Complex Trauma

Making sense of the pattern

C-PTSD often comes with a lot of confusion about why you are the way you are. We work through the connections between what happened and how you're showing up now, to build understanding.

In practice: Identifying the survival strategies that got you through, naming how they helped then, and exploring which ones still serve you now.

Emotional dysregulation

C-PTSD can mean big emotional swings, going from zero to overwhelmed, or going completely numb. C-PTSD affects how the nervous system regulates. We build the skills to expand your window of tolerance.

In practice: Building a "window of tolerance" map and identifying the specific signals that you're moving outside it, with strategies for each direction.

Self-worth and shame

Chronic shame is central to C-PTSD, the deep belief that something is fundamentally wrong with you. We work on tracing where that came from and building a more accurate picture of yourself.

In practice: Writing down the harsh messages you carry about yourself, tracing where each one first came from, and drafting a more accurate statement to put beside it.

Relational trauma patterns

When trauma happened in relationships, relationships become complicated. We work on the patterns that formed around trust, attachment, closeness and conflict, and build safer ways of connecting.

In practice: Mapping your relationship patterns back to early attachment experiences, then identifying where a different approach is possible now.

Dissociation and disconnection

Checking out, losing time and feeling like you're watching yourself from outside are forms of dissociation, which is a survival response. We work on building presence and helping you feel at home in your own body.

In practice: Noticing early signs of checking out, then practising short present-moment anchors, such as feeling your feet on the floor or naming objects in the room, in session.

Parts work and inner conflict

Complex trauma often leaves people feeling fragmented, different parts with different needs pulling in different directions. Working with those parts directly helps them work together.

In practice: Getting to know different parts of yourself, the protector, the wounded child, the manager, and understanding what each one needs.

What it costs

Complex trauma support follows the NDIS Pricing Arrangements and Price Limits, with the amount depending on session type and whether it's a weekday, evening, or weekend.

You can also access this work privately, or through other schemes, if NDIS funding doesn't apply. Cost is always confirmed in writing before anything starts.

Am I eligible?

This kind of support typically sits under NDIS Capacity Building, usually Improved Daily Living, and Improved Relationships where that fits your goals.

You don't need a C-PTSD diagnosis to reach out and start working on this. A support coordinator or plan manager can help check your plan, and private sessions are available too.

Where we work

We're based in Thomastown and work across Greater Melbourne's northern, western, and eastern suburbs, with sessions also available online. Some supports extend into regional Victoria.

How to start

Reach out by phone, our contact form, or email. The first conversation is about what you're looking for, and you share as much as you want to.

From there, we match you with a practitioner who suits you, with a first session usually booked within a few business days.