Evolving Minds Counselling
and Psychology
Counselling for Domestic and Family Violence
in the Sutherland Shire
Domestic and family violence is not limited to physical violence. It may include emotional, psychological, financial, sexual or social abuse and can involve ongoing patterns of coercion and control. The effects can continue during a relationship and long after it has ended.
At Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, our psychologists, counsellors and therapists provide trauma-informed counselling for people affected by domestic, family and intimate partner violence across Sydney and the Sutherland Shire. Appointments are available in person at our Sutherland Shire practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.
Safety Information
If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.
For confidential support and information about domestic, family or sexual violence, you can contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732 or visit the 1800RESPECT website.
If you are concerned that someone may be monitoring your phone, computer or online activity, consider accessing support from a device they cannot access where possible. 1800RESPECT also provides information about technology and online safety.
How can domestic and family violence affect you?
The effects of domestic and family violence can continue even after the immediate threat or relationship has ended. People may experience persistent fear or hypervigilance, intrusive memories, disrupted sleep, difficulty trusting others, shame or self-doubt, withdrawal from friends or family, and difficulty concentrating.
Experiences of abuse and coercive control can also affect a person's confidence in their own judgement and decision-making. The impact may overlap with trauma, PTSD, anxiety or depression.
What is coercive control?
Coercive control is a pattern of abusive behaviour used to control, intimidate, isolate or frighten another person. It may involve monitoring, threats, financial control, isolation from family and friends, or other behaviours that restrict a person's autonomy.
The effects of coercive control can continue after a relationship has ended, particularly where there is ongoing contact through shared parenting, separation or family law matters.
How can domestic and family violence counselling help?
Counselling can help you understand the impact of abuse or coercive control and how these experiences may continue to affect emotions, relationships and your sense of safety and autonomy.
Therapy does not require you to discuss everything that has happened before you are ready. The approach and pace will depend on your circumstances, experiences and what is appropriate at that stage of counselling.
Our clinicians draw on evidence-based approaches including EMDR therapy, trauma-informed and attachment-informed approaches, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). For children and adolescents, counselling may also incorporate play and art therapy.
When should I consider counselling for domestic or family violence?
You may wish to consider counselling if experiences within a current or past relationship continue to affect your wellbeing, relationships or everyday life. This may include feeling unsafe or constantly on edge, questioning your own judgement, experiencing intrusive memories, struggling with trust, or trying to make sense of patterns of control or abuse.
This page focuses on counselling for people affected by abuse, coercive control or violence within close relationships. For general relationship difficulties, family conflict or parenting challenges, our family counselling or couples and relationship counselling services may be more appropriate.
Domestic and family violence counselling in Sydney and the Sutherland Shire
We see clients from across Sydney and 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.
Appointments are available in person at our Sutherland Shire practice and via secure online appointments across Australia.
If you are looking for domestic violence counselling near you, or a psychologist or therapist experienced in working with the effects of domestic and family violence, our Client Care Team can help you find a clinician whose experience aligns with the support you are seeking. Call 02 8519 4197 or use the button below to request an appointment.