Trauma-informed Psychology | Melbourne & Telehealth
Psychological Support for Trauma & PTSD Symptoms
After frightening, harmful or overwhelming experiences, the mind and body may continue to respond as though danger is still present. Trauma symptoms can include intrusive memories, nightmares, avoidance, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, shame, anger or disconnection. Meyer Institute offers trauma-informed psychological support focused on safety, understanding, everyday functioningand a pace that does not force disclosure or processing before the person is ready.
Registered psychologist
Evidence-informed and practical
Selected Melbourne locations
Telehealth Australia-wide where suitable
Self-referral welcome; referral and rebate options available
Does this sound familiar?
Trauma responses vary. Experiencing some of these symptoms does not automatically mean a person has PTSD, and formal diagnosis requires assessment.
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Unwanted memories, images, nightmares or strong reactions to reminders.
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Feeling constantly alert, easily startled, irritable or unable to relax.
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Avoiding places, conversations, people or activities connected with what happened.
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Emotional numbness, disconnection, shame, guilt or a changed sense of self.
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Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, trusting others or feeling safe.
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Physical reactions that seem disproportionate to the present situation.
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Effects on relationships, work, driving, pain, parenting or community participation.
How therapy may help
Trauma-informed therapy begins with a shared understanding of safety, current needs and the person’s preferences. Detailed recounting is not a prerequisite for the first appointment.
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Understand triggers, survival responses and the interaction between past and present danger.
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Build grounding, regulation and stabilisation strategies for everyday life.
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Reduce avoidance gradually where it is restricting functioning and the person is ready.
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Address trauma-related beliefs, shame, guilt, anger or loss of trust.
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Improve sleep, relationships, work participation and confidence in managing reminders.
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Consider focused trauma processing only when clinically suitable, consented and within verified clinician competence.
What sessions may involve
The approach may draw on trauma-informed CBT, ACT, grounding, emotion-regulation and other evidence-informed methods within the treating psychologist’s competence. The therapy plan should be transparent about the purpose, pacing and alternatives; the person retains choice throughout.
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Clarifying current safety, symptoms, supports and functional impact.
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Agreeing on stabilisation and quality-of-life goals before intensive work.
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Building skills and gradually approaching avoided areas when appropriate.
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Reviewing risk, medical needs, insurer requirements and referral options as the work develops.
How getting started usually works
1. Send a short enquiry or book a psychology session. The current concern is preselected in the form.
2. The practice checks age group, service fit, Melbourne or telehealth preference, availability and referral or funding pathway.
3. The first appointment clarifies the concern, history, functioning, goals, strengths and any safety or medical factors.
4. You and the psychologist agree on a plan, review progress and adjust the work as needed.
Trauma treatment requires clear safety and service boundaries
Ongoing violence, coercive control, immediate danger, severe dissociation, psychosis, mania, high suicide risk, substance withdrawal or complex medical needs may require emergency, specialist or multidisciplinary care. This practice is not a crisis service. Do not ask visitors to provide detailed trauma narratives in the initial form. For current family or sexual violence support, include 1800RESPECT and emergency information.
Related support
Concerns often overlap. These pages may also help you identify the most suitable starting point:
Tell us what is affecting everyday life
The form should preselect “Trauma symptoms”. Tell us briefly what you would like help with, who the appointment is for and whether you prefer Melbourne or telehealth. You can select more than one concern or choose “Not sure”.
This form is not monitored continuously and is not for urgent or crisis support. If there is immediate danger, call 000. Lifeline is available on 13 11 14. For family or sexual violence support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732.
FAQs
Do I have to describe everything that happened in the first session?
No. The first session can focus on current symptoms, safety, functioning and goals. You can discuss the history at a pace that supports informed care without unnecessary detail.
Does having trauma symptoms mean I have PTSD?
Not necessarily. Trauma responses can be significant without meeting PTSD criteria, and similar symptoms may occur for other reasons. Diagnosis requires a clinical assessment.
Will therapy make symptoms worse?
Difficult material can increase distress temporarily, which is why pacing, preparation, consent and monitoring matter. Therapy should not rush into intensive processing without a clear rationale and adequate stability.
Can trauma therapy be provided by telehealth?
Telehealth may be suitable for some people and phases of treatment. Privacy, safety, location, technology, dissociation risk and current supports need to be considered.
Can you help with workplace or transport-accident trauma?
Psychological support may be available through private, GP, WorkCover or TAC pathways where suitable. Claim-specific requirements should be confirmed through the relevant service page or enquiry process.