Sexual Abuse Psychologists and Therapists in Spotswood, VIC

Dimitri Hawa
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA General
Spotswood, VIC 3015
Dimitri has significant experience providing psychotherapy with adults. Areas of expertise include relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, anger management, neurodiverse affirming (ADHD/ASD), and, facilitating the process of psychological recovery from trauma and complex trauma (i., e childhood/adult abuse issues, domestic violence, family dysfunction, childhood neglect). Dimitri has worked as a private practice over several years, school psychologist, Victims of Crime, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), NDIS disability work, along with previous experience in the provision of psychological support in prison settings.
Dimitri has significant experience providing psychotherapy with adults. Areas of expertise include relationship issues, grief, depression, anxiety, anger management, neurodiverse affirming (ADHD/ASD), and, facilitating the process of psychological recovery from trauma and complex trauma (i., e childhood/adult abuse issues, domestic violence, family dysfunction, childhood neglect). Dimitri has worked as a private practice over several years, school psychologist, Victims of Crime, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), NDIS disability work, along with previous experience in the provision of psychological support in prison settings.
(03) 9007 2339 View (03) 9007 2339
Cindy Melksham
Psychotherapist, MA, PACFA
Serves Area
Clients often come to me feeling stuck in anxiety, self-doubt, or overwhelmed by past experiences. Many struggle with performance anxiety, social anxiety, or confidence issues that affect school, work, relationships, or public speaking. I work with people who are ready to go beyond talk therapy to overcome their challenges and create opportunities. Using a trauma-informed, brain-body approach, including techniques such as Brainspotting and EFT tapping, I help teens and adults regulate their nervous system, process underlying experiences, and build lasting confidence so they can move forward with greater ease.
Clients often come to me feeling stuck in anxiety, self-doubt, or overwhelmed by past experiences. Many struggle with performance anxiety, social anxiety, or confidence issues that affect school, work, relationships, or public speaking. I work with people who are ready to go beyond talk therapy to overcome their challenges and create opportunities. Using a trauma-informed, brain-body approach, including techniques such as Brainspotting and EFT tapping, I help teens and adults regulate their nervous system, process underlying experiences, and build lasting confidence so they can move forward with greater ease.
0448 512 199 View 0448 512 199
Sylvia Collinetti
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working across public and private mental health settings with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialise in developmental and relational trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, dissociation, personality vulnerabilities, relationship difficulties, and struggles with self-worth and identity. I work within a deeply trauma-informed framework that prioritises emotional safety, trust, and connection, creating a space where you can feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a central framework within my practice.
I am a Senior Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years of experience working across public and private mental health settings with children, adolescents, and adults. I specialise in developmental and relational trauma, PTSD, Complex PTSD, dissociation, personality vulnerabilities, relationship difficulties, and struggles with self-worth and identity. I work within a deeply trauma-informed framework that prioritises emotional safety, trust, and connection, creating a space where you can feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported. EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) is a central framework within my practice.
(03) 7003 2284 View (03) 7003 2284
Melis Topsahin
Counsellor, ACA-L1
Online Only
I assist clients that require therapy in the areas of anxiety, substance abuse (and/or other addictions), depression. My focus is on working with individual and couple's towards personal development and goal setting. Every client is unique, hence, requires a personal counselling approach that is catered entirely for them. As a therapist, i work with various approaches such as: CBT, ACT, humanistic approach and TRTP (trauma therapy) amongst many other(s).
I assist clients that require therapy in the areas of anxiety, substance abuse (and/or other addictions), depression. My focus is on working with individual and couple's towards personal development and goal setting. Every client is unique, hence, requires a personal counselling approach that is catered entirely for them. As a therapist, i work with various approaches such as: CBT, ACT, humanistic approach and TRTP (trauma therapy) amongst many other(s).
(02) 4504 0146 View (02) 4504 0146
Dr Tanja Takala
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I am a Clinical Psychologist and EMDR therapist working in Williamstown and Melbourne CBD (Flagstaff Gardens). I am passionate about working with individuals who are experiencing the effects of traumatic or stressful life events (current or historical) and hope to better understand their inner world, develop tools for regulating their emotions, and feel more confident in navigating life's challenges. I am committed to providing gender and neurodivergent affirming care and creating a safe space for those who wish to explore their identities, cultivate self-compassion and feel empowered to live life as their most authentic selves.
I am a Clinical Psychologist and EMDR therapist working in Williamstown and Melbourne CBD (Flagstaff Gardens). I am passionate about working with individuals who are experiencing the effects of traumatic or stressful life events (current or historical) and hope to better understand their inner world, develop tools for regulating their emotions, and feel more confident in navigating life's challenges. I am committed to providing gender and neurodivergent affirming care and creating a safe space for those who wish to explore their identities, cultivate self-compassion and feel empowered to live life as their most authentic selves.
(03) 7003 2457 View (03) 7003 2457

More Therapists Nearby

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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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
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
Core Trauma Therapy
Counsellor, PACFA
Fitzroy North, VIC 3068
I work with folks navigating mental health, existential anxiety, complex trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, post traumatic stress, systemic harm, identity exploration, grief, family estrangement/enmeshment, substance use, and burnout.
When the world feels uncertain or dehumanising, I offer a space to make meaning of your experiences, reconnect with your own voice, and cultivate a life that feels meaningful, values led, and your own.
I work with folks navigating mental health, existential anxiety, complex trauma, sexual assault, domestic violence, post traumatic stress, systemic harm, identity exploration, grief, family estrangement/enmeshment, substance use, and burnout.
When the world feels uncertain or dehumanising, I offer a space to make meaning of your experiences, reconnect with your own voice, and cultivate a life that feels meaningful, values led, and your own.
(03) 7003 2361 View (03) 7003 2361
Lucy McCarthy
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Bentleigh East, VIC 3165
My particular areas of specialisation: Complex Trauma, Childhood Sexual Abuse and Problem Gambling.
I engage with my clients in a respectful and professional manner, underpinned by warmth and openness. I endeavour to bring an authenticity that allows you to feel comfortable and confident enough to explore your concerns, then co create a plan utilising treatments such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Trauma integration and Attachment Based Interventions.
My particular areas of specialisation: Complex Trauma, Childhood Sexual Abuse and Problem Gambling.
I engage with my clients in a respectful and professional manner, underpinned by warmth and openness. I endeavour to bring an authenticity that allows you to feel comfortable and confident enough to explore your concerns, then co create a plan utilising treatments such as Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Trauma integration and Attachment Based Interventions.
(03) 7500 5855 View (03) 7500 5855
Thea Schroedel
Social Worker, AMHSW
Online Only
My approach is warm, client-centred, and compassionate. I prioritise a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. I draw on Internal Family Systems, Schema Therapy, ACT, and strengths-based approaches to help you understand your protective patterns and "parts" that have developed through life experience.
My approach is warm, client-centred, and compassionate. I prioritise a safe, non-judgemental space where you feel heard, understood, and supported. I draw on Internal Family Systems, Schema Therapy, ACT, and strengths-based approaches to help you understand your protective patterns and "parts" that have developed through life experience.
0490 707 511 View 0490 707 511
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
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
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
Wholehearted Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
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
Annie Sloss
Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
1 Endorsed
Preston, VIC 3072
I enjoy working with all kinds of adults and the multitude of difficulties we humans face in our lives and relationships. But my particular skill is in working with people who believe that what they carry is too complex for anyone to help but somehow keep looking for someone who can. I often attract people who need a therapist who both understands "mental illness" through the psychiatric system lens and sees the "symptoms" people experience not as problems but as unique survival adaptations we do not yet understand. I'm happy to work with people who experience suicidality and dissociation and who want to make sense of psychosis.
I enjoy working with all kinds of adults and the multitude of difficulties we humans face in our lives and relationships. But my particular skill is in working with people who believe that what they carry is too complex for anyone to help but somehow keep looking for someone who can. I often attract people who need a therapist who both understands "mental illness" through the psychiatric system lens and sees the "symptoms" people experience not as problems but as unique survival adaptations we do not yet understand. I'm happy to work with people who experience suicidality and dissociation and who want to make sense of psychosis.
0403 973 368 View 0403 973 368
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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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
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
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
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.