Damian Laidler, ACA
Trauma-informed counsellor focusing on recovery and resilience
- 7 years experience
- Evidence-informed methods
- Accepting new clients
About Damian Laidler
Damian Laidler is a counsellor in Australia who specializes in trauma recovery and broad mental health concerns, including stress, anxiety, relationships, addiction, and grief. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Counselling from ACAP University College and is a member of the Australian Counselling Association (ACA), reflecting his commitment to professional and ethical practice. Damian combines formal education with targeted professional development to offer tailored support for each person's needs.
His advanced training from the Mental Health Academy includes certifications that strengthen his work with specific populations and challenges: Certified Professional ADHC-CSP, which focuses on aged care and disability mental health counselling; digital credentials in Counselling Trauma and in Applied Psychology for practical trauma care and psychological application; a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) credential for evidence-based anxiety interventions; and a digital credential in Trauma Prevention for proactive strategies. These qualifications inform an evidence-aware approach that adapts to complex presentations such as trauma, co-morbid conditions, and life transitions.
Damian’s practice is trauma-informed, centring safety, trust, and client empowerment. He cultivates a calm, non-judgmental atmosphere and emphasizes consistency and respect as the basis for therapeutic work. Clients are offered tools and options to guide their own healing, with the therapist supporting choices that build resilience and agency over time.
His advanced training from the Mental Health Academy includes certifications that strengthen his work with specific populations and challenges: Certified Professional ADHC-CSP, which focuses on aged care and disability mental health counselling; digital credentials in Counselling Trauma and in Applied Psychology for practical trauma care and psychological application; a Clinical Anxiety Treatment Professional (CCATP) credential for evidence-based anxiety interventions; and a digital credential in Trauma Prevention for proactive strategies. These qualifications inform an evidence-aware approach that adapts to complex presentations such as trauma, co-morbid conditions, and life transitions.
Damian’s practice is trauma-informed, centring safety, trust, and client empowerment. He cultivates a calm, non-judgmental atmosphere and emphasizes consistency and respect as the basis for therapeutic work. Clients are offered tools and options to guide their own healing, with the therapist supporting choices that build resilience and agency over time.
Areas of Expertise
Primary Focus
Also Specializes In
AddictionsLGBTFamily conflictsGriefParenting issuesSelf esteemCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD
Additional Focus Areas
AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeBlended family issuesBody imageCancerCaregiver issues and stressChronic pain, illness, and disabilityCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEmptinessFatherhood issuesFertility issuesFirst responder issuesForgivenessGender dysphoriaGuilt and shameHospice and end-of-life counselingIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMidlife crisisVeteran and Armed Forces IssuesMood disordersPanic disorder and panic attacksPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressSelf-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaTraumatic brain injury
Therapeutic Approach
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems
Frequently Asked Questions
How much experience does Damian Laidler have?
Damian has 7 years of experience.
Is Damian Laidler a licensed therapist?
Yes. He holds the ACA credential as noted; no additional license details are provided.
In which languages does Damian Laidler provide therapy?
He provides therapy in English.
Where is Damian Laidler located?
Damian is located in Australia.
How can I work with Damian Laidler as my therapist?
You can work with Damian through video calls, phone sessions, live chat, or text-based messaging.
Does Damian Laidler work with international clients?
Damian does not currently work with international clients.
How much does therapy with Damian Laidler cost?
Costs can vary depending on factors such as your location and Damian's availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be canceled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.
How can I get started with therapy?
Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire that helps match you with Damian. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.
Therapeutic Approaches and Online Support
Damian draws from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to guide online work in ways that match each person's needs. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and take committed action even when difficult thoughts or feelings are present - it is useful for managing anxiety, stress, and life changes. Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a warm, non-judgmental relationship in which the therapist listens deeply and supports the client’s own insights and growth - it can be especially helpful for building self-esteem, processing grief, and strengthening relationships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying unhelpful thinking patterns and testing new behaviors to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and improve coping skills.Finding the right approach is part of the therapeutic process. Damian works collaboratively with clients and with licensed professionals as needed to determine which methods fit best with a client’s goals, preferences, and life circumstances, and he adapts strategies over time based on progress and feedback.
Online therapy offers practical flexibility - sessions can take place by video call, phone, live chat, or text-based messaging to suit different schedules and comfort levels. These options make it easier to access consistent support from a licensed therapist without the need for travel, while preserving continuity of care during busy or changing life situations.