Complex Trauma Therapy in Melbourne
Complex trauma can be associated with repeated, prolonged or interpersonal experiences that continue to affect a person’s emotional world, relationships, sense of safety and understanding of themselves.
Therapy with Michaela offers psychology and psychotherapy sessions for complex trauma from consulting rooms in Hampton, Melbourne. Telehealth sessions may also be available, depending on individual circumstances and geographic eligibility.
Therapy is approached collaboratively and at a pace that takes account of each person’s history, current needs and capacity.
What is complex trauma?
Complex trauma generally refers to the impact of repeated, prolonged or multiple traumatic experiences. These experiences may have occurred during childhood, adolescence or adulthood, and are often connected with situations in which safety, choice or reliable support was limited.
Complex trauma is not the same for everyone. Experiences that may be relevant can include:
Childhood abuse or emotional neglect
Family violence or coercive relationships
Prolonged bullying or rejection
Growing up around addiction, instability or unpredictable behaviour
Repeated criticism, humiliation or invalidation
Disrupted attachment or inconsistent caregiving
Institutional, medical or community trauma
Other repeated experiences that felt overwhelming or unsafe
A person does not need to decide for themselves whether an experience “counts” as trauma before making an enquiry.
Healthdirect describes complex PTSD as a condition that may follow repeated or long-term trauma, with possible effects involving traumatic memories, avoidance, heightened alertness, emotional regulation, disconnection and relationships. Phoenix Australia’s guidance also distinguishes complex PTSD through PTSD symptoms plus difficulties involving emotional regulation, relationships and self-concept.
Who may consider complex trauma therapy?
This service may be relevant for those who would like to explore:
The ongoing influence of childhood or relational experiences
Emotional responses that feel difficult to understand or manage
Patterns involving shame, self-criticism or disconnection
Difficulties with trust, closeness, boundaries or relationships
The relationship between current experiences and earlier events
A diagnosis of PTSD or complex PTSD provided by an appropriate professional
Trauma-related concerns alongside anxiety, burnout, addiction or neurodivergence
Questions about identity, attachment or recurring personal patterns
Michaela’s approach to complex trauma therapy
Michaela’s work draws on her psychodynamic and existential training. As well as Clinical Trauma Professional Level 1 and Level 2 training, which she completed with Janina Fisher, PhD. These approaches can provide space to explore how past and present experiences, relationships, emotional responses and less immediately visible patterns may be connected. Michaela also supports clients to focus on the physical symptoms they may be feeling in their bodies and how to release those, which is aligned with Janina Fisher’s model and training.
Sessions may focus on:
Understanding current concerns and their context
Exploring emotional and relational patterns
Considering how earlier experiences may influence the present
Developing greater awareness of triggers and protective responses
Exploring boundaries, attachment and ways of relating to others
Identifying personal needs, values and goals
Working at a pace that takes account of current circumstances
Aid in processing trapped physical symptoms
The precise focus will vary between individuals. Therapy does not require every experience to be discussed immediately and in depth, and sessions are not based on forcing a person to revisit particular events; as this often retraumatises the individual and is counterproductive to the treatment.
What to expect from the first appointment
The first appointment provides an opportunity to discuss:
What has brought you to therapy
Your current concerns and circumstances
Relevant personal and mental-health history
What you would like from therapy
Whether Michaela’s approach may be suitable
Appointment format, availability and fees
Whether another service or professional may be more appropriate
You do not need to prepare a complete account of traumatic experiences before the first appointment.
Following this discussion, Michaela can explain the available options and whether further sessions can be offered.
Learn | Online Course
If you want to learn about managing your emotions and would like practical insights on supporting yourself, your child, or someone close to you, I also offer an online course that explores this in greater depth.