Therapeutic domestic abuse work

Although my counselling practice is open to all, my specialism is in domestic abuse work. 

I work with perpetrators of abuse to help them understand their abusive behaviour, take accountability and responsibility for their actions and to look at strategies that can support change. I recognise the problems in the perpetrator/survivor binary, understanding that those who are abusive have often witnessed or experienced abusive behaviour in the home in their own lives. Offering a non-judgemental space, I encourage people to face the realities of their behaviour and its impact and use a therapeutic approach to support changing the patterns of these behaviours.

I also work with survivors of abuse. It is a common misconception that the biggest challenge faced by survivors experiencing abuse is leaving the partner. Often survivors expect their lives to be transformed by the physical act of leaving, however the survivor themselves may be locked in a way of thinking that keeps them stuck in familiar patterns of abuse and coercion as experienced when they were with their partner. I strive to support survivors in exploring their feelings around their abuse, inviting people to assess the shame they often feel in relation to their relationship and take ownership of this feeling as a step to creating change. 

 In addition to one-to-one work, I offer couples counselling for people who may be in relationships with patterns of abuse.