Sexual Abuse Psychologists and Therapists in Vermont, VIC

Photo of Petra van Vliet, Social Worker, AMHSW
Petra van Vliet
Social Worker, AMHSW
Vermont, VIC 3133
The foundation of my counselling is social-justice, compassion and integrity. I am an accredited mental health social worker with over 30 years' experience in clinical mental health settings, community palliative care & aged care. I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming), Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I work from a trauma-informed framework which incorporates Attachment theory, Schema Theory and IFS.
The foundation of my counselling is social-justice, compassion and integrity. I am an accredited mental health social worker with over 30 years' experience in clinical mental health settings, community palliative care & aged care. I offer EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming), Acceptance Commitment Therapy and Narrative Therapy. I work from a trauma-informed framework which incorporates Attachment theory, Schema Theory and IFS.
(03) 8203 5194 View (03) 8203 5194
Photo of Yang Yang - 2Y Mental Health, Psychologist, PsyBA General
2Y Mental Health
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
As a both English and Mandarin -speaking professional, I am experienced in working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. I am a registered psychologist who believes that healing starts with emotions. Over the years I’ve worked with many people experiencing PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), depression, and anxiety—challenges that often leave behind hidden emotional traces that continue to shape daily life.
As a both English and Mandarin -speaking professional, I am experienced in working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. I am a registered psychologist who believes that healing starts with emotions. Over the years I’ve worked with many people experiencing PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), depression, and anxiety—challenges that often leave behind hidden emotional traces that continue to shape daily life.
(03) 8771 5216 View (03) 8771 5216
Photo of Magdalen Ser, EMDRAA Accredited Practitioner, MSc
Magdalen Ser
EMDRAA Accredited Practitioner, MSc
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
Have you spent a considerable time and efforts in trying to understand your difficulties — and yet still find the emotional patterns won't shift and the same relational dynamics return? The body stays braced and old responses fire before thought can catch up? When insight alone hasn't been enough, it's often because trauma lives less in our thinking than in the nervous system itself. This is where a different kind of work can help.
Have you spent a considerable time and efforts in trying to understand your difficulties — and yet still find the emotional patterns won't shift and the same relational dynamics return? The body stays braced and old responses fire before thought can catch up? When insight alone hasn't been enough, it's often because trauma lives less in our thinking than in the nervous system itself. This is where a different kind of work can help.
(03) 9994 1795 View (03) 9994 1795
Photo of Jerty Richardson, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Jerty Richardson
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
At Ultimate Success and Wellbeing Psychology, I deliver a range of services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. These include anxiety, depression, psychiatric disorders, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, trauma, interpersonal conflicts, mediation, domestic violence Issues, critical incident stress management debriefing and anger and behaviour management. I have been registered as a psychologist for over 15 years and have held a variety of roles including managing a counselling and youth team as well as several mental health teams.
At Ultimate Success and Wellbeing Psychology, I deliver a range of services for children, adolescents, adults, couples, families and groups. These include anxiety, depression, psychiatric disorders, adjustment disorders, grief and loss, trauma, interpersonal conflicts, mediation, domestic violence Issues, critical incident stress management debriefing and anger and behaviour management. I have been registered as a psychologist for over 15 years and have held a variety of roles including managing a counselling and youth team as well as several mental health teams.
(03) 9864 1892 View (03) 9864 1892
Photo of Kefu Xie, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Kefu Xie
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I am keen to support individuals who are experiencing emotional distress, ongoing mood or relationship difficulties, or the lasting impacts of complex trauma. Many of the people I work with are seeking relief, clarity, or a deeper understanding of themselves and their patterns. I’m passionate about working with clients from LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and multicultural communities, offering a safe and affirming space to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change.
I am keen to support individuals who are experiencing emotional distress, ongoing mood or relationship difficulties, or the lasting impacts of complex trauma. Many of the people I work with are seeking relief, clarity, or a deeper understanding of themselves and their patterns. I’m passionate about working with clients from LGBTQIA+, neurodiverse, and multicultural communities, offering a safe and affirming space to explore their experiences and work toward meaningful change.
0493 156 299 View 0493 156 299
Photo of Soph Marsland, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Soph Marsland
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Serves Area
Soph is passionate about helping people build lives that are rich and meaningful to them. With warmth, care, and authenticity, Soph supports you to sort out what is under your control and act on it, and learn skills to manage what is not under your control, including the difficult thoughts, feelings, sensations, memories and other internal experiences that come with being human, so that these don't dominate your life. Soph sees people aged 18+ and has special interest in working with clients experiencing all types of anxiety, mood problems, obsessions and compulsions, trauma, perinatal mental health issues, and psychosis.
Soph is passionate about helping people build lives that are rich and meaningful to them. With warmth, care, and authenticity, Soph supports you to sort out what is under your control and act on it, and learn skills to manage what is not under your control, including the difficult thoughts, feelings, sensations, memories and other internal experiences that come with being human, so that these don't dominate your life. Soph sees people aged 18+ and has special interest in working with clients experiencing all types of anxiety, mood problems, obsessions and compulsions, trauma, perinatal mental health issues, and psychosis.
(03) 8771 4282 View (03) 8771 4282

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Peta de Burgh, Social Worker, AMHSW
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
Photo of Rebecca Reale - Wholehearted Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Wholehearted Psychology
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
Photo of Amy Della-Torre, Psychotherapist, PACFA
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
Photo of Paula Lay, Social Worker, MA, AASW
Paula Lay
Social Worker, MA, AASW
Thornbury, VIC 3071
I am a social worker, sensorimotor psychotherapist, and yoga teacher specialising in working with trauma, anxiety, and depression. My therapeutic approach includes working at the intersection of body-centred practices including sensorimotor psychotherapy, yoga, mindfulness and somatics, as well as bringing a social justice, intersectional lens.Through centring the wisdom of the body and felt-experience and supported by practices that nourish and expand nervous system self-regulation capacity, my aim is to create a kind and safe space within the therapeutic relationship to make space for healing, growth and transformation.
I am a social worker, sensorimotor psychotherapist, and yoga teacher specialising in working with trauma, anxiety, and depression. My therapeutic approach includes working at the intersection of body-centred practices including sensorimotor psychotherapy, yoga, mindfulness and somatics, as well as bringing a social justice, intersectional lens.Through centring the wisdom of the body and felt-experience and supported by practices that nourish and expand nervous system self-regulation capacity, my aim is to create a kind and safe space within the therapeutic relationship to make space for healing, growth and transformation.
0412 952 786 View 0412 952 786
Photo of Paula-Jane Buckland, Counsellor, PACFA
Paula-Jane Buckland
Counsellor, PACFA
Fitzroy North, VIC 3068
Paula-Jane specializes in complex trauma, working with adults who are victim/survivors of childhood sexual assault, and sex and intimacy education for NDIS participants.
Paula-Jane is an accredited mental health counsellor and sex therapist working with individuals and intimate couples; providing care for a diverse range of issues and concerns. The greatest joy of her role is seeing people leaving her care feeling content, lighter and calm within themselves and hope for their future. Paula-Jane is committed to holding a space that is calm accepting trusting safe and welcoming, allowing you to feel at ease and move at a pace comfortable to you. Welcoming all people from different communities, lifestyles and abilities.
Paula-Jane specializes in complex trauma, working with adults who are victim/survivors of childhood sexual assault, and sex and intimacy education for NDIS participants.
Paula-Jane is an accredited mental health counsellor and sex therapist working with individuals and intimate couples; providing care for a diverse range of issues and concerns. The greatest joy of her role is seeing people leaving her care feeling content, lighter and calm within themselves and hope for their future. Paula-Jane is committed to holding a space that is calm accepting trusting safe and welcoming, allowing you to feel at ease and move at a pace comfortable to you. Welcoming all people from different communities, lifestyles and abilities.
0450 797 960 View 0450 797 960
Photo of Dr Melissa Vella, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Dr Melissa Vella
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Officer, VIC 3809
Hi there, let me guess... You are here because you used to be able to cope. You have faced a lot of things in your life, and have always managed. But you are now struggling, and you are surprised and feeling shame that you can’t tough this one out. You have compassion for others who aren’t coping and are always the strong one, the listening ear. But somehow, you see yourself as different, you are not supposed to fall apart. And certainly not now.
Hi there, let me guess... You are here because you used to be able to cope. You have faced a lot of things in your life, and have always managed. But you are now struggling, and you are surprised and feeling shame that you can’t tough this one out. You have compassion for others who aren’t coping and are always the strong one, the listening ear. But somehow, you see yourself as different, you are not supposed to fall apart. And certainly not now.
View
Photo of Jaz Forrester - Core Trauma Therapy, Counsellor, PACFA
Core Trauma Therapy
Counsellor, PACFA
Online Only
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.
In a world that’s becoming increasingly automated, I aim to offer a deeply human space for deep meaning-making and healing. I am here to support you as you reconnect or expand yourself, find your own voice, and move forward on your terms. You don’t need to have it all figured out - just a space to land - I'm here to meet you in the messy.
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.
In a world that’s becoming increasingly automated, I aim to offer a deeply human space for deep meaning-making and healing. I am here to support you as you reconnect or expand yourself, find your own voice, and move forward on your terms. You don’t need to have it all figured out - just a space to land - I'm here to meet you in the messy.
(03) 7003 2361 View (03) 7003 2361
Photo of Colleen Denise Cahill - Mindfulness Matters, Social Worker, AMHSW
Mindfulness Matters
Social Worker, AMHSW
Kallista, VIC 3791
Sexual assault?
I am an individual/family/relationship therapist that can assist people working through their relationship issues in a non-judgemental manner that increases their skills in relating to others and may assist some through times of separation. I develop plans with my clients that assist them in understanding themselves and strategies that empower them.
Sexual assault?
I am an individual/family/relationship therapist that can assist people working through their relationship issues in a non-judgemental manner that increases their skills in relating to others and may assist some through times of separation. I develop plans with my clients that assist them in understanding themselves and strategies that empower them.
(03) 8592 9256 View (03) 8592 9256
Photo of San Leenstra, Counsellor, MA, AThR
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
Photo of Sarah Jones, Psychotherapist, PACFA
Sarah Jones
Psychotherapist, PACFA
Preston, VIC 3072
Sarah Jones is an effective therapist with 25 years’ experience counselling adults, couples, and older adolescents (15 years and older). She is a Clinical Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, and a senior clinician who has contributed to the field through providing professional development and supervision of other counsellors. Sarah works with individuals and couples addressing their mental health, communication and fulfilment in life.
Sarah Jones is an effective therapist with 25 years’ experience counselling adults, couples, and older adolescents (15 years and older). She is a Clinical Member of the Psychotherapy and Counselling Federation of Australia, and a senior clinician who has contributed to the field through providing professional development and supervision of other counsellors. Sarah works with individuals and couples addressing their mental health, communication and fulfilment in life.
(03) 8338 1006 View (03) 8338 1006
Photo of Caroline Burrows - Mindful Living Counselling and Psychology, Counsellor, AMHSW
If you are struggling with the impact of trauma, or are interested in trying EMDR Therapy, we are here to help! We are a psychology and counselling practice located in Croydon, Victoria. We have a special focus on the treatment of PTSD and trauma, with a particular interest in EMDR Therapy. EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based method of trauma treatment that is endorsed by the World Health Organisation and Medicare Australia. Our Practice Director, Caroline Burrows, is a leading accredited EMDR trainer in Australia. We are proud to offer traditional, intensive and group EMDR Therapy.
If you are struggling with the impact of trauma, or are interested in trying EMDR Therapy, we are here to help! We are a psychology and counselling practice located in Croydon, Victoria. We have a special focus on the treatment of PTSD and trauma, with a particular interest in EMDR Therapy. EMDR is a powerful, evidence-based method of trauma treatment that is endorsed by the World Health Organisation and Medicare Australia. Our Practice Director, Caroline Burrows, is a leading accredited EMDR trainer in Australia. We are proud to offer traditional, intensive and group EMDR Therapy.
(03) 6146 3217 View (03) 6146 3217
Photo of Annie Sloss, Psychotherapist, MA, AThR
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
Photo of Jane Lumley - Jane Lumley - People Psychology, Psychologist, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Jane Lumley - People Psychology
Psychologist, PsyBA - Couns. Psych.
Melbourne, VIC 3000
Jane has experience in: Child Community Health settings Sexual Assault Counselling Psychiatric Inpatient care Counselling for general psychological problems Jane can provide psychologist reports.
Jane has experience counselling clients and can help you with: Emotional Dysregulation Counselling for Trauma Anxiety Depression Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Divorce Domestic Abuse Domestic Violence Emotional Disturbance Parenting Peer Relationships Self-Esteem Self-Harming Sexual Abuse Sexual Assault Sleep or Insomnia Stress Trauma and PTSD (Post
Jane has experience in: Child Community Health settings Sexual Assault Counselling Psychiatric Inpatient care Counselling for general psychological problems Jane can provide psychologist reports.
Jane has experience counselling clients and can help you with: Emotional Dysregulation Counselling for Trauma Anxiety Depression Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) Divorce Domestic Abuse Domestic Violence Emotional Disturbance Parenting Peer Relationships Self-Esteem Self-Harming Sexual Abuse Sexual Assault Sleep or Insomnia Stress Trauma and PTSD (Post
(03) 7003 2782 View (03) 7003 2782
Photo of Barbara Drossos, Social Worker, AMHSW
Barbara Drossos
Social Worker, AMHSW
Coburg, VIC 3058
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
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.