PTSD & Trauma Treatment Melbourne

Many people benefit from seeing both, particularly if symptoms are moderate to severe or haven’t improved with previous treatment. A psychologist provides evidence-based trauma therapy such as EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, ACT, or schema therapy.

A psychiatrist is a medical specialist who can assess whether medication may support your recovery, prescribe where appropriate, and monitor progress. At Positive Wellbeing Psychology, our psychologists and psychiatrists work collaboratively within the one practice, so your care remains coordinated.

Trauma is the experience of an overwhelming or life-threatening event. PTSD is diagnosed when trauma symptoms — intrusive memories, avoidance, negative mood changes, and hyperarousal — persist beyond one month and interfere with daily functioning. Not everyone who experiences trauma develops PTSD, and you don’t need a formal diagnosis to benefit from trauma therapy.

Complex PTSD (cPTSD) develops following prolonged or repeated trauma, particularly when a person has experienced ongoing abuse, neglect, family violence, coercive control, or repeated traumatic experiences or unmet needs during childhood or over an extended period.

Alongside the core symptoms of PTSD, people with Complex PTSD often experience persistent difficulties with emotional regulation, negative beliefs about themselves, chronic shame, relationship difficulties, and a reduced sense of safety or identity. Treatment typically follows a phased approach, beginning with stabilisation and emotional regulation before gradually processing traumatic experiences and supporting long-term recovery.

Not necessarily. Trauma therapy is always tailored to your individual needs, preferences, and readiness. Some evidence-based approaches, such as EMDR, can help your brain process traumatic memories without requiring you to discuss every detail of the experience. Other therapies, including Trauma-Focused CBT and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), involve exploring thoughts, emotions, and beliefs associated with the trauma, while Schema Therapy focuses more on longstanding emotional patterns and relationship experiences.

Your psychologist will explain the available treatment options, answer your questions, and work collaboratively with you to determine an approach that feels safe and manageable. You remain in control throughout the therapeutic process.

The duration of trauma therapy varies depending on factors such as the type of trauma, symptom severity, previous experiences, and your individual treatment goals.

For some people experiencing single-incident PTSD, structured therapies may lead to significant improvement within approximately 12 to 20 sessions. More complex presentations, including Complex PTSD or developmental trauma, often benefit from a longer-term, phased approach that prioritises safety, emotional regulation, and gradual trauma processing.

Following your initial assessment, your psychologist will discuss an individualised treatment plan and regularly review your progress throughout therapy.

Yes. Many adults seek therapy years or even decades after experiencing childhood trauma. Early traumatic experiences can influence emotional regulation, self-esteem, relationships, attachment patterns, and coping strategies throughout adulthood, but these patterns are not permanent.

Evidence-based approaches including Schema Therapy, EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Trauma-Focused CBT can help people process earlier experiences, reduce ongoing distress, and develop healthier ways of relating to themselves and others. Recovery is possible at any stage of life.

For mild symptoms, trauma-focused psychological therapy is often highly effective on its own. For moderate to severe PTSD, or when depression or significant anxiety co-occur, Australian clinical guidelines support combining psychotherapy with medication (typically SSRIs or SNRIs). If medication may be beneficial, you can be referred to one of our psychiatrists for comprehensive assessment.

Early in trauma therapy, increased emotional awareness can temporarily intensify symptoms — this is common and usually settles. However, you should always feel safe in sessions. Talk openly with your psychologist; pacing can be adjusted, more stabilisation work can be added, or a different approach can be explored. Trauma-informed care means your nervous system sets the pace.

Yes. Research demonstrates that telehealth trauma therapy is as effective as face-to-face treatment for many people experiencing PTSD and other trauma-related difficulties when delivered by an appropriately trained psychologist.

Many evidence-based approaches, including EMDR, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Trauma-Focused CBT, can be effectively delivered via secure telehealth. Some people also find they feel more comfortable participating in therapy from their own home or another environment where they feel safe.

Whether you choose in-person appointments at our Melbourne clinic or secure online sessions, you’ll receive the same personalised, evidence-based standard of care.