for adults.
(03) 7500 5999 View (03) 7500 5999
Amy Redman Psychology - EMDR/ Trauma Psychologist
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Serves Area
Hi I'm Amy, I am a Counselling Psychologist. I create a friendly, supportive and non judgemental environment and enjoy working with adolescents, young adults and adults. My therapeutic approach is client centred, where client's goals, interest and preferences guide treatment. I am passionate about working collaboratively with clients to identify and achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being and experience of life’s many challenges.
Hi I'm Amy, I am a Counselling Psychologist. I create a friendly, supportive and non judgemental environment and enjoy working with adolescents, young adults and adults. My therapeutic approach is client centred, where client's goals, interest and preferences guide treatment. I am passionate about working collaboratively with clients to identify and achieve their goals and improve their overall well-being and experience of life’s many challenges.
0444 572 251 View 0444 572 251
MSRCC - Specialist Relationship Therapists
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Serves Area
Melbourne Specialist Relationship Counselling Clinic (MSRCC) provides specialised couple, relationship and marriage counselling for couples and individuals seeking relationship support and more from their relationship. Do you find yourself and your significant other at a crossroads, where you often find yourself experiencing similar problems and difficulties and struggling to navigate through your differences? Do you and your partner find yourselves stuck in negative patterns, struggling to resolve the same conflicts again and again? Are issues in your sexual relationship or parenting style causing friction?
Melbourne Specialist Relationship Counselling Clinic (MSRCC) provides specialised couple, relationship and marriage counselling for couples and individuals seeking relationship support and more from their relationship. Do you find yourself and your significant other at a crossroads, where you often find yourself experiencing similar problems and difficulties and struggling to navigate through your differences? Do you and your partner find yourselves stuck in negative patterns, struggling to resolve the same conflicts again and again? Are issues in your sexual relationship or parenting style causing friction?
0411 615 313 View 0411 615 313
Claire Naidoo
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Adults navigating anxiety, relationship difficulties, and the lasting effects of early attachment experiences often find their way to me — sometimes surfacing as emotional ups and downs, self-doubt, or trouble trusting others. Many arrive during a life transition, when old patterns resurface and current coping strategies no longer feel like enough. Together, we slow down, make sense of these patterns, and build a steadier, more secure relationship with the self and others — so you can move through change with more clarity and self-trust.
Adults navigating anxiety, relationship difficulties, and the lasting effects of early attachment experiences often find their way to me — sometimes surfacing as emotional ups and downs, self-doubt, or trouble trusting others. Many arrive during a life transition, when old patterns resurface and current coping strategies no longer feel like enough. Together, we slow down, make sense of these patterns, and build a steadier, more secure relationship with the self and others — so you can move through change with more clarity and self-trust.
0424 656 227 View 0424 656 227

More Therapists Nearby

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
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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Payal Parmar
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Online Only
Please use email for any inquiries, including booking an appointment. While I am passionate about helping my clients with difficulties such as depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks and low self esteem, I also have a special interest in treating difficulties related to recent and past trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Complex PTSD, recurring nightmares, dissociation, adult survivors of childhood neglect and abuse, and long term unhelpful patterns of relationship and/or behaviour.
Please use email for any inquiries, including booking an appointment. While I am passionate about helping my clients with difficulties such as depression, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks and low self esteem, I also have a special interest in treating difficulties related to recent and past trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Complex PTSD, recurring nightmares, dissociation, adult survivors of childhood neglect and abuse, and long term unhelpful patterns of relationship and/or behaviour.
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San Leenstra
Counsellor, MA, AThR
Serves Area
I have over 20 years experience working with individuals, adults, teens, children and families and have qualifications in Art Therapy, Family Therapy and have many years experience working in sexual assault recovery and trauma-informed practice.
I am passionate about working collaboratively and believe in balancing honesty with warmth and care, being straight forward as well as gentle, kind and non-judgemental. I work client-centred, with unconditional positive regard and allow each perspective to be heard, valued and taken seriously. I support each individual to explore their own unique way of being in this world, with all its challenges and rewards. I invite you to embrace a journey of self-discovery and growth in a safe, supportive environment where your voice matters.
I have over 20 years experience working with individuals, adults, teens, children and families and have qualifications in Art Therapy, Family Therapy and have many years experience working in sexual assault recovery and trauma-informed practice.
I am passionate about working collaboratively and believe in balancing honesty with warmth and care, being straight forward as well as gentle, kind and non-judgemental. I work client-centred, with unconditional positive regard and allow each perspective to be heard, valued and taken seriously. I support each individual to explore their own unique way of being in this world, with all its challenges and rewards. I invite you to embrace a journey of self-discovery and growth in a safe, supportive environment where your voice matters.
(03) 4422 2660 View (03) 4422 2660
Nikki Pascarl
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Pakenham, VIC 3810
Nikki (she/her) is dedicated to helping people put their traumas and adverse life experiences in the past to increase their quality of life in the present. Lugging the past around is hard work! And although managing trauma feels familiar and therapy can seem intimidating, the hard work in therapy typically results in everything else becoming easier. I work with people 18yrs+ with various presentations: PTSD & cPTSD, BPD, various anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, unhelpful coping - such as substances misuse.
Nikki (she/her) is dedicated to helping people put their traumas and adverse life experiences in the past to increase their quality of life in the present. Lugging the past around is hard work! And although managing trauma feels familiar and therapy can seem intimidating, the hard work in therapy typically results in everything else becoming easier. I work with people 18yrs+ with various presentations: PTSD & cPTSD, BPD, various anxiety disorders, dissociative disorders, unhelpful coping - such as substances misuse.
(03) 5910 1301 View (03) 5910 1301
KerryAnn Henry -Individual & Couples Therapy
Social Worker, AASW
Serves Area
I work with all issues such as childhood trauma, PTSD, DV/FV, anger, anxiety, sexual assault, communication, trust, shame, sexual issues, infidelity, addictions, parenting, ASD, MI & grief.
Empathic, safe & caring, using highly skilled proven attachment & relationship therapies- we work together as a team. You'll learn the relationship is the issue - not the individuals. Everyone deserves the best relationships possible; strong relationships being crucial to our individual wellbeing as well as our family's health & wellbeing outcomes.
I work with all issues such as childhood trauma, PTSD, DV/FV, anger, anxiety, sexual assault, communication, trust, shame, sexual issues, infidelity, addictions, parenting, ASD, MI & grief.
Empathic, safe & caring, using highly skilled proven attachment & relationship therapies- we work together as a team. You'll learn the relationship is the issue - not the individuals. Everyone deserves the best relationships possible; strong relationships being crucial to our individual wellbeing as well as our family's health & wellbeing outcomes.
(02) 5503 9341 View (02) 5503 9341
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.