Trauma Support Providers

Magdalena has over 20 years of counselling experience with complex cases, including Domestic Violence, trauma, PTSD, sexual abuse, addictions and has been supervising other counsellors and supervisors. Magdalena has been providing psychotherapy and counselling to individuals, couples and families with children, adolescents and adult children. She has worked with several organisations, including Life Care Counselling Service (4 years), Anglicare Counselling Service (8 years) and The Salvos Counselling (5 years). She has been engaged in Private Practice over the past 15 years.

Manuel Iakopo is a seasoned clinical counsellor committed to guiding individuals on their paths towards healing and self-discovery. With a wealth of experience in counselling, a strong foundation in evidence-based treatment, facilitation skills, and proficiency in case management, Manuel has made a significant impact in the mental health field.

Manuel's pursuit of knowledge and commitment to evidence-based practice led them to earn certifications in various therapeutic modalities, including a Bachelor of Counselling, and Trauma certs 1 & 2. These qualifications provide Manuel with a well-rounded understanding of the latest advancements in the field, enabling them to offer contemporary treatment options tailored to their clients' specific needs.

Central to Manuel's practice is their expertise in evidence-based treatment methodologies like Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). Manuel believes in the potential of these approaches to facilitate positive change in individuals facing mental health challenges. Their dedication to staying informed about the latest research ensures clients receive the most effective and current interventions.

Manuel Iakopo possesses a profound understanding of trauma and its long-lasting effects on individuals. Their commitment to trauma-informed care is central to their practice. Manuel creates safe and empathetic spaces for clients to embark on their healing journeys, providing invaluable support to survivors of various traumas, including domestic violence, sexual assault, and adverse childhood experiences. Their trauma-informed approach emphasizes client empowerment, choice, and collaboration in the healing process.

As a staunch advocate for diversity and inclusion, Manuel places a strong emphasis on cultural sensitivity in their practice. They are adept at working with clients from diverse backgrounds, respecting their cultural beliefs, values, and traditions. Manuel's cultural competence allows them to connect with clients on a deeper level and provide truly individualized care. Whether addressing cultural trauma or assisting clients in navigating the intricate tapestry of their identities, Manuel ensures that cultural considerations are at the forefront of their counselling approach.

In a career dedicated to facilitating healing and personal growth, Manuel Iakopo stands as a beacon of compassion and excellence in the field of clinical counselling. Their expertise in evidence-based treatment, facilitation, and case management, coupled with their deep understanding of trauma and cultural sensitivity, make Manuel a trusted guide for individuals seeking emotional well-being. As Manuel continues to make a meaningful impact in the mental health landscape, their legacy of unwavering dedication serves as an inspiration for others on the path towards transformative healing.

Dr Margaret Walker specialises in the assessment and treatment of a broad range of adult trauma-related presentations – including complex and single-incident trauma, attachment trauma, dissociative disorders, PTSD and personality disorders. Margaret uses a range of evidence-based treatments and interventions including Schema Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, EMDR, and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, in addition to Internal Family Systems. Margaret also has advanced training and experience in assessment and intervention with victims and survivors of intimate/partner/family violence. She is an Accredited EMDR Practitioner with Advanced Level Certification as an Individual Schema Therapist and Schema Therapy Trainer-Supervisor from the International Society of Schema Therapy and is a full member of the International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation.

With over 25years experience of working with people who are impacted by trauma in both government funded services and in private practice. Issues dealt with include complex and chronic PTSD, anxiety, depression and dissociation. Working from a holistic, structural, feminist, rights-based, strengths and narrative approach. Informal, yet purposeful style.

I am a Masters trained Psychologist with experience in the private sector. I have completed a Bachelor of Behavioural Science (Honours) and a Master of Psychology (Educational and Developmental) at Queensland University of Technology. I am currently engaged in training to become a Schema Therapist, and utilise other scientifically supported psychotherapies in my practice.

I am passionate about supporting people through transitional stages in their lives, as well as assisting people to manage mood issues (including anger), PTSD, substance use and improving their relationships among other things. I have worked with currently serving and veteran Defence Force members and their families to make positive changes in their lives and relationships. I approach every person I support with unconditional positive regard and respect.

I have a Bachelors degree in Applied Social Sciences, psychology/counselling, and have trained as a trauma informed arts therapist. My work history for over 10 years has been working with trauma as a specialist area. The beginning of my career in Cairns FNQ, I was the regional coordinator working in the suicide prevention field inclusive of support after suicide (acute trauma), this work was outreach visiting rural remote and very remote regions working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. I moved into private practice where I remain having the opportunity to support individuals who live with complex trauma. My work incorporates a wide variety of humanistic therapies, arts, DBT, CBT, Narrative, Psychotherapy. All therapies are specifically used or integrated to meet the needs of the individual. I maintain professional supervision as well as continued professional development in my field. Understanding trauma along with the impact of further negative experiences in peoples lives I work with a growth model to support a quality of life for individual moving forward. Severe, persistent and permanent mental health is also supported under trauma informed principles and practice.
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My name is Melissa, and I’m a credentialed therapist in Australia with 16 years of professional experience. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients work through a variety of concerns, including stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and intimacy-related issues. My approach to therapy is centred on treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, and I firmly believe in the power of tailoring our sessions to fit your individual needs.

My experience extends across a wide range of areas, including addictions, depression, relationship and family issues, self-esteem, and managing stress as a caregiver. Whether you’re facing challenges with chronic illness, mood disorders, OCD, or navigating life transitions, I’m here to support you.

I utilize various therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Client-Centered Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), EMDR, Motivational Interviewing, and Trauma-Focused Therapy, among others. This ensures we can develop a treatment plan that’s not only effective but also uniquely suited to your situation.

I understand that reaching out for therapy takes courage, and I’m proud of you for taking this step. Together, we will work towards your goals in a safe and supportive environment.

Michael Peyton

Masters of Psychology (Caledonian University, Glasgow)
Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Middlesex University, London)
AHPRA registration (PSY0001981080)
Associate Member of Australian Psychological Society
Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
Training in Jungian Psychotherapy (Zürich)

I focus on a collaborative approach to counselling and psychotherapy by prioritising the therapeutic alliance which has been shown to be the most important ingredient in facilitating lasting change. Prior to working in private practice I have worked as a mental health case manager, a family mediator, and as a health psychologist in a hospital setting. When working with clients who have a background of complex trauma, I use a variety of therapeutic tools that aim to enhance a client’s awareness and validation of their present-moment experiencing. I have found this leads to greater self-acceptance, which is a key to being able to adapt to and overcome life’s challenges.

Clinical Psychologist in private group practice seeing clients of all walks of life over thirty years in North Queensland, mainly Townsville region. I have a special interest in mental health, trauma and PTSD, as well as focusing on people surviving sexual abuse or any other form of abuse. My approach has grown over many years from CBT, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, person-centred, EMDR to chairwork/Gestalt.

I am a Credentialed Mental Health Nurse with the Australian College of Mental Health Nursing (ACMHN). As a registered nurse (General and Mental Health) I have worked in several different specialist areas including mental health, peri-natal mental health, forensic mental health, emergency mental health, inpatient mental health, and community mental health managing long and short-term case management of clients. This prior clinical experience has given me exposure to several different types of clients including men and women, couples, families, young people and older adults, as well as experience working with the gay, lesbian and transgender population. I also have experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers, people with disabilities, care leavers, sexual assault victims, and perpetrators of child abuse. This has given me the ability to work with different types of trauma clients including incest clients, people with parenting issues, domestic and family violence concerns, addiction issues, dissociation including DID, cults and ritual abuse, sexual intimacy issues, and providing court support to victims and their family/friends, as well as clients affected by past forced adoption or assault in care.

I have experience working as a trauma-specific specialist and utilising several different therapy modality techniques which include: mindfulness, Trauma informed therapy, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Dialetical Behaviour Therapy(DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Psychotherapy, as well as Cuddle Therapy. I am currently in the process of also adding Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR) as well as Music Psychotherapy - using Music and Imagery & GIM Training.