Trauma-focused therapy refers to a group of evidence-based psychological approaches specifically designed to process traumatic experiences and their lasting effects. Whether you have experienced a single traumatic event or prolonged, repeated trauma, specialist trauma-focused treatment produces real and lasting recovery.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne provide trauma-focused therapy across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
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.
Trauma-focused therapy encompasses the evidence-based psychological approaches specifically developed and validated for trauma processing — as distinct from supportive counselling or general psychological therapy. The distinction matters: the evidence clearly shows that trauma-specific approaches produce significantly better outcomes for PTSD than supportive or non-directive therapy (NICE, 2018).
The major trauma-focused approaches include:
Trauma-focused therapy is indicated for:
Most trauma-focused approaches share a three-phase structure:
Trauma-focused therapy works because it directly addresses the trauma memory rather than managing symptoms around it. Research consistently shows trauma processing produces more complete and durable recovery than symptom management alone (Bisson et al., 2013).
Our psychologists deliver trauma-focused therapy across the major evidence-based approaches:
Structured cognitive-behavioural trauma processing combining exposure to the trauma memory with cognitive restructuring of trauma-related distortions. Effective for single-incident and repeated trauma across adult and adolescent presentations.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing — bilateral stimulation facilitates memory reprocessing. WHO-recommended and often produces rapid results for PTSD. Particularly valued by clients who find verbal processing difficult or re-traumatising.
Addresses the cognitive beliefs most commonly stuck after trauma — about safety, trust, power, esteem, and intimacy. Particularly effective for trauma involving guilt, shame, and blame. Structured 12-session protocol.
For complex trauma where immediate processing is not yet safe, we provide evidence-based stabilisation — building emotional regulation skills, distress tolerance, and grounding techniques as a foundation for later trauma processing.
Your first appointment is a careful, trauma-sensitive assessment of your experiences, symptoms, and readiness for treatment. We never pressure you to disclose more than you are comfortable with.
Treatment planning is collaborative — together, we select the approach and pace that is right for your presentation, history, and goals.
Single-incident PTSD often resolves in 8–12 sessions. Complex and developmental trauma typically requires longer, more gradual treatment.
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.
Trauma-informed therapy means the psychologist understands trauma and adapts their practice to avoid re-traumatisation. Trauma-focused therapy is a specific subset of evidence-based approaches that directly target and process the trauma itself. Both are important — trauma-focused therapy should always be delivered in a trauma-informed way.
Not in the way people often fear. Trauma-focused approaches are designed to process memories without re-traumatisation — at a pace that is manageable. Stabilisation always comes first, and processing is titrated to your window of tolerance.
Single-incident trauma often responds in 8–16 sessions. Complex PTSD and developmental trauma typically require longer treatment — 6 months to a year or more. Your psychologist will give you a realistic estimate after your initial assessment.
What happened to you is not who you are. Trauma-focused therapy creates the conditions for real recovery.
Bisson, J. I., Roberts, N. P., Andrew, M., Cooper, R., & Lewis, C. (2013). Psychological therapies for chronic post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013(12), CD003388. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003388.pub4
Jericho, B., Luo, A., & Berle, D. (2022). Trauma-focused psychotherapies for post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 145(2), 132–155. https://doi.org/10.1111/acps.13366
