Trauma-Informed Counselling

People may come to counselling for support with:Anxiety, stress and emotional overwhelmDepression and low moodTrauma and difficult life experiencesWorkplace stress or workplace traumaGrief and lossRelationships and interpersonal difficultiesIdentity, confidence and self-esteemEmotional regulationChronic illness and adjustmentLife transitions and changeFamily concernsAdolescent mental healthBody image concernsGeneral mental health and wellbeing You do not need have a particular diagnosis to access counselling.

Counselling is collaborative and paced around what feels important to you.Sessions may involve:Talking through current concerns or experiencesUnderstanding patterns in thoughts, emotions and relationshipsExploring the impact of past experiencesDeveloping coping and emotional regulation strategiesBuilding greater self-understandingExploring identity, values and personal goalsWorking through decisions or life changesIdentifying strengths and existing resources Our approach is trauma-informed, person-centred, disability and illness aware, neuro-affirming and strengths-based, with therapy adapted to the individual rather than following a one-size-fits-all process.

We can provide counselling for:NDIS participantsWorkCover clientsCentre Against Sexual Assault (CASA) clientsVictims of Crime clientsPeople with funding through family and community services, such as AnglicarePeople supported through Aboriginal community services, such as VACCAPrivate self-funded clientsOur counselling team includes Certified Practising and Clinical Counsellors who hold Master’s qualifications and are registered with PACFA.

Trauma-informed counselling understands that experiences of trauma can affect the nervous system, emotions, relationships, sense of safety and the way a person responds to stress.Rather than focusing only on symptoms, therapy considers what has happened to the person, what they have needed to do to cope, and what helps them feel safe and in control now.A trauma-informed counsellor works collaboratively, avoids pushing someone to disclose or process experiences before they are ready, and pays attention to safety, choice, trust, consent and pacing throughout therapy.The aim is to support people to better understand their responses, build emotional regulation and coping skills, strengthen relationships and gradually process difficult experiences in a way that feels manageable.

Yes. While counselling may be primarily conversation-based, our counsellors can also incorporate art, creativity or play activities into sessions where this is helpful.Creative activities during counselling can support keeping regulated whilst talking about challenging topics, exploring and learning certain themes or therapy topics during counselling or helping to communicate a certain experience difficult to put into words.There is no expectation to make art during our counselling appointments. We adapt the counselling process to each person and how they prefer to engage.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing.It is a structured therapy for the treatment of trauma that can help people process distressing memories and experiences that continue to feel emotionally intense or “stuck.”EMDR may involve recalling parts of an experience while using guided bilateral stimulation, such as eye movements or tapping, to support the brain’s natural processing of the memory.If you are interested to know more about this approach and whether it is suitable for you please contact us to discuss.

In counselling, conversation is the main focus. However, at our Yellow Gum Art Therapy Studio and counselling space, clients also have the option to use art materials while talking if this helps them feel more relaxed, focused or comfortable in the session. All of our counsellors are experienced in incorporating art and creativity into the counselling process where this is something the client would like. You might choose to doodle or draw while talking, use creative materials to reflect on something discussed in counselling, or move between conversation and art-making during a session. There is no expectation to use art. It is simply another option available to support the way you prefer to engage in counselling.

Counselling can be provided in a way that best suits your needs and circumstances.Sessions are available:At our Mill Park Yellow Gum Art Therapy Studio and counselling spaceThrough outreach or home visits across Melbourne’s northBy video telehealthBy phone where appropriateSome clients use one format consistently, while others move between in-person, outreach and telehealth depending on accessibility, health, transport or preference.

Both Art Therapy and Counselling provide a supportive therapeutic relationship, but they differ in what is at the centre of the session. In Counselling, conversation is usually the main focus. Clients talk through experiences, emotions, relationships and challenges with the therapist. At Finding Wellbeing, our counselling space at Yellow Gum Art Therapy studio also offers creative materials that can also be used during counselling if this helps someone feel more relaxed, focused or able to reflect. In Art Therapy, creative processes and art-making have a more central role in the therapy. Art can provide another way to explore and express emotions, experiences, identity and relationships, particularly when words feel difficult or limiting. Art Therapy may also include conversation, play and reflection. Some people prefer mostly talking, some prefer mostly creating, and others move between both. We can help you choose an approach that best suits your needs and preferred way of engaging.

You can refer yourself or a family member directly to Finding Wellbeing. Referrals can also be made by an NDIS Support Coordinator, case manager or another professional involved in your support.You do not need a GP referral form. We provide our own intake form to gather the information we need before therapy begins.We can also offer a meet and greet before you decide to start therapy, so you can meet the therapist, ask questions and see whether the service feels like a good fit.Simply contact us with some basic information about the person seeking therapy. We can then discuss our Art Therapy and Counselling services, therapist availability, funding and the most suitable way to get started.