Why Melbourne’s Young Adults Are Seeking Trauma Therapy: The Hidden Impact of Pandemic Years

Melbourne's young adults are facing a mental health crisis that few saw coming. One in five Australians are affected by mental health problems, but for those aged 18-24, the statistics are even more sobering—the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare reports this age group has the highest prevalence of mental health conditions at 30%. At Clarity Psychology's Carlton and St Kilda clinics, psychologists are witnessing an unprecedented surge in young adults seeking trauma therapy, many carrying invisible wounds from years that were meant to shape their futures but instead left them feeling stuck, disconnected, and overwhelmed.

Melbourne's Unique Trauma: 262 Days That Changed Everything

Melbourne holds a distinction no city wanted: 262 days of cumulative lockdown, the longest globally. While the physical health threat has receded, the psychological impact continues to ripple through the lives of young Melburnians. Research from the University of Melbourne (2023) found that 40% of young Victorians reported high psychological distress during and after lockdowns—nearly double the pre-pandemic rates.

"We're seeing young adults who spent what should have been formative years—starting university, beginning careers, forming relationships—in isolation," explains Dr Simon Vincenzi, Clinical Director at Clarity Psychology. "Our Carlton clinic, being just around the corner from Melbourne University, has become a haven for students and recent graduates who are processing complex trauma from having their developmental trajectory fundamentally disrupted."

There's a poignant irony that Dr Vincenzi observes daily: "The very students suffering from the mental health crisis identified by Melbourne University researchers are the ones walking through our doors. The university documented the problem, and now we're treating the students who lived it."

Understanding Complex Trauma: It's Not Just What Happened, But What Didn't

Beyond Blue reports that 3.2 million Australians experience anxiety conditions annually, but trauma in young adults often presents differently than traditional PTSD. The pandemic created what psychologists call "developmental trauma"—not from a single traumatic event, but from the absence of normal developmental experiences.

Young adults seeking help at Clarity Psychology often present with:

Social trauma from missing crucial relationship-building years

Achievement trauma from disrupted education and career launches

Identity confusion from developing their adult sense of self in isolation

Anticipatory anxiety about returning to "normal" life they never fully experienced

"Traditional trauma therapy wasn't quite capturing what these young people were experiencing," notes Dr Vincenzi. "Being so close to Melbourne University, we see firsthand how students struggle with beliefs that formed when their entire university experience was reduced to a laptop screen. They needed an approach that addressed not just what happened to them, but the core beliefs about themselves and the world that formed during this critical period."

Schema Therapy: Rewriting the Scripts of Pandemic Years

Schema Therapy has emerged as particularly effective for young adults whose fundamental beliefs about safety, connection, and capability were shaped during lockdown. Unlike traditional CBT, which focuses on current thoughts and behaviours, Schema Therapy addresses the deep-rooted patterns and core beliefs—or "schemas"—that developed during crucial developmental periods.

At Clarity Psychology, Schema Therapy helps young adults identify and modify schemas such as:

Abandonment/Instability: "People will leave or connections aren't reliable"

Social Isolation: "I don't fit in or know how to connect anymore"

Failure: "I'm behind where I should be and can't catch up"

Vulnerability: "The world is unpredictable and dangerous"

Defectiveness: "Something is wrong with me for struggling when others seem fine"

The therapy combines cognitive, behavioural, and experiential techniques to help clients recognise these patterns, understand their origins in pandemic experiences, and develop healthier coping modes. Research published in the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry shows Schema Therapy's effectiveness for complex presentations, particularly when traditional approaches haven't provided sufficient relief.

Breaking Down Barriers: Making Mental Health Support Accessible

Despite the clear need, many young adults hesitate to seek help. Cost concerns, stigma, and uncertainty about the process keep many suffering in silence.

Dr Vincenzi reports Clarity Psychology tries to keep the barrier to entry low. "Many Melbourne University students literally walk around the corner to our Carlton clinic between lectures. The proximity means they can access support without disrupting their academic schedule—something that's crucial for students already feeling overwhelmed."

Recognising the Signs: When Pandemic Trauma Needs Professional Support

Many young adults normalise their struggles, believing everyone is finding it equally hard. However, certain signs indicate professional support could help:

Emotional Indicators:

- Persistent anxiety or hypervigilance, even in safe situations

- Feeling emotionally numb or disconnected from life

- Intense fear of missing out (FOMO) coupled with social anxiety

- Mood swings or emotional dysregulation

Behavioural Patterns:

- Avoiding previously enjoyed activities or social situations

- Difficulty maintaining routines established during lockdown

- Procrastination or paralysis around major life decisions

- Increased substance use to cope with uncomfortable feelings

Physical Symptoms:

- Sleep disturbances, including pandemic-induced revenge bedtime procrastination

- Chronic fatigue despite adequate rest

- Tension headaches or unexplained physical pain

- Digestive issues linked to chronic stress

Relational Challenges:

- Difficulty forming new friendships or romantic relationships

- Feeling disconnected from pre-pandemic friends

- Anxiety about in-person interactions

- Struggling with boundaries after extended isolation

The Journey Forward: What to Expect from Schema Therapy at Clarity Psychology

Taking the first step towards therapy can feel daunting, especially for those who've become accustomed to managing alone. At Clarity Psychology, the approach prioritises safety and collaboration from the very first session.

Initial Assessment Phase:

Your psychologist will work with you to understand your unique experience, identifying which schemas may have developed or strengthened during the pandemic years. This isn't about labelling or pathologising normal responses to abnormal circumstances—it's about understanding patterns that no longer serve you.

Schema Identification and Education:

Through questionnaires and exploration, you'll identify your primary schemas and learn how they influence your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours. "Understanding these patterns often brings immediate relief," Dr Vincenzi observes. "Clients finally have language for experiences that felt inexplicable."

Change Work:

Using a combination of techniques including cognitive restructuring, imagery rescripting, and behavioural pattern-breaking, you'll begin developing healthier coping modes. This might involve:

- Challenging schema-driven thoughts through evidence examination

- Practising new behaviours in graduated steps

- Developing self-compassion for the young adult who survived unprecedented circumstances

- Building practical skills for managing schema triggers

Integration and Relapse Prevention:

As schemas begin to shift, therapy focuses on integrating changes into daily life and preparing for future challenges. This includes developing a personal "schema mode map" and strategies for managing difficult situations.

"What continually amazes me is the resilience of this generation," reflects Dr Vincenzi. "We've had Melbourne University students who couldn't even attend campus during their first year, who are now thriving in their final years and beyond. They've survived something unprecedented, and with the right support, they're not just recovering—they're developing psychological flexibility that will serve them throughout their lives."

Beyond Individual Therapy: Building Community Connection

Recovery from pandemic trauma isn't just about individual therapy—it's about rebuilding connection and community. Clarity Psychology supports this through:

- Recommendations for social activities and groups in Melbourn

- Collaboration with universities and workplaces on mental health initiatives

- Connection to appropriate support groups when beneficial

- Family therapy recommendations when relationships need support

"Our Carlton clinic's proximity to Melbourne University means we're deeply connected to the student community," explains Dr Vincenzi. "We understand the unique pressures of university life—from academic stress to social challenges—especially for those whose university experience was so profoundly disrupted."

A Note on Self-Compassion

"If you're a young adult struggling with the aftermath of pandemic years, it's crucial to remember: your struggles are valid," emphasises Dr Vincenzi. "You're not weak for finding it hard. You're not behind where you 'should' be. You survived an unprecedented global crisis during crucial developmental years. Seeking support isn't giving up—it's choosing to invest in your future self."

The Australian Psychological Society emphasises that therapy effectiveness is highest when people feel ready and choose support for themselves, not because others think they should. If you're reading this and recognising yourself in these descriptions, that awareness itself is the first step towards change.

Taking the First Step: Your Path to Support

If you're ready to explore how Schema Therapy could help you process pandemic trauma and build a fulfilling life, Clarity Psychology makes getting started straightforward:

1. Book an Initial Consultation: Book online or call Carlton on (03) 9850 7334 or St Kilda on (03) 9131 8737

2. Speak to Your GP: Request a Mental Health Treatment Plan to access Medicare rebates for up to 10 sessions annually

3. Choose Your Format: Decide between in-person sessions at either clinic or telehealth from the comfort of home

4. No Referral? No Problem: While a GP referral maximises rebates, you can book directly with Clarity Psychology without one

"For Melbourne University students, we're literally a two-minute walk from campus," adds Dr Vincenzi. "You can book appointments between classes, during lunch breaks, or after lectures. We've designed our service to fit into your life, not the other way around."

Your Future Is Still Yours to Write

The pandemic may have disrupted your plans, but it doesn't have to define your future. Melbourne's young adults are proving that with the right support, it's possible to process trauma, develop resilience, and build the life you want—even if the path looks different than you originally imagined.

"We see it every day in our practice," concludes Dr Vincenzi. "Young people who thought they were permanently damaged by the pandemic years discovering they have more strength than they realised. Whether they're Melbourne University students walking over from campus or young professionals from St Kilda, Schema Therapy helps them rewrite the limiting beliefs formed during lockdown and create new, healthier patterns for moving forward."

At Clarity Psychology, experienced Schema Therapy practitioners are ready to support your journey. Whether you're near the Carlton clinic at 28B/255 Drummond Street—just around the corner from Melbourne University—or the St Kilda location at 35 Chapel Street, or prefer the convenience of telehealth, professional support is available.

The pandemic may have paused your life, but your story is far from over. In fact, for many young Melburnians finding their way to therapy, the best chapters are just beginning.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, immediate support is available through Lifeline (13 11 14) or Beyond Blue (1300 224 636). For ongoing therapeutic support in Melbourne, visit claritypsych.com.au or call Clarity Psychology's Carlton clinic on (03) 9850 7334 or St Kilda on (03) 9131 8737.

About Clarity Psychology:

With clinics in Carlton and St Kilda, Clarity Psychology provides evidence-based psychological services to Melbourne residents. The Carlton clinic, located just around the corner from Melbourne University, sees many students and academic staff seeking support. All psychologists are AHPRA-registered and committed to delivering compassionate, effective mental health support. The practice specialises in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health concerns using proven therapeutic approaches including Schema Therapy, CBT, ACT, and EMDR.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​