Veterans & first responders
Psychological support for veterans and first responders.
For current and former ADF members, police, paramedics, firefighters and emergency workers, and the people who support them. Support from a psychologist with experience in Defence and military settings.
Who this may support
Is this for me?
This support may suit you if you are:
- A current or former member of the Australian Defence Force
- Transitioning out of service, or adjusting to civilian life
- A police officer, paramedic, firefighter, SES or emergency services worker
- A healthcare, corrections or other frontline worker exposed to critical incidents
- A partner or family member affected by someone’s service
Not everyone who has served or worked on the front line has PTSD, and there’s no need to wait until things are at breaking point.
What therapy can help you explore
Things we might work on
People from Defence and emergency service backgrounds come to therapy for all sorts of reasons, including:
- The impact of critical incidents, deployments or cumulative exposure
- Sleep problems, irritability, anger or feeling constantly on alert
- Transition, identity and purpose after service
- Moral injury, when something conflicts with your values
- Relationship strain and family life
- Alcohol use as a way of coping, stress, burnout and fatigue
Karen’s approach
How Karen works
Karen worked as a psychologist with the Department of Defence from 2016 to 2019 and with Open Arms from 2019 to 2021, and since then has continued to work extensively with the veteran community in private practice. She understands the culture, the language and the unwritten rules, and why asking for help can feel at odds with how you were trained to operate.
Her approach is practical and straight-talking. Sessions focus on what’s affecting you now and what you want to be different, using trauma-informed therapy and, where it fits, Schema Therapy to understand deeper patterns.
Confidentiality is particularly important for serving ADF members, veterans and first responders. What you discuss in therapy is treated as confidential and is not routinely shared with Defence, command, an employer or other third parties without your consent.
What sessions involve
What sessions might look like
- An initial conversation about what’s going on and what you want from therapy
- Practical strategies for sleep, stress and managing reactions
- Trauma-focused work at a pace that suits you
- Involving a partner or family member, if helpful and wanted
Sessions are available in person on the Mornington Peninsula or via secure telehealth, which can suit shift work and rosters.
Why Tepper Psychology
Experience, with a human touch
Experience in the environments you come from, combined with clinical training and a direct, human style.
DVA: Karen provides treatment with a D904 referral from your GP, and there is no cost to you. Karen also sees clients referred through Open Arms. Veterans and families can also access free, confidential counselling through Open Arms on 1800 011 046, 24/7.
FAQ
Questions people ask
Can’t see your question? Get in touch. There’s no such thing as a silly one.
Will my chain of command or employer find out?
Information discussed in therapy is treated as confidential and is not routinely shared with Defence, command, an employer or other third parties without your consent. There are some exceptions, including where disclosure is required by law or where there are serious concerns about your safety or someone else’s. Where treatment is funded or arranged by a third party, such as Open Arms, DVA, WorkCover or an insurer, some information may be provided in line with that referral or funding arrangement. Karen will discuss any required disclosure or reporting with you.
Do you only see people with PTSD?
No. Many veterans and first responders come in for stress, sleep, relationships, transition or a single incident that’s been playing on their mind.
Can my partner come to sessions?
Yes, where it’s helpful and you both want it. Karen also offers couples counselling.
Related support
Other ways Karen can help
Many people come with more than one concern. These pages explain the other areas of support.
Trauma & PTSD
For people affected by a traumatic event, or by long-term or complex trauma, who want to understand what’s happening and find steadier ground.
Couples
For couples wanting to communicate better, rebuild trust, or understand how stress and trauma are affecting the relationship.
Individual therapy
For anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship patterns and life changes, including Schema Therapy for long-standing patterns.
Telehealth
Secure video sessions from home or work, with the same care and structure as in person.
Take the next step
Asking for help is a practical decision, not a weakness.
If you’re considering psychological support, you’re welcome to get in touch to talk about the next step. There’s no pressure and no obligation.