Trauma Work
Trauma can leave deep, lingering wounds that impact how you view yourself, the world, and your relationships. It can keep you stuck in a state of high alert or leave you feeling disconnected and numb. Healing from trauma takes time, patience, and a highly specialized approach. Our trauma-informed psychologists provide a deeply grounded, secure environment where you dictate the pace. Using evidence-based interventions like EMDR, we help your brain safely process trapped traumatic memories, reducing their emotional charge. You deserve to live a life that is no longer defined by your past, but shaped by the safety and peace you build today.
Who This Helps
- Survivors of single-incident traumas (accidents, natural disasters).
- Individuals dealing with complex trauma (C-PTSD) from childhood abuse or neglect.
- People experiencing PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, or hypervigilance.
- Those who feel stuck, emotionally numb, or constantly overwhelmed by past events.
Our Evidence-Based Approach
We use scientifically supported modalities tailored to your unique needs, including:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
- Trauma-informed care framework
- Schema Therapy
- Somatic approaches to emotional regulation
- Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for trauma
What to Expect
We aim to make your therapeutic journey as clear and comfortable as possible. Here is a typical process for this service.
Establishing Safety
The absolute priority is ensuring you feel grounded, safe, and emotionally regulated before exploring any past events.
Resourcing and Skills
Learning specific grounding techniques and coping mechanisms to manage distress and emotional triggers.
Gentle Processing
When ready, we use targeted modalities to gently process traumatic memories, reducing their intensity.
Integration and Growth
Focusing on post-traumatic growth, rebuilding self-worth, and moving confidently into the future.
Our Practitioners for This Service
Our highly qualified team is experienced in delivering specialised care for this service.
Esther Peters
Registered Psychologist & Director
With over 17 years of experience, Esther is a registered psychologist and director of Forward Mind Psychology. Esther provides a warm, supportive, and practical approach to therapy, creating a safe space where clients feel heard and understood. Esther specialises in Couples and Relationship Counselling, Trauma and complex trauma, and supporting parents and families.
View Profile
Madiha Abid
Registered Psychologist
Madiha Abid is a registered psychologist committed to delivering evidence-based, client-centred care to individuals and families across the lifespan. She provides psychological interventions to ensure integrated and outcome-focused treatment.
View ProfileFees & Rebates
We strive to keep our services accessible. Medicare rebates may be available for this service with a valid referral and Mental Health Care Plan from your GP. Private health insurance rebates may also apply.
View our full fee scheduleFrequently Asked Questions
Do I have to talk about all the details of my trauma?
No. Approaches like EMDR do not require you to recount every detail. You are always in control of what and how much you share.
What is EMDR?
EMDR is an evidence-based therapy that helps the brain reprocess traumatic memories, essentially allowing the brain to heal from psychological trauma much like the body heals from physical trauma.
Will therapy make me feel worse before I feel better?
Processing trauma can be exhausting and emotionally challenging. We work very hard in the initial phases to ensure you have the tools to manage this so you don't feel overwhelmed.
How do I know if I have trauma?
If a past event is continually intruding on your present life through memories, bodily sensations, avoidance, or intense emotional reactions, it may be a traumatic response.
Is complex trauma treatable?
Yes. While healing from complex trauma takes time, specialized therapies have proven highly effective in helping individuals lead fulfilling lives.