Sexual Abuse Psychologists and Therapists in Murrumbeena, VIC

Kat O'Mara
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Murrumbeena, VIC 3163
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
Kyo Chung
Counsellor, ACA-L4
1 Endorsed
Murrumbeena, VIC 3163
An intuitive and compassionate counsellor with over a decade of experience guiding individuals, couples, and families through complex emotional and relational challenges. My multicultural perspective, shaped by life experiences in Korea, China, and the USA, combined with professional expertise across diverse roles—as a community interpreter, counsellor, and family therapist—enables me to provide holistic and culturally sensitive support. I've helped many clients recover from narcissistic abuse to build healthy identity and resilience.
An intuitive and compassionate counsellor with over a decade of experience guiding individuals, couples, and families through complex emotional and relational challenges. My multicultural perspective, shaped by life experiences in Korea, China, and the USA, combined with professional expertise across diverse roles—as a community interpreter, counsellor, and family therapist—enables me to provide holistic and culturally sensitive support. I've helped many clients recover from narcissistic abuse to build healthy identity and resilience.
(03) 9068 5740 View (03) 9068 5740
The Play Therapy Studio
Counsellor, AASW
Murrumbeena, VIC 3163
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
Dr Megan Dobbie
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Murrumbeena, VIC 3163
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
Nicol Thomas
Verified Verified
Serves Area
I practice Lacanian Psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is a talking work, or therapy, which aims to make an absolute difference to suffering. Lacan's psychoanalysis is based in the idea that the unconscious is structured like language. What you say reveals the unconscious processes that underlie any issues that are problematic for you, or recur. Psychoanalysis is the safe space where you can come to talk freely, without censorship and your analyst listens. There is no "correct" way to speak; the work of psychoanalysis is to find your own unique voice, especially of your unconscious.
I practice Lacanian Psychoanalysis. Psychoanalysis is a talking work, or therapy, which aims to make an absolute difference to suffering. Lacan's psychoanalysis is based in the idea that the unconscious is structured like language. What you say reveals the unconscious processes that underlie any issues that are problematic for you, or recur. Psychoanalysis is the safe space where you can come to talk freely, without censorship and your analyst listens. There is no "correct" way to speak; the work of psychoanalysis is to find your own unique voice, especially of your unconscious.
(03) 7003 2391 View (03) 7003 2391
Ella Graj
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Serves Area
Find that talking about your struggles in therapy hasn’t led to the change you were hoping for—or that symptoms have persisted despite previous treatment and immense effort? You are not alone. I use evidence-based approaches that go beyond talking to address symptoms at their root, prioritising a strong therapeutic relationship and safety throughout the process. I work with people aged 18+ experiencing PTSD and complex-PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic, relationship difficulties and dissociation.
Find that talking about your struggles in therapy hasn’t led to the change you were hoping for—or that symptoms have persisted despite previous treatment and immense effort? You are not alone. I use evidence-based approaches that go beyond talking to address symptoms at their root, prioritising a strong therapeutic relationship and safety throughout the process. I work with people aged 18+ experiencing PTSD and complex-PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, panic, relationship difficulties and dissociation.
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Behavioural Edge Psychology
Psychologist, PhD, PsyBA - Org. Psych.
Serves Area
I am the Principal Psychologist at Behavioural Edge Psychology. I have deep expertise in helping individuals be their best.​ I provide holistic care that builds insight into personal strengths while enhancing interpersonal relationships in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Areas of expertise: high-functioning stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, and burnout in adults; adult ADHD and autism assessments, with a focus on later-life diagnosis and masking in women; trauma and complex PTSD, including childhood, workplace, and relational harm; and workplace psychology, including fitness for work assessments and medicolegal reports.
I am the Principal Psychologist at Behavioural Edge Psychology. I have deep expertise in helping individuals be their best.​ I provide holistic care that builds insight into personal strengths while enhancing interpersonal relationships in a safe, nonjudgmental environment. Areas of expertise: high-functioning stress, anxiety, depression, OCD, and burnout in adults; adult ADHD and autism assessments, with a focus on later-life diagnosis and masking in women; trauma and complex PTSD, including childhood, workplace, and relational harm; and workplace psychology, including fitness for work assessments and medicolegal reports.
(03) 8771 4315 View (03) 8771 4315

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
Are you navigating the exhausting aftermath of trauma and relational wounds? You might feel caught in repeating relationship patterns or trapped by a persistent inner conflict—where one part of you wants to move forward, but another feels frozen in past hurts. I help you move forward by honoring every aspect of your story. Grounded in compassion and non-judgment, we explore root causes while actively building your inner core. Together, we safely process the past, transform your relationship with yourself, and break the cycles holding you back.
Are you navigating the exhausting aftermath of trauma and relational wounds? You might feel caught in repeating relationship patterns or trapped by a persistent inner conflict—where one part of you wants to move forward, but another feels frozen in past hurts. I help you move forward by honoring every aspect of your story. Grounded in compassion and non-judgment, we explore root causes while actively building your inner core. Together, we safely process the past, transform your relationship with yourself, and break the cycles holding you back.
0466 083 918 View 0466 083 918
Kalinda Vary
Social Worker, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Fitzroy North, VIC 3068
I work with individuals experiencing mental health concerns, existential anxiety, complex trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, post‑traumatic stress, institutional abuse, systemic oppression, identity‑related questions, grief and burnout.
My therapeutic style is steady, compassionate and responsive. Whether you’re seeking structure, somatic practices, creative expression or a more intuitive process, I will tailor our work to align with your goals.
I work with individuals experiencing mental health concerns, existential anxiety, complex trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, post‑traumatic stress, institutional abuse, systemic oppression, identity‑related questions, grief and burnout.
My therapeutic style is steady, compassionate and responsive. Whether you’re seeking structure, somatic practices, creative expression or a more intuitive process, I will tailor our work to align with your goals.
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Tracey Moroney
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Heathmont, VIC 3135
I am a trauma informed counsellor who respectfully builds connection using attachment theory as my foundation. My passion for helping people was established in my formative career as an oncology nurse. I assist people safely unpack aspects of themselves and their lives, in the hope that this process creates the ingredients for self-awareness, self-compassion and growth. With an attitude of curiosity, I aim to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and empathic space for each person to reflect upon their unique lived experience. Together we help to build a repertoire of resources to draw upon, to foster greater joy and meaning in one’s life.
I am a trauma informed counsellor who respectfully builds connection using attachment theory as my foundation. My passion for helping people was established in my formative career as an oncology nurse. I assist people safely unpack aspects of themselves and their lives, in the hope that this process creates the ingredients for self-awareness, self-compassion and growth. With an attitude of curiosity, I aim to provide a safe, nonjudgmental, and empathic space for each person to reflect upon their unique lived experience. Together we help to build a repertoire of resources to draw upon, to foster greater joy and meaning in one’s life.
(03) 8203 5417 View (03) 8203 5417
Brooke Harris
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Frankston, VIC 3199
Brooke is passionate about providing assessment and therapy that is evidence based, ethical, flexible, informative and personalised to the individual’s needs. She uses a trauma informed and culturally inclusive lens drawing on her training and expertise in Psychological Assessment, Trauma Focused Cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) ,Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) , Narrative Therapy, Sensory Motor Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Creative Art therapy.
Brooke is passionate about providing assessment and therapy that is evidence based, ethical, flexible, informative and personalised to the individual’s needs. She uses a trauma informed and culturally inclusive lens drawing on her training and expertise in Psychological Assessment, Trauma Focused Cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT) ,Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) , Narrative Therapy, Sensory Motor Psychotherapy, Solution Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Creative Art therapy.
(03) 5905 7095 View (03) 5905 7095
Transformative Place Counselling Service
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Online Only
Welcome, I'm Ketura, counsellor at Transformative Place Counselling Service. I specialise in working with individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder work on emotional regulation and trauma, but you do not have to have BPD to benefit from the services I offer. I encourage you to explore emotions, how you hold these and memories within your body, gaining awareness of your nervous system's language. To learn how to unlock and be with discomfort and unfamiliar thoughts, emotions, memories and to make new experiences, to tolerate and manage distress and integrate past trauma/experiences into the present and thrive
Welcome, I'm Ketura, counsellor at Transformative Place Counselling Service. I specialise in working with individuals diagnosed with borderline personality disorder work on emotional regulation and trauma, but you do not have to have BPD to benefit from the services I offer. I encourage you to explore emotions, how you hold these and memories within your body, gaining awareness of your nervous system's language. To learn how to unlock and be with discomfort and unfamiliar thoughts, emotions, memories and to make new experiences, to tolerate and manage distress and integrate past trauma/experiences into the present and thrive
(02) 4504 0282 View (02) 4504 0282
Wholehearted Psychology - Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Healesville, VIC 3777
Consequently, I have worked extensively with victim/survivors of sexual assault and family violence.
We can focus on a specific problem area you bring to therapy, and delve to a deeper level of understanding of the issue/s so as to resolve it, or we can work in a more fluid, open-ended manner, with self-discovery in mind. While I am not resistant to diagnosis and working within a pathological lens, I like to see people outside of narrow diagnostic labels. In the first instance, my first approach is to understand a client’s suffering by learning about them as unique individuals with complex histories and adaptive coping strategies. As I engage wholeheartedly with clients, my ask is that clients attempt to engage wholeheartedly too.
Consequently, I have worked extensively with victim/survivors of sexual assault and family violence.
We can focus on a specific problem area you bring to therapy, and delve to a deeper level of understanding of the issue/s so as to resolve it, or we can work in a more fluid, open-ended manner, with self-discovery in mind. While I am not resistant to diagnosis and working within a pathological lens, I like to see people outside of narrow diagnostic labels. In the first instance, my first approach is to understand a client’s suffering by learning about them as unique individuals with complex histories and adaptive coping strategies. As I engage wholeheartedly with clients, my ask is that clients attempt to engage wholeheartedly too.
(03) 8338 1979 View (03) 8338 1979
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
Tammy Stander
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Online Only
I am a trauma-informed and neurodiverse affirming RI-EMDR therapist and clinical supervisor. I seek to create a deepening awareness of self and enhance connection with others. I work primarily in the areas of complex trauma and dissociation supporting individuals and their loved ones. Exploration of the human condition has always intrigued me. I am curious as to the driving force behind why we do what we do and what determines our path in life. In understanding our life’s journey and what shapes it, we can begin to move towards a more content existence - with a balanced relationship with the world and the connections it brings.
I am a trauma-informed and neurodiverse affirming RI-EMDR therapist and clinical supervisor. I seek to create a deepening awareness of self and enhance connection with others. I work primarily in the areas of complex trauma and dissociation supporting individuals and their loved ones. Exploration of the human condition has always intrigued me. I am curious as to the driving force behind why we do what we do and what determines our path in life. In understanding our life’s journey and what shapes it, we can begin to move towards a more content existence - with a balanced relationship with the world and the connections it brings.
(02) 9159 6712 View (02) 9159 6712
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
Peta de Burgh
Social Worker, AMHSW
East Melbourne, VIC 3002
I have experience working with adults who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect, as well as those who have been affected by a recent traumatic event.
I use a range of specialist interventions when working with Trauma, such as Somatic Therapy, TF-CBT ,EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) psycho-education, and stabilisation techniques. I am particularly interested in polyvagal theory, brain plasticity, body psychotherapy, and incorporate this into my work with you.
I have experience working with adults who have suffered from childhood sexual abuse, physical abuse and neglect, as well as those who have been affected by a recent traumatic event.
I use a range of specialist interventions when working with Trauma, such as Somatic Therapy, TF-CBT ,EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing) psycho-education, and stabilisation techniques. I am particularly interested in polyvagal theory, brain plasticity, body psychotherapy, and incorporate this into my work with you.
(03) 7003 2905 View (03) 7003 2905
Geetha Chetty
Counsellor, ACA-L4
1 Endorsed
Williams Landing, VIC 3027
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
Esen Uygun
Social Worker, MA, AMHSW
Fitzroy North, VIC 3068
I am passionate about supporting and helping individuals, families who feel trapped in their trauma symptoms. I am Somatic Experiencing, Accredited EMDR and Havening Practitioner. I support people with Complex PTSD issues. There is a common belief that the trauma is the result of individual's thinking pattern, which is misleading. Any traumatic experiences registered somatically, therefore the trauma work will be somatically oriented, which aims to clear the symptoms from the whole system.
I am passionate about supporting and helping individuals, families who feel trapped in their trauma symptoms. I am Somatic Experiencing, Accredited EMDR and Havening Practitioner. I support people with Complex PTSD issues. There is a common belief that the trauma is the result of individual's thinking pattern, which is misleading. Any traumatic experiences registered somatically, therefore the trauma work will be somatically oriented, which aims to clear the symptoms from the whole system.
(03) 9071 0595 View (03) 9071 0595
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.