Trauma and PTSD therapy, online
EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD, complex PTSD and childhood trauma, with a Clinical Psychologist, by video or phone.
Trauma and PTSD
Trauma can follow a single event, such as an accident, an assault or a frightening experience at work. It can also build up over years, as with childhood abuse or neglect, or repeated exposure to distressing events in roles like emergency services, health care, corrections and defence.
Ryan has particular experience working with trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (C-PTSD) and the long-term effects of childhood trauma.
Signs that trauma may still be affecting you
- Unwanted memories, flashbacks or nightmares
- Avoiding people, places, conversations or reminders
- Feeling on edge, easily startled, or unable to relax
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
- Feeling numb, detached, guilty or ashamed
- With complex trauma, ongoing difficulties with trust, relationships, emotions and how you see yourself
How therapy can help
Trauma-focused therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) are recommended in Australian guidelines for the treatment of PTSD. Both can be delivered by video.
- EMDR helps the brain process distressing memories so they become less vivid and intrusive.
- CPT works on the beliefs that can get stuck after trauma, such as self-blame, guilt or feeling that nowhere is safe.
- Schema therapy and DBT skills can help with the longer-standing patterns and intense emotions that often come with complex and childhood trauma.
What to expect
Treatment starts with getting to know you, understanding what you've been through at a level of detail you're comfortable with, and building skills to manage distress. You won't be pushed to talk about details before you're ready. Trauma processing then happens at a pace you agree on together.
Funding
Sessions can be funded through a Medicare Mental Health Treatment Plan, private health or self-funding. If your trauma is related to work, a transport accident in Victoria, or military service, sessions may be covered through workers compensation, Comcare, TAC or DVA, at no cost to you once approved.
At a glance
- PTSD, complex PTSD and childhood trauma
- EMDR and Cognitive Processing Therapy
- Workplace, accident and service-related trauma
- Medicare, private, WorkCover, Comcare, TAC and DVA
Common questions
Yes. EMDR can be delivered by video, using on-screen eye movements or tapping methods you do yourself. Ryan will explain how it works and check it suits you before starting.
No. You stay in control of how much you share and when. Some trauma therapies, including EMDR, don't need you to describe every detail out loud.
It depends on the person and the kind of trauma. Structured therapies for a single traumatic event often run over about 8 to 16 sessions. Complex or childhood trauma usually takes longer.
Many parts of trauma therapy work well by phone, but video is usually better for EMDR. Ryan can talk through the options with you.
Other ways Ryan can help
Ready to talk to someone?
Booking takes a couple of minutes. Tell us whether you want a video or phone session and how it will be paid for, such as Medicare, WorkCover or privately, then pick a time that suits you.
Book a session