We all have a story, and this story matters.
Owning our story can be hard but not nearly as difficult as spending our lives running from it. Embracing our vulnerabilities is risky but not nearly as dangerous as giving up on love and belonging and joy—the experiences that make us the most vulnerable. Only when we are brave enough to explore the darkness will we discover the infinite power of our light.”
— Brené Brown.
About Peta de Burgh
BA (Psych) BSW, MHSW, Member EMDRAA. EMDRIA
Hi, I'm Peta de Burgh, an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker and an Accredited E.M.D.R. Practitioner with over 18 years of experience in Trauma, Advocacy, and Crisis Intervention.
My career has included roles in state government, the public sector, and private practice. In my private practice, I work as a trauma therapist, supervisor, and training consultant, specialising in trauma-focused, evidence-based therapy for individuals, families, police, and other professionals. I also run Nervous System Regulation workshops designed to help individuals and organizations understand the science behind anxiety, stress, nervous system dysregulation, and the mind-body connection.
I also work part-time as a Clinical Team Leader for Victoria Police. Previously, I served as a Senior Specialist Educator in the *Police Responding in Mental Health Events* program, where I facilitated mental health training to enhance police members' ability to respond effectively to mental health incidents.
Additionally, I am part of the Trauma Recovery Network (TRNA) management team, where I support EMDR therapists working in rural areas impacted by trauma. This role allows me to contribute to building capacity and resilience among clinicians who provide vital trauma care in communities affected by disaster and adversity.
My approach incorporates Somatic Trauma Therapy, TF-CBT, E.M.D.R., Ego State work, and mindfulness, drawing from polyvagal theory, brain plasticity, and body psychotherapy.
I am passionate about helping people understand and heal from trauma, providing a safe, supportive environment for self-healing and growth.
Services
How I deliver therapy
I work to support you to understand the neuroscience as to why your body, mind and emotions are reacting in this way. I adapt my approach to the needs and preferences of the individual.
I can work with you via Long-term face-to-face work, through online counselling, short-term face-to-face work, and telephone counselling.
Single Session: With managing disclosures, I also provide to victim/survivor and caregivers a single session response to a recent sexual assault – such as their healing and legal options. A single session on nervous system education and regulation strategies.
Workshops - Monthly workshops - Nervous System Regulation - 2nd Saturday every month -NEXT WORKSHOP - FEBUARY 2025
EDUCATION & YOGA: Learn the Science behind Nervous System Regulation and How to Find Balance. What’s Included: 2-hour educational session incorporating yoga. and vagal toniThis workshop is for anyone who wants to explore their health, yoga and breath. Beginners welcomed. Follow on Instagram @breathcounselling
WHERE: TBA.
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“any experience that is stressful enough to leave us feeling helpless, frightened, overwhelmed, or profoundly unsafe is considered a trauma” (Pat Ogden 2015, p 66).
Emotional and Psychological trauma is the result of extraordinarily stressful events that shatter your sense of security, making you feel helpless. The more frightened and helpless you feel, the more likely you are to be traumatized.
If you have been affected in this way your Automatic Nervous System (ANS) has been disrupted. What this means is if the ANS is disrupted by Traumatic events it’s unable to regulate itself, leaving you suffering from recurring traumatic symptoms.
I work to support you to understand the neuroscience as to why your body, mind and emotions are reacting in this way. There are various specialized interventions that work well to process trauma such as EMDR and Somatic therapy.
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Single Session – Victim Survivor/Caregiver.
Responding to a sexual disclosure:
If you are a victim/survivor or a family member of a recent sexual assault I can provide you with a one off single session urgent to help you navigate and discuss your Healing and Legal options. I will also help you understand and manage trauma symptoms that may arise following a traumatic event, such as nightmares, flashback and negative thoughts. I will also be able guide you through some of the decision available to you during this overwhelming time.
Managing a disclosure:
A first disclosure to a care-giver or professional, whether it be recent or historical; can be an upsetting, daunting and unfamiliar experience. Unfortunately finding out how to respond is not covered in any parenting manual or professional training, therefore you can feel unprepared how to respond. My role is to guide you through how to manage the disclosure.
Training is provided to organisations and individuals around Managing disclosures.
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Session Costs: Appointments are 55 minutes $200. With a mental Health Care Plan you receive a rebate of $77.10.
I understand that appointments need to be cancelled or rescheduled. If an appointment is cancelled with less that 24hours notice 50% of the appointment fee will be required as I will not be able to fill the appointment time.
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Payment will be paid at the time of the appointment.
Medicare rebates will be made by the individual
Contact
Peta de Burgh
She/Her
Email: Peta@breathcounselling.com.au
Email is preferable for contact.
Phone: 0425 827 360
Address: East Melbourne, 3002
Please Note: I do not offer emergency support as I cannot guarantee my availability to you. If you are in danger in any way please call 000 or contact your GP
