Complex Trauma Psychologist Melbourne

Compassionate Support for Complex PTSD

Complex trauma can impact all aspects of your life from relationships, to sense of self, self-worth, and emotional stability.

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Compassionate support for deep healing and recovery.

If you’re living with the effects of complex trauma, it can feel overwhelming to navigate life’s challenges. You may struggle with emotional ups and downs, relationship difficulties, or a sense of being lost or disconnected from yourself. But you’re not alone—and support is available. At Core Life Psychology in Carlton, I provide specialized, evidence-based therapy for complex trauma (also known as Complex PTSD or C-PTSD). Together, we can create a safe space to process what’s happened, rebuild trust in yourself and others, and move toward greater resilience and well-being.

What is Complex Trauma

Complex trauma develops from repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events, typically of an interpersonal nature, such as:

Childhood abuse or neglect
Domestic violence
Abandonment and Chronic Invalidation
Repeated loss or betrayal
Living in unsafe or chaotic envronments

Unlike single-incident trauma, complex trauma deeply impacts emotional development, self-esteem, and the capacity for healthy relationships. People living with complex trauma often describe feeling:

Constantly on edge or emotionally overwhelmed
disconnected, dissociated, or number
stuck in patterns of people-pleasing, over-functioning, or avoidance
Trapped in cycles of shame, self-blame, or hopelessness

Common Signs of Complex Trauma

Everyone’s experience of trauma is unique, but common signs can include:

Emotional dysregulation (mood swings, intense reactions, feeling flooded)
Chronic shame, guilt, or a sense of worthlessness
Difficulty trusting others, setting boundaries, or feeling safe in relationships
Dissociation, detachment, or feeling disconnected from your body
Self-critical or hopeless thoughts
Impulsive, self-destructive, or avoidant behaviours
Physical symptoms linked to chronic stress (e.g. fatigue, headaches, pain)

How I Support People with Complex Trauma

There’s no one-size-fits-all approach. As a complex trauma psychologist in Melbourne, I tailor therapy to your unique story. In my approach I integrate Together we focus on:

Creating emotional safety
building trust and stabilising distress
Processing traumatic memories
gently, at your pace
Reconnecting with your authentic self
gently, at your pace
Exploring unhelpful beliefs and patterns
that no longer serve you
AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)
exploring deeper emotional responses in a safe, supported space
Developing practical tools
for managing triggers, emotions, and relationships

Evidence Based Therapies

I draw on evidence-based therapies such as:

AEDP (Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy)
exploring deeper emotional responses in a safe, supported space
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Process the emotional and cognitive components of trauma memories
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
identifying and shifting unhelpful thinking patterns
Mindfulness-Based Strategies
cultivating present-moment awareness and calm

What to Expect in Therapy

From our first session, we focus on creating a space that feels supportive, thoughtful, and non-judgmental. Therapy includes:

A thorough assessment of your history, patterns, and goals
Collaborative planning for therapy focus and pace
Gentle, tailored work on processing trauma, building coping skills, and reconnecting with what matters to you
Trauma-informed care that prioritises your safety, choice, and empowerment

Why Choose Core Life Psychology

Experienced in working with complex trauma, attachment wounds, and relational patterns
Warm, client-centred care that meets you where you are
Evidence-based therapies combined with a deeply compassionate approach
Convenient Carlton location, accessible across Melbourne

Start Your Healing Journey Today

If you’re seeking a complex trauma psychologist in Melbourne, I invite you to take the next step. You don’t have to have everything figured out—you just need a willingness to begin.

📍 In-person in Carlton (Melbourne) or via telehealth across Australia
🗓️ Book a confidential session or send a message to get started

Contact Core Life

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