Counselling for Domestic and Family Violence
in the Sutherland Shire

Domestic and family violence is not limited to physical harm. It may include emotional, psychological, financial, sexual or social abuse, and often involves patterns of coercive control. Many people seek counselling to understand the impact of an unsafe relationship, or to make sense of their experiences after leaving.

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At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology in Menai, our psychologists and counsellors provide trauma-informed counselling for those affected by domestic, intimate partner, or family violence in Menai and across the Sutherland Shire. Sessions are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.

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Safety Information

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If you are currently in immediate danger, please call 000.

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If you need confidential support or advice about domestic or family violence, you can contact 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visit 1800respect.org.au. This service provides 24-hour support across Australia.

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How does domestic and family violence affect people?

People who have experienced abuse or coercive control may notice persistent fear or hypervigilance, intrusive memories, or disrupted sleep. Difficulty trusting others, feelings of shame or self-doubt, withdrawal from friends or family, and trouble concentrating are also common.

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Understanding coercive control and ongoing abuse

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Coercive control often involves patterns of intimidation, isolation, monitoring, financial control or threats. These can create confusion, fear and dependency, and the impact often continues long after a relationship has ended, particularly where shared parenting or family court matters are involved.

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The impact may overlap with trauma, anxiety or depression. 

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When to consider counselling

Counselling can help when you are feeling unsafe or uncertain in a relationship, working through the impact of past or current experiences, or noticing changes in your wellbeing or daily life.

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This page is focused on support for people affected by abuse, coercive control or violence within close relationships. If you're looking for help with general family conflict, parenting challenges or relationship difficulties, you may find our family counselling or couples and relationship counselling pages a better fit.

How does counselling help?

Trauma counselling focuses on understanding patterns of control or harm and rebuilding a sense of autonomy. Sessions are collaborative and paced to each person's readiness.

Our clinicians draw on evidence-based therapies, including EMDR therapy, trauma informed approaches, and acceptance and commitment therapy, and attachment-informed approaches adapted to each person's experience and stage of recovery. For children and adolescents, therapy may also draw on play and art therapy.

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Domestic and family violence counselling in the Sutherland Shire

We see clients from across the Sutherland Shire, including Sutherland, Miranda, Caringbah, Gymea, Kirrawee, Engadine, Bangor and Illawong. We also see clients from the St George area, including Hurstville, Penshurst and Mortdale, in person or online. You can read more about our team and their areas of focus.

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Getting started

Appointments are available in person at our Menai practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.

If you’re unsure where to begin, our Client Care Team can assist.  Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.

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