Frequently Asked Questions
Trauma and Complex PTSD
1. What is complex PTSD and how is it different from PTSD?
Complex PTSD (CPTSD) is often caused by long-term or repeated trauma, especially in childhood. This may include emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. While PTSD often follows a single traumatic event, complex PTSD involves deeper impacts like shame, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty with relationships. At Mend Melbourne, we specialise in supporting adults with complex trauma using a gentle and collaborative approach.
2. How can therapy help with childhood trauma as an adult?
Unresolved childhood trauma can show up in your adult life through anxiety, low self-worth, relationship struggles, or emotional triggers. Trauma informed therapy can help you make sense of those patterns, regulate your nervous system, and begin to heal at your own pace. Our team uses evidence based approaches including DBT, somatic work and parts work to support long term recovery.
3. What are the signs of unresolved trauma or attachment wounds?
You might notice patterns like fear of abandonment, trouble regulating emotions, dissociation, people pleasing, emotional numbness or relationship difficulties. These signs often stem from childhood trauma or attachment injuries. Our counsellors help you understand where these patterns come from and how to move towards greater safety and connection.
4. Can you help if I don't remember my trauma clearly?
Yes. Many trauma survivors have little or no memory of what happened due to the way the brain protects us from overwhelming experiences. You don’t need to remember or describe specific events for therapy to be helpful. We can work with emotions, body sensations, and relational patterns in a way that supports healing without needing a clear narrative.
5. Is it normal to feel worse before I feel better in trauma therapy?
Sometimes, yes. Feeling raw or vulnerable in the early stages of therapy is normal, especially when you start exploring parts of yourself that have been shut down for a long time. We focus on safety and stabilisation first so you don’t feel overwhelmed. You’ll never be pushed to go faster than what feels manageable for you.
6. Do I have to share the details of my trauma in counselling?
No. You are never required to talk about your trauma in detail. Some people choose to share parts of their story over time, but many prefer to focus on how they’re feeling now. Our trauma informed approach respects your boundaries and ensures that therapy is safe and supportive, even if you never go into specifics.
Attachment and Relationships
7. What are attachment issues and how do they affect adult relationships?
Attachment issues can develop from early relationships where needs weren’t met or safety wasn’t consistent. As adults, this can lead to difficulty trusting others, fear of intimacy, anxiety in relationships or emotional shutdown. In therapy, we gently explore these patterns and help you form more secure and meaningful connections.
8. Can counselling help me form healthier relationships?
Yes. If you find yourself stuck in unhealthy patterns, repeating the same relationship dynamics, or struggling to set boundaries, counselling can help. We look at the origins of these behaviours and support you to build emotional awareness, resilience and self compassion, all of which support more connected relationships.
Victims of Crime and Redress Scheme
9. Do you offer counselling for people who have experienced abuse or violence?
Yes. We provide counselling for adult survivors of family violence, sexual assault, childhood abuse, and other forms of interpersonal or institutional trauma. Whether the trauma occurred recently or many years ago, our focus is on creating safety and supporting recovery from the deep impacts of abuse.
10. Can I access counselling if I received a Redress payment or applied for the National Redress Scheme?
Absolutely. If you are connected to the National Redress Scheme, you are entitled to access counselling. We work with many Redress recipients and understand the unique impacts of institutional abuse and the emotional toll of the application process. You are welcome here.
11. How is therapy different for survivors of institutional abuse?
Survivors of institutional abuse often experience profound betrayal, loss of trust, and moral injury. Therapy at Mend Melbourne honours these impacts with deep respect and care. We work at your pace to help you rebuild trust, restore a sense of safety, and gently support your healing without judgement or pressure.
12. What support is available for victims of crime in Victoria?
Victims of crime in Victoria may be eligible for funded counselling through VOCAT (Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal). This includes people affected by physical violence, sexual assault, or trauma related to criminal acts. We can help you understand your options and support your application if needed.
13. Will I have to talk about the abuse in detail to benefit from therapy?
No. You don’t have to talk about what happened unless you choose to. Many people find therapy helpful by simply working with how they feel now, without going into past events. We respect your right to choose what, when, and how you share, if at all.
Safety, Confidentiality and Care
14. Is counselling confidential for survivors of abuse or crime?
Yes. Your sessions are confidential, with rare legal exceptions such as immediate risk to safety. We deeply respect your privacy, especially if you’ve experienced breaches of trust in the past. If you have questions about confidentiality, we’re happy to explain it clearly.
15. What if I’m scared to open up or don’t know where to start?
That’s okay. Many people feel nervous or unsure about beginning therapy. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to say. We will take things slowly, focus on what feels safe, and support you in finding your voice over time.
16. Do you offer culturally sensitive support for First Nations or CALD clients?
Yes. We are committed to culturally safe, inclusive and respectful practice. We welcome clients from all backgrounds and are always learning how to better support the communities we work with. Please let us know if there’s anything we can do to support your cultural needs.
Access, Fees and Practical Information
17. Can I use VOCAT or Redress funding for counselling?
Yes. If you’ve received support through VOCAT or the National Redress Scheme, we can provide counselling under those arrangements. Let us know in your enquiry and we’ll help with any necessary paperwork or invoicing.
18. Do I need a referral to start therapy at Mend Melbourne?
No referral is needed. You can contact us directly to ask questions, book a session, or request a free initial call to see if we’re a good fit. We’re happy to walk you through the process.
19. What if I can’t afford regular sessions, are there low cost options?
We believe that healing should be accessible. If cost is a barrier, we may be able to offer reduced fee sessions or support you in accessing funded options through VOCAT, Redress or NDIS. Please feel welcome to reach out for a confidential chat about what’s possible.
20. Do you offer online counselling for trauma survivors?
Yes. We offer secure, trauma informed online counselling across Victoria and Australia. Some clients prefer online therapy because it feels safer or more accessible. Whether in person or online, our goal is to create a space where you feel supported and understood.
21. How do I book a trauma informed counselling session?
You can book by visiting our contact page, emailing or calling us directly. We’ll ask a few brief questions about what you’re looking for and match you with the right therapist. If you're unsure, you're also welcome to book a free 15 minute chat to see if we’re the right fit.