Trauma Support Providers

Professional Biography

Danielle Elisha


I have 20 years experience in mental health. My positions managing beyondblue and SANE Australia's counselling services required me to develop, train and oversee their counselling services, which have grown to become among the most utilised national counselling services.

During my time with these organisations I began to witness the huge impact of childhood trauma on mental health. For the last 10 years I have worked in private practice in medical centres in Elwood, St Kilda and North Caulfield and a family counselling centre in North Caulfield where I have specialised in trauma related counselling. I work with clients around issues such as family violence, abuse, trauma, PTSD, grief and loss, suicide and self-harm and substance abuse and have written resources and undertaken research on many of these topics.

My extensive experience has led me to recognise that attending counselling can be challenging for everyone in particular for clients who have experienced a childhood trauma. I maintain a 'trauma informed' service, that is a service that is sensitive, aware and responsive to issues relating to trauma by:

- Providing a safe space. When a person experiences trauma at such a vulnerable age they can easily become attuned to issues of emotional and physical safety. I encourage clients to make choices that empower them, such as where they sit, light levels and room temperature as well as where sessions are conducted e.g. conducting sessions over the telephone, where appropriate.
- Providing key information upfront in order to manage expectations such as opening hours, cost structure and services provided
- Ensuring that my practice setting is quiet and homely with rooms, reception staff and waiting areas that reflect this.
- Using a consultative approach on a range of issues such as the frequency and times of appointments, goals, boundaries and how critical incidents are managed.
- Recognising that recovering from trauma can differ in terms of how it is best achieved and how long it takes and tailoring the way I work with each client based on these individual needs.
- Referring where appropriate. Having worked extensively in this area I also have developed a broad awareness of medical, legal and community services and supports that I can assist clients to access so that they can holistically recover.
- Keeping up to date. While I have had many years of experience I believe it is important to keep up on the latest research findings in the area. I do this by completing training modules, reading research paper and journal articles and attending supervision, peer consultation, and conferences.

Client Types

• Child
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Couple
• Family
• Groups
• LGBTIQ