Trauma affects everyone differently, and finding the right support can make all the difference in healing. In recent years, online trauma therapy has become a powerful and accessible option for people across Australia, especially in regional areas. But is it Online Trauma Therapy right choice for you?
In this post, we’ll explore:
- What trauma therapy is
- How online trauma therapy works
- Who it may benefit
- Common concerns (and myths) about telehealth
- Signs you might be ready for trauma-focused therapy
- Tips on getting started
Whether you’re processing past abuse, a difficult life event, grief, or PTSD, this guide can help you decide if online trauma therapy is a good fit for your recovery journey.
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy is a type of psychological support designed to help people process and recover from distressing or overwhelming experiences. These might include:
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Domestic or family violence
- Car accidents or natural disasters
- Sexual assault
- Sudden loss or grief
- Medical trauma
- Ongoing emotional abuse or bullying
- Workplace trauma or burnout
The aim of online trauma therapy is to help you feel safe again — in your body, your relationships, and your everyday life. It works by gently helping you explore and make sense of what happened, build emotional regulation skills, and reconnect with your sense of self and agency.
Common approaches include:
- EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
- Trauma-focused CBT
- Somatic therapy
- Narrative therapy
- Parts work / Internal Family Systems (IFS)
- Mindfulness and grounding techniques
At Human First, we use a trauma-informed approach that prioritises safety, choice, and collaboration. This means we go at your pace, not faster than your nervous system is ready for.
How Does Online Trauma Therapy Work?
Online trauma therapy works much the same as in-person therapy, but it happens via a secure video call (such as Zoom or Teams). Sessions usually last 50–60 minutes and are scheduled at a time that suits you. You’ll need:
- A quiet, private space
- A stable internet connection
- A phone, tablet or computer with a camera and microphone
Some trauma therapies (like EMDR) have been successfully adapted to work online, using specialised tools and visual cues that are easy to access during the session. Your therapist will guide you through every step.
Benefits of online trauma therapy include:
- Comfort of your own space – Many clients feel safer in their home environment
- Less travel stress – No commuting, parking or waiting rooms
- More privacy – No need to walk into a clinic
- Greater flexibility – Especially helpful if you have parenting, shift work, or rural living constraints
- Access to trauma specialists – Even if you live outside of a major city
Online therapy can feel just as real and effective as face-to-face work and for some, even more so.
Is Online Trauma Therapy Effective?
Yes. Numerous studies have shown that online trauma therapy is just as effective as in-person therapy for many people. Research shows that EMDR, trauma-focused CBT, and other evidence-based approaches produce meaningful results over telehealth.
At Human First, we’ve helped hundreds of clients work through trauma in an online format, and we’ve seen firsthand how powerful, safe and transformative it can be.
Who Is Online Trauma Therapy Good For?
You might benefit from online trauma therapy if you:
- Feel overwhelmed by past experiences or memories
- Have difficulty trusting others or feeling safe
- Experience anxiety, depression, or emotional numbness
- Avoid situations or people that remind you of past events
- Want to explore trauma but feel nervous about going to a clinic
- Live in a regional town or can’t access a specialist nearby
- Prefer the privacy and flexibility of therapy from home
It can also be a good option if you’ve tried therapy before and found the environment too intense, rushed, or not well-matched to your needs.
That said, online therapy may not be suitable in every case — for instance, if someone is in immediate crisis, experiencing severe dissociation, or lacks a safe space to talk openly. In those situations, we may help you find the right support pathway before starting trauma-focused work.
What About EMDR – Can That Really Work Online?
Yes — EMDR can be delivered effectively online, and we do it all the time.
Using video and digital tools (like onscreen visual cues or alternating tones), we can guide you through EMDR sessions just as we would in person. We also spend plenty of time helping you feel grounded, calm and in control before any trauma processing begins.
In fact, many clients find online EMDR sessions feel more empowering, you’re in your own familiar space, which can help your nervous system feel safer. We’ll teach you tools to stay anchored during and after each session.
Common Concerns About Online Trauma Therapy
“What if I get overwhelmed during a session?”
This is a very common concern. In trauma work, we always go at your pace. If something becomes too much, your therapist will help you pause, ground yourself, and come back to safety. You’ll also learn tools to calm your body and mind between sessions.
“Is online therapy secure and private?”
Yes. We use secure platforms designed for healthcare and telehealth, with encrypted video calls and no session recordings. You can choose where you take your call (e.g., in your bedroom, car, or office) so that it feels private and safe for you.
“Will it feel weird talking about trauma over video?”
It might feel unusual at first, but most people adjust quickly. In fact, some clients feel more able to open up from the safety of home. Your therapist will create a warm, supportive space where you’re in control the whole time.
“Do I have to talk about everything straight away?”
No. We never force disclosure. Trauma therapy starts with building trust, skills and safety — not jumping straight into the hardest parts. You get to choose what you share, and when.
“Is online therapy covered under Medicare?”
Yes online therapy is covered under Medicare, you still need a mental health plan & a valid referral.
Signs You Might Be Ready for Trauma Therapy
Healing is personal, and there’s no right or wrong time to start. But you might be ready to begin if:
- You’ve been feeling stuck or emotionally drained for a while
- You want to understand your triggers or reactions
- You’re tired of surviving and want to start thriving
- You’re curious about how trauma has shaped your patterns
- You want to feel more connected, calm and in control
If you’re unsure, that’s OK. You can book an initial consult to talk things through and decide if now is the right time for you.
Tips for Getting Started with Online Trauma Therapy
Choose a trauma-informed psychologist – Make sure they have experience with trauma recovery and evidence-based approaches like EMDR, CBT, or somatic therapies.
Create a safe, quiet space – Even if it’s just a comfy chair and headphones in your room.
Have grounding tools nearby – Like a soft blanket, essential oils, or something tactile.
Start with a free consult if offered – This lets you meet your therapist and ask questions before committing.
Go at your own pace – You don’t have to tell your whole story all at once. Small steps count too.
So is Online Trauma Therapy Right for You?
If you’ve been carrying trauma and you’re ready to feel safer, lighter and more connected, online trauma therapy can help.
It’s flexible, private, and effective. Whether you live in a rural town or just prefer the comfort of home, you don’t have to travel far to find expert, compassionate care.
At Human First, we specialise in trauma recovery through online therapy, including EMDR, somatic strategies, and supportive talk therapy.
We’re based in regional Victoria and work with people across Australia. Our approach is gentle, respectful, and designed to help you heal at your own pace.
