Experts in healing from trauma

Our peer support trauma-informed approach comes from 25 years experience of helping people find relief from the impact of their trauma.

Learn More

OFFICE HOURS

Monday – Friday
9:00am – 5:00pm

(02) 4998 6003

Welcome to the
Newcastle Trauma Centre

The Heal For Life Trauma Centre has trained, experienced and, trauma informed registered psychologists and counsellors. We offer services for ages 8 years and above.

UNDERSTANDING TRAUMA

Trauma can occur with any experience that overwhelms your ability to cope.

TRAUMA & MENTAL ILLNESS

Trauma is often diagnosed as depression, anxiety, and mental illness.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

If you’ve experienced trauma, you may be experiencing these symptoms.

CAUSES OF TRAUMA

Trauma can be caused by a one-off event or can be ongoing in nature.

OUR HEALTH SERVICES

At the Trauma Centre our approach is to hear and understand your concerns, provide support, help you to understand your trauma responses, how to navigate triggers in your daily life, and how to heal them. We believe you can work through these challenges, become more in charge of your life and experience a new level of empowerment.

PSYCHOLOGY

Expert knowledge in human behaviour and specialising in child and family therapy and childhood trauma, our psychologists use a variety of approaches.

COUNSELLING

We know life brings challenges and times when past trauma blocks our way forward. At these times, talking things through with a specialist counsellor can make a difference to how we manage our life.

HEALING RETREATS

5 day residential program designed to empower you with the knowledge and tools to overcome the pain of childhood trauma and recover joy and hope in your life.

IN PERSON

This can provide a space away from the everyday pressures of your life in which to explore and understand yourself and your trauma.

VIDEO CALLS

Video therapy uses a secure video service which allows you to have a full interactive therapy session while not leaving your home or office.

TELEPHONE

Fits in with your busy schedule, offers convenience and provides a more comfortable option for people who find face to face therapy difficult.

MEET OUR TEAM

Our experienced staff are either survivors of childhood trauma or have been trained in out survivor-led model. Experts in each of their fields, you can be confident in the quality of service you receive.

SHARON SMITHRegistered Psychologist

Sharon has worked with people of all ages who have experienced varying complexities associated with trauma. Sharon has been with the Trauma Centre for over 5 years. While her books are currently full, she is open to new client possibilities.
Available in person Monday-Thursday and via telehealth only on Fridays.

Elise RowlandPsychologist

Elise is passionate about helping people live purposefully and confidently express their true selves.
Elise believes that it is important to shift our focus from asking “what’s wrong with you?” to “what happened to you?” By adopting this focus, Elise helps individuals make sense of their experiences, to create hopeful narratives and work towards greater wellbeing.
Elise is a Clinical Psychologist Registrar with a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Newcastle. She works with individuals of all ages who are struggling with emotional distress and troubled behaviour. Elise’s therapeutic approach is informed by her values of individuality, safety, authenticity, choice, and connection.

Elise uses a person-centred and strength-based approach that draws on several evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Motivational interviewing, and Mindfulness-based practices. In addition, Elise is a trained Trauma Centre Trauma Sensitive Yoga facilitator and integrates this into her practice to further support people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Debra MirischPsychotherapist

Deb is a long-standing member of the heal for life community and offers a lived experience approach to supporting survivors of trauma.
Deb is a Heal for life trauma informed Psychotherapist with an extensive background in nursing, specialising in the mental health and disability sector.
Deb’s top tip for coping in lockdown is to write – ‘I am worthy, I am enough’ on your bathroom mirror and speak it out loud slowly every day.
She is available for face-to-face appointments and also via telehealth.

Unfortunately, Deb is currently unavailable.

Dee ColmanCounsellor

Heal For Life – Trauma Informed Counsellor – Meet Dee.
Dee is one of the Trauma Informed Counsellors at Heal For Life. A survivor himself, Dee has completed extensive studies at the Australian College of Applied Psychology as well as having done the Peer Support Volunteer training and supporting on Healing Weeks at Heal For Life.
Dee brings deep empathy and understanding to walk alongside survivors on their healing journey and is passionate about supporting people to re-empower themselves through healing.
Dee is available for one-on-one sessions via phone, zoom or face-to-face at the Heal For Life Trauma Centre in Broadmeadow.