Abuse refers to a pattern of behaviour by one person that causes physical, psychological, or emotional harm to another — typically within a relationship of trust or power. Psychological abuse is often as harmful as physical abuse — and its effects can be long-lasting (Herman, 1992).
Forms of abuse we commonly support survivors of include:
Abuse — particularly when repeated or in childhood — can produce a range of lasting psychological effects:
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) — including abuse and neglect — are strongly associated with elevated risk of mental health conditions, physical health problems, and relational difficulties across the lifespan (Felitti et al., 1998).
Abuse — particularly when chronic, early, or within attachment relationships — produces complex trauma responses that standard anxiety or depression treatments may not fully address (Herman, 1992). Complex PTSD requires a phased approach that prioritises safety and stabilisation before trauma processing.
Effective treatment for abuse trauma addresses:
Phase-based trauma treatment is recommended for complex trauma presentations including childhood abuse by international guidelines (Cloitre et al., 2019).
Our psychologists use trauma-informed approaches suited to abuse presentations:
Processes traumatic memories and addresses the trauma-related beliefs and avoidance that maintain symptoms. TF-CBT has strong evidence for interpersonal trauma and abuse (Watkins et al., 2018). Always conducted in a phased approach — stabilisation before processing.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing is recommended by the WHO for PTSD including interpersonal trauma. EMDR processes traumatic memories to reduce their distress and intrusiveness. Particularly effective for childhood abuse where memories may be fragmented or non-verbal (World Health Organization, 2013).
Addresses the early maladaptive schemas — ‘I am defective’, ‘I am unlovable’, ‘The world is dangerous’ — that develop from childhood abuse and drive adult difficulties in mood, relationships, and self-worth (Young et al., 2003).
Targets the intense shame and self-criticism that commonly follow abuse. CFT builds the brain’s self-compassion system as a counterweight to the internalised abusive voice — supporting genuine healing rather than symptom management (Gilbert, 2010).
All treatment is trauma-informed — your safety, autonomy, and pace are always central to how we work.
Your first appointment is a safe, confidential space. You do not need to disclose everything straight away — we build trust and safety before moving into detailed trauma work.
We follow international guidelines for trauma treatment — stabilisation and skills before processing. We will never push you to recount traumatic experiences before you are ready.
Trauma treatment for abuse is typically longer-term — most people benefit from 20 or more sessions for complex presentations. Progress at every stage is worthwhile.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
What happened to you was not your fault. Healing is possible — and you deserve support.
Our psychologists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches across many presentations. Browse our full directory of conditions and therapies we work with.
Cloitre, M., Garvert, D. W., Weiss, B., Carlson, E. B., & Bryant, R. A. (2014). Distinguishing PTSD, complex PTSD, and borderline personality disorder: A latent class analysis. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 5, 25097. https://doi.org/10.3402/ejpt.v5.25097
Felitti, V. J., Anda, R. F., Nordenberg, D., Williamson, D. F., Spitz, A. M., Edwards, V., Koss, M. P., & Marks, J. S. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245–258. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(98)00017-8
Gilbert, P. (2010). The compassionate mind: A new approach to life’s challenges. Constable & Robinson.
Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and recovery: The aftermath of violence — from domestic abuse to political terror. Basic Books.
Watkins, L. E., Sprang, K. R., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2018). Treating PTSD: A review of evidence-based psychotherapy interventions. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, 12, 258. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00258
World Health Organization. (2013). Guidelines for the management of conditions specifically related to stress. WHO Press.
Young, J. E., Klosko, J. S., & Weishaar, M. E. (2003). Schema therapy: A practitioner’s guide. Guilford Press.
