Trauma Therapy in Sydney
Traumatic experiences can leave a lasting impression on how people feel about themselves, others and the world. The effects of trauma are wide-ranging - some people find themselves on constant alert, unable to settle; others are overwhelmed by intrusive memories or emotions of the past that seem to arrive without warning and are difficult to manage.
Trauma therapy provides a safe, supportive space to make sense of these experiences and reduce their impact. The aim is not simply to manage symptoms, but to help people process what happened, develop more effective ways of coping and move forward with a greater sense of safety and groundedness.
Vivien Suttner offers trauma therapy at her Newtown practice in Sydney's Inner West and via telehealth for clients across NSW and throughout Australia. DVA-funded sessions are available for eligible veterans and their families.
Vivien takes an integrative, trauma-informed approach, drawing on a range of evidence-based therapies and adapting them to the needs of each person. The specific approach is always guided by the nature of the trauma, the individual's goals and what feels manageable at each stage of the process. These may include:
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – helping people understand how trauma has affected their beliefs about themselves, others and the world, and supporting them to develop more balanced and helpful perspectives.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) – helping clients understand different “parts” of themselves that may hold distress, fear or protective roles following traumatic experiences.
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) – building practical skills in emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness and interpersonal effectiveness to help manage intense emotions and improve relationships.
The focus of trauma therapy is on helping people move from surviving to living - developing greater emotional resilience, a more stable sense of self, and the capacity to engage more fully in the life they want. Progress in trauma work is often gradual, and Vivien works at a pace that feels safe and manageable for each person.
Working with Vivien on Trauma
Trauma therapy at 360 Psychology is adapted to each person's history, symptoms and goals. Vivien begins by gaining a thorough understanding of what has brought someone to therapy and what they hope to achieve, before introducing any specific techniques.
Sessions are available in person at the Newtown clinic in Sydney's Inner West and via telehealth for clients across NSW. Vivien also sees clients from the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Parramatta and Western Sydney.
Medicare rebates may apply for eligible clients with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their GP, covering up to 10 sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative. DVA-funded sessions are also available for eligible veterans and their families.
Vivien Suttner is a registered clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, offering trauma therapy and specialising in comprehensive, evidence-based psychological assessments for adults and adolescents in Newtown and across NSW via telehealth.
She is trained in CPT, IFS and DBT, and works from a consistently trauma-informed, strengths-based perspective. Vivien is a registered DVA provider and Medicare provider, and her services are available to veterans, first responders and civilians affected by trauma.
Vivien focuses on diagnostic accuracy, clarity and practical recommendations that are meaningful for families, schools, GPs and other professionals.
Clinical Psychologist with Masters in Educational Psychology, Member of Australian Psychological Society, Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Meet Vivien Suttner
Send an enquiry or request a Trauma Therapy Appointment
To discuss whether this form of therapy is right for you, book an assessment or to make a referral, please complete this form and Vivien will be in touch.