Dr Tanya Robinson
One Body Mind Wellbeing Collective
In Person + Online Therapy Australia-wide
Philosophy & Vision
I approach trauma therapy with a client-centered, compassionate perspective, grounded in the belief that healing unfolds through a strong therapeutic relationship and individualised care. My practice is dedicated to creating a safe, non-judgmental space where clients feel seen, heard, and supported as they explore the impact of past experiences. I work primarily with adults and young adults navigating the effects of PTSD, complex trauma, developmental trauma, anxiety, and related emotional challenges. Each client’s story is unique, and I draw on evidence-based modalities tailored to their needs—such as EMDR, somatic approaches, schema therapy, and parts work—to support insight, regulation, and integration. My goal is to help you build resilience, restore a sense of safety, and move toward meaningful, lasting change. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to face it alone.
Background
Tanya is a trauma-informed clinician with a strong background in mental health, forensic investigation, and social justice. With over two decades of experience, she offers compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals impacted by PTSD, complex trauma, and adversity. Tanya is passionate about giving voice to the unheard and creating a safe space for healing. Her book The Silenced Child: Secrets & Lies reflects her commitment to uncovering what often remains unspoken. As an Extraordinary Professor and Honorary Research Fellow, she has contributed significantly to mental health and criminal justice fields. After living in Africa since childhood, she moved to Australia in 2019, where she continues to support clients in private practice.
Services
Dr Tanya Robinson is a psychotraumatologist and trauma-focused clinician working from a psychoanalytic framework. With deep expertise in trauma, she helps clients uncover and process subconscious patterns that affect their mental health, relationships, and sense of self. Tanya’s approach emphasises the healing potential of the therapeutic relationship, particularly how early relational wounds may resurface in the transference. Her work is informed by classical and contemporary psychoanalytic thinkers, as well as trauma specialists. She offers a safe, containing space where deep emotional work can unfold, supporting clients in making meaning of their experiences and fostering lasting psychological growth.
Quality Provision
Dr. Tanya Robinson is committed to providing high-quality, trauma-informed mental health care rooted in psychoanalytic understanding and clinical best practice. Her approach prioritises emotional safety, therapeutic integrity, and person-centred care, ensuring that each client feels supported, heard, and understood. Drawing on her expertise as a psychotraumatologist, Tanya works with individuals facing PTSD, complex trauma, and other mental health challenges.
Areas of Special Interest
Accreditations
- Ph.D. In Criminal Justice - 2021 - University of South Africa
- Ph.D In Social Work - 2015 - University of Cape Town
- Ph.D. In Social Work - 2011 - University of North West
- Ph.D. In Social Work - 2005 - University of Stellenbosch
- Masters Degree in Play Therapy - 2003 - University Of Pretoria
- BA (SW) - 2001 - University of Stellenbosch
Modalities
Attachment Theory - CBT - DBT - EMDR - Emotional Freedom Techniques - Emotionally Focused Therapy - Focusing - Gestalt - Inner Child - Internal Family Systems - Journal Therapy - Jungian - Marriage and Family - Motivational Interviewing - Narrative Therapy - Person Centred - Play Therapy - Psychoanalytic - Psychodynamic - Psychosexual - Schema Therapy - Solution Oriented - Somatic Psychotherapy - Systems Theory - Trauma-Informed
Therapy Approach
Psychodynamic psychotherapy (insight-orientated therapy) is the interpretation of mental and emotional processes, and aims to address the foundation and formation of emotional processes. It allows people to gain insight into their lives and present-day problems. They also evaluate patterns developed over time. Life factors are reviewed with a person in therapy, exploring emotions, thoughts, early-life experiences, and beliefs. Recognising recurring patterns can help people see how they avoid distress or develop defence mechanisms to cope. This insight may allow them to begin changing those patterns. The therapeutic relationship is central to psychodynamic psychotherapy.
Professional Associations
- Australian Association of Social Workers
- Australian and New Zealand Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abuse
Practice Locations
THE PARKS. First Floor. Unit 12
154 Fullarton Road
Rose Park SA 5067
Closest Parking to Epworth Building, 33 Pirie Street.
UPark Wyatt
18-34 Wyatt St, Adelaide SA 5000
Bus Stop
V2 King William St - West side Stop ID: 16287
Appointments
Appointments are available
between 10 AM - 3 PM
Monday - Friday.
Fees & Insurance
$265 sessional hour rate
$350 court ordered therapy
Payment Options
This is a private practice. Medicare rebates apply if you have a current Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) provided by your GP. Please note, this is not a bulk-billing practice, so full payment is required at the time of your session.
Contact Tanya
Please contact me to make an appointment
A conversation with Tanya Robinson
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My experiences and childhood in Africa shaped my passion to help others and to work in the helping profession. I am an African-Australian mental health entrepreneurial woman. I aspire to take on every day with Passion, focussing on how to facilitate a sense of humble Humanity amongst people, and provide a sense of heritage in teaching Ubuntu (A person is a person through other people. I am because you are.) I promote a message of empowerment to promote dignity.
I have worked in some of the most perilous communities in Africa, managed soup kitchen projects for violated children and the homeless; led rehabilitative group work projects with sex and murder offenders in Maximum Facilities; written about forensic psychopathology within a criminal world; facilitated activist projects on counteracting gender-based violence projects for sex workers; developed preventative programs assisting women in communities against unconsummated marriages and female genital mutilation; directed gender-based violence and sex-trafficking advocacy work projects in vulnerable communities; lead research projects speaking to the topic of violent crimes committed against children, tackling hard topics such as child organ transportation, child brides, female and male circumcisions and gender-based violence practices. -
Psychodynamic psychotherapy resonates with me and has influenced my practice style. Psychodynamic psychotherapy (insight-orientated therapy) is the interpretation of mental and emotional processes and aims to address the foundation and formation of emotional processes.
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Areas of particular interest and expertise, both through practice and research, include:
Trauma. Complex Trauma. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Victimology. Sexual Abuse. Sexual Assault. Human trafficking. Domestic Violence. Adult survivors of childhood trauma and/or abuse. Divorce. Confidential Child-Inclusive Mediation. -
Psychodynamic therapy; DBT; CBT; Motivational Interviewing.
A bespoke tailored approach to psychoanalysis is a contemporary approach to working psychoanalytically. A deep love and respect of the history and tradition of psychoanalysis are tempered with an appreciation for the numerous evidence-based therapies that have been developed more recently. A child-focused approach is taken in all therapeutic work done with young people to provide children with a voice. -
Between 3 and 6 sessions a therapeutic relationship can be established.
Therapy is a journey and an individual experience to each person's needs.
There are many factors to consider when working with a client and determining a time frame for therapeutic support.
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I have dedicated the past twenty years to support people. I believe that a person's mental health should at all times be prioritised. I do believe I add value to my client's lives, however in return I learn from their experiences. Providing therapy is an enriching journey. Working for many years in the forensic space and returning to a more clinical and therapeutic setting provides me with additional skills as a practitioner. I provide a holistic understanding to clients and working with younger and more mature clients has been an enriching experience. Serving in the helping profession and providing assistance with mental health concerns remain to be a fulfilling profession and calling.
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I am passionate about helping people and providing them with insight into their problems. Making a difference in a person's life has allowed me to become a better person. Working with a diverse range of people from different backgrounds and cultures has been an enriching experience. Every day I look forward to going to my practice and working and supporting my clients brings me joy. To assist people going through trauma to fall forwards, to get up, and to find their joy and peace provides me with fulfillment. Working with gender-based violence and children that have gone through traumatic experiences has been an enriching journey. Providing a safe space for my clients is one of the most important practices at my practice.
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Absolutely. Life brings many challenges. I have faced many of my own adversities. I have many degrees that have armed me with much academic knowledge, but experiences and living life have given me much insight in helping those around me. A bad hair day is a part of being human.
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People live selfish lives and struggle to truly connect with each other. The violence in society has left many in distress and emotionally scarred. If people live more respectful and aware lives, the hurts in society will be lessened. People live past each other and do not make the needed time to support each other and listen to the needs of others. The world needs more kindness, support, and emotionally connected people.
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Desmond Tutu and the Dalai Lama authored the book JOY. I enjoyed the message in this book and feel inspired by the message of experiencing true joy and inner peace.
Ronni Kahn authored A Repurposed Life that also gave me hope and left me feeling that all is possible no matter the adversities you face.