Find a Mental Health Professional for Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences

About Childhood Trauma & Adverse Experiences support

Childhood trauma refers to experiences in early life that were frightening, overwhelming, or harmful, including abuse (physical, emotional, or sexual), neglect, witnessing violence, serious illness, loss of a caregiver, or growing up in an environment of instability or unpredictability. These experiences can shape how a person relates to themselves and others, how they regulate emotions, and how safe the world feels. The effects often show up in adulthood, sometimes in ways that are not immediately linked to the original experiences. Healing from childhood trauma is possible with the right support. Trauma-informed therapies such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing), Trauma-Focused CBT, somatic therapies, and schema therapy are used by trained practitioners to help people process past experiences at a pace that feels safe. A good therapeutic relationship, built on trust and consistency, is central to this work. In Australia, support is available through private practitioners, community mental health services, and specialist trauma services. Medicare rebates apply to sessions with eligible practitioners when accessed through a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan. The Blue Knot Foundation supports adult survivors of childhood trauma and abuse and provides a national helpline and practitioner training. For children and young people, headspace and community-based counselling services are also available.