Trauma & PTSD Treatment

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"Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving."

—Albert Einstein

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Psychologists Online across Australia for counselling, testing and groups - Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Hobart, Perth and Canberra

depression treatment

How can we help?

Psychology Melbourne provides comprehensive treatment services for adults and adolescents suffering from trauma and PTSD. This may include one or more of the following:

One-On-One Counselling

Our team of trauma psychologists are skilled in working with both complex trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) and use a variety of treatment approaches, which you can read about below.

Individual counselling provides people with a safe place to work through their personal or psychological problems, knowing that everything they say is confidential. It includes a series of 1-hour individual consultations with an experienced psychologist.

Psychological Testing

Psychology Melbourne provides psychological testing to identify the type of trauma you may have. This includes specific screening tests or full tests to identify PTSD, complex trauma and comorbid mental health symptoms.

Group Therapy

To complete your therapy, we offer our popular Dealing with Trauma Groups. Group therapy is an alternative effective treatment for trauma and/or PTSD that includes working with others with similar challenges. You can do this on completion of your one-on-one sessions or as a stand-alone treatment.

Group work gives you valuable access to experienced Trauma psychologists at a reduced cost compared to individual counselling.

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How does One-on-One Counselling work?

If one-on-one counselling is required, you will work with one of our experienced clinicians who are skilled in working with trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Before your first appointment, you will be sent some online screening tests to be completed under strict test conditions. Completing these promptly is essential, and failure to do this may require your appointment to be rescheduled.

These online tests will assess the type of trauma you are experiencing as there are often overlaps between trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder. Further tests may be required if your screening tests identify any other significant mental health issues.

During your first session your psychologist will:

Your psychologist will review the types of stressful life events you have experienced and whether you can cope with being exposed to those distressing memories again.

Based on this discussion, your psychologist will outline:

Achieving behaviour change, like any other endeavor, requires commitment and perseverance. Regular and consistent appointments are especially important for the success of your therapy, too many people drop out of therapy before their goals are met.

The Team of Trauma Psychologists

Dr Anna Mooney melbourne psychologist

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Dr Anna Mooney
Melbourne CBD

aisha seedat-timol melbourne psychologist

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Aisha Seedat-Timol
Melbourne CBD

anna taylor melbourne psychologist

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Anna Taylor
Melbourne CBD

melbourne psychologist terry bowles

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Assoc. Prof., Dr. Terence Bowles
Melbourne CBD

beatrix gardiner melbourne clinical psychologist

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Beatrix (Trixie) Gardiner
Melbourne CBD

david lococo psychologist melbourne

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David Lococo
online only

miriam grossbaum melbourne psychologist

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Dr Miriam Grossbaum
Melbourne CBD

Ross Leembruggen

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Dr Ross Leembruggen
online only

sandra darmanin clinical psychologist

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Dr Sandra Darmanin
online only

Graeme Miller Psychologist Sandringham

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Graeme Miller
Melbourne CBD

natalie-mai holmes melbourne clinical psychologist

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Natalie-Mai Holmes
Melbourne CBD

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How does a Trauma Assessment work?

You will begin your assessment with a series of online trauma tests to identify whether you have a clear diagnosis of the type of trauma you are experiencing and its severity.

This may include specific screening tests or full tests to identify PTSD, complex trauma and comorbid mental health symptoms.

These tests include:

Further testing may be required

For the best results, you need to complete these tests under strict test conditions and well before your session starts or your appointment may have to be rescheduled.

new
ptsd screener

PTSD Screener

Have you experienced or witnessed significant event that has left you with negative flashbacks, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts? You may be experiencing PTSD, our screener is a progressive first step towards identifying the issue and receiving support.
Cost: $300

More info & bookings
new
emdr therapy assessment package

EMDR Therapy Assessment Package

EMDR therapy assessment includes online screening tests and three 1-hour consultations with a psychologist as an introductory treatment for PTSD.
Cost: $780

More info & bookings
new
emdr therapy reprocessing package

EMDR Therapy Reprocessing Package

EMDR therapy reprocessing is delivered in 5 phrases to process the memory to adaptive resolution and create new neural connections in the brain for PTSD. 
Cost: $1300

More info & bookings

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How does Group Therapy work?

Our trauma therapy groups provide opportunities for people to work on their traumatic experiences with the support of an experienced group leader in a structured, safe environment.

The group is held online with 6–8 people with similar trauma–related experiences weekly for 4-6 sessions. Group work can follow individual counselling or be a first port of call for people with previous counselling experience.

Group work is clinically effective and extremely rewarding. It can provide benefits that individual therapy cannot. In groups, you can learn to apply what you have learnt in individual sessions in a safe environment.

In group therapy, with guidance from an experienced group psychologist, you will:

You will gain extra support from the group: listening and seeing how other people tackle problems and make positive changes can encourage you to try new strategies for facing your own concerns.

People often feel alone and like they are the only ones struggling with trauma. It can be a huge relief to hear others discuss what you are going through.

Our Dealing with Trauma Groups are evidence-based with proven clinical effectiveness. They are for anyone over 18 years of age who has experienced trauma and/or abuse. You can read more about the groups here.

When you join the Dealing with Trauma group, the Group Leader will provide a full introduction, explaining the group guidelines and confidentiality agreement, and will answer any questions you may have.

Our Dealing with Trauma group gives you valuable access to experienced psychologists at an affordable price. Please note no personal contact details are disclosed without your permission.

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What is the best Treatment?

Healing from trauma does not mean you will forget the traumatic event, but it may mean fewer intrusive thoughts and feelings, and an increased confidence in your ability to cope with everyday events and situations.

Psychology Melbourne’s trauma psychologists are trained in these highly effective evidence-based techniques for dealing with trauma and PTSD:

While there is no single technique that is right for everyone, sometimes a combination of techniques can work best.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is well recognised as highly effective for mild to moderate PTSD and the alleviation and elimination of distressing symptoms. It is based on the adaptive information processing model, that negative thoughts and feelings are due to unprocessed memories, and creates new neural connections in your brain.

Psychology Melbourne offers a structured EMDR program in two stages with a defined number of sessions in each stage. It schedules your sessions at the correct times and intervals to ensure the best outcome for you.

You can learn more about our EMDR program HERE.

Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT helps individuals challenge irrational thoughts and increase knowledge and skills about trauma. It includes breathing techniques to manage anxiety and stress; education on normal reactions to trauma; identifying irrational thoughts and replacing them with more helpful thoughts; and exposure therapy.

Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)

Unlike CBT, CPT is delivered over 12 sessions and is a specific type of cognitive behavioural therapy. It has been highly effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD from a variety of traumatic events, including child abuse, combat, rape and natural disasters.

Finding the right therapy can take time and the best treatment is the one that works for you. Recovery from exposure to traumatic events is gradual and an active process.

Working with an experienced psychologist is required to help process traumatic experiences safely in confidential counselling sessions.

Medication

Medication is generally used as a short-term relief from depression and is not intended to be used long term. Our psychologists can discuss with you some of the benefits, risks and possible side-effects of medications to help you make your own decision.

There are several types of psychiatric medication used to relieve symptoms of trauma. This is not always straight-forward as there may be other mental or physical health issues that can confound your diagnosis. Psychologists work with you initially to determine if there are other mental health symptoms present.

Psychologists are not able to prescribe psychiatric medication and if you decide you need medication, you will need to speak to your GP. We can provide your GP (General Practitioner) with a report on your symptoms and any other mental health issues that may be present.

You can then discuss this with your GP, so they are fully informed when considering prescribing medication. Many physical health issues originate in mental health issues.

Two main anti-depressants are used to treat trauma in adults: Paroxetine (Paxil) and Sertraline (Zoloft). These medicines will be used if:

Medication can help reduce symptoms of trauma such as hyperarousal, emotional reactivity, irritability and depression, but these can also have side-effects that may or may not be tolerable for you.

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What is Trauma and PTSD?

Trauma is a subjective emotional experience that undermines your sense of security and makes you feel utterly helpless. It can occur once, or on multiple occasions. It can be caused by a particular event, or long and protracted stress, such as:

People react to trauma in a variety of ways. Psychological symptoms can include shock, denial, anxiety, fear, anger, irritability, mood swings, guilt, shame, self-blame, feeling disconnected, sad or hopeless.

Physical symptoms can include sleep problems and nightmares, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, racing heartbeat, agitation and impatience, aches, pains and muscle tension.

Unresolved trauma can lead to addictive behaviors, anxiety and depression. Most responses are normal for survivors, unless they become prolonged.

Although many people have PTSD-like symptoms after a traumatic event, such as not being able to stop thinking about what happened, most do not develop long-term post-traumatic stress disorder.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

While trauma is a normal response to a disturbing event, PTSD develops when you remain in shock and are unable to make sense of what happened. PTSD symptoms vary over time and from person to person. They are generally grouped into four types of experiences:

Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will suffer from PTSD. To be diagnosed with PTSD, symptoms must last longer than 1 month, and they must be severe enough to cause significant problems in social or work situations and in relationships and normal daily tasks.

Some people are more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event, such as those:

PTSD may increase your risk of other mental health problems, such as:

If you know someone who's at risk of suicide or has made a suicide attempt, make sure someone watches over that person until help arrives.

Secondary Trauma

Secondary trauma or Secondary Traumatic Stress (STS) may be experienced by counsellors, nurses, physicians, and others who care for those who have been traumatised. Other terms used are Vicarious Trauma (VT), Compassion Fatigue (CT), and in some cases, Job Burnout.

Getting help early from a mental health professional for a brief course of therapy may prevent PTSD.

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How much does it cost?

Psychology Melbourne’s fees for Trauma/PTSD treatment is as follows:

1. Trauma Match and Assessment

The fee for this initial online session is $300 with a Medicare rebate of $141.85 available if you have a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP), making an out-of-pocket fee of $158.15. This is a 1-hour session with a clinical psychologist that will set your counselling on the right course.

Before the session you will receive several screening tests to determine the type of trauma you are experiencing. You need to complete these at least 4 hours before the session starts.


2. Individual Counselling

Our dedicated team of male and female trauma psychologists provide in-person and online counselling. They are available online and in person for six days a week.

You can choose to join a structured program or pay-as-you-go consultations.

Please note:
  • The fees for consultations differ between in-person and online sessions. There is an additional fee of $10 for appointments scheduled before 9 am and from 5 pm weekdays, as well as, for appointments throughout the day on Saturdays.
  • Medicare rebates are available for 10 one-on-one counselling sessions per calendar year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.
  • To access funded services from a third party, such as Workcover or NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme), you must provide approved claim details 48 hours before your first session. If, for any reason, approval is not provided, you will be responsible for full payment, or appointments may be cancelled. A gap fee of $30 per session may apply.
  • A reduced fee is considered on request for clients under financial hardship with a letter from your GP confirming your financial situation.
  • Fees can be paid by EFTPOS, VISA, or MasterCard. Please note that we do not accept American Express or Diners Club.
  • Bulk Billing is not available at our clinic.

For more information, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.


3. EMDR Program

Stage 1: The EMDR Assessment costs $780 and includes online screening tests and 3 x 1-hour consultations with a clinical psychologist.

Stage 2: The EMDR Reprocessing program costs $1300 and includes 5 x 1-hour consultations.

Medicare rebates apply for the two stages to the value of $1,090 if you have an eligible Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP).

You can book into the EMDR program on our website HERE.


4. Trauma Groups

The cost of the Dealing with Trauma group vary from 4 to 6 sessions and is approximately $50 per session. Groups are held online at various times but usually in the evenings.

Please note:
  • We require prepayment of all groups prior to the start date.
  • Medicare rebates are available for 10 1-hour group sessions per year if you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP and are within a telehealth rebate area.
  • Afterpay is available for the initial cost of the group and rebates are sent to your nominated account after each session

For more information, please contact our Reception team on 1300 161 639 or email us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au or use the chat box on this website.

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How do I make an appointment?

Matching and Assessment

You can book a Matching and Assessment session online here, and reception will call you back to arrange your appointment time.

EMDR Program

You can book into the EMDR program online here, and reception will call you back to arrange your appointment schedule.

Individual Counselling

Individual counselling appointments can be booked here online or call reception on 1300 161 639 to arrange an appointment time that suits you best. We reserve 3 future appointments for you so that you can keep the same time in your psychologist’s diary. Appointments after that will be made between you and your psychologist.

We understand that changes to your appointments are sometimes necessary, but we urge you to notify us as soon as possible to avoid cancellation fees. You will be sent an SMS reminder four (4) days before your appointment.

For in-person appointments we have strict precautions in place at all our locations for your safety. If you are feeling unwell, have any symptoms of fever, or have tested positive for COVID-19, we ask you to use our online counselling services until you are well again.

Please remember to bring your Mental Health Care Plan to your first session or email it to us at info@psychologymelbourne.com.au. Alternatively, you can ask your GP to fax this through to us on 03 9957 8122.

Group appointments

Once you have enrolled in the group, you will be sent several forms to complete before the group starts. The forms need to be completed 24 hours before the group starts. If you have any questions about them, please speak to our helpful Reception team.

You will need to join the online group 10 minutes before it starts to ensure there are no technology problems. Assistance on the night is available for 10 minutes before the start time. Alternatively, we can show you how to join well prior to the group starting.

If you have any technology problems, please check your audio and video are working properly as well as your Wi-Fi connection. Refresh your browser if you are still experiencing problems.

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For further information, contact our reception team on
1300 161 639

Trauma Treatment Blog Posts

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OUR LOCATIONS

MELBOURNE CBD
(main practice)
2/50 Queen Street
VICTORIA
accessible
Phone 1300 161 639 for all locations
Reception Hours:
Mon - Thurs 8:30 am - 6:30 pm
Fri 8:30 am - 6 pm,  Sat 9 am - 2:30 pm
SYDNEY
NEW SOUTH WALES
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