Find a Domestic Violence Therapist in Australia

How domestic violence therapy works for Australia residents

If you are seeking help after experiencing domestic violence, therapy focuses on your safety, well-being and practical recovery goals. Therapists who specialise in family and domestic violence use trauma-informed approaches that centre your experiences and priorities. Sessions typically involve assessing immediate safety needs, understanding how the experience has affected your emotions and relationships, and developing strategies for coping and rebuilding. Therapy often sits alongside other supports such as legal advice, housing assistance and community services, and a good therapist will coordinate with local resources when needed.

In Australia you can access support through different pathways. Many people start by contacting a general practitioner for a mental health treatment plan, which may make therapy more affordable through a partial rebate. Community health centres and specialist family violence services also provide referrals and integrated support. Whether you choose in-person appointments in cities like Sydney or Melbourne, or online sessions while living in a regional area, the core aim is to create a predictable, respectful process that prioritises your choices.

What to expect in the first sessions

Your first few meetings will usually involve an assessment and a focus on safety planning. The therapist will ask about your current situation, recent events, and any immediate concerns about personal or children’s safety. You will be invited to set short-term goals so therapy can be tailored to what you want to work on first - this might include managing anxiety, reducing hypervigilance, or planning practical steps to leave an unsafe situation. You should expect discussion of personal nature of sessions limits, how information is shared, and how the therapist can support you with referrals to local legal, housing and support services if needed.

Finding specialised help for domestic violence in Australia

When you are searching for a therapist in this specialty, look for clinicians who explicitly list domestic or family violence experience on their profiles. Qualifications vary - psychologists, counsellors and social workers commonly work in this area - but what matters most is relevant training in trauma, safety-focused practice and working with intersectional needs such as cultural background, disability or sexual orientation. In larger centres like Brisbane or Perth you may find clinicians who also work closely with specialist services, whereas in regional towns you might find therapists who offer flexible online appointments to maintain continuity of care.

It is reasonable to contact a few therapists to ask about their experience with domestic violence, their approach to safety planning, and whether they work with other supports like legal advocates or child and family services. If you are part of an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community, or come from a culturally and linguistically diverse background, ask about cultural competency and whether they have experience working with your community. A therapist who understands the local context - for example how services operate in Sydney or how supports are accessed in rural Victoria - can make it easier to navigate practical next steps.

What to expect from online therapy for domestic violence

Online therapy can be a practical option if you live outside major centres or if in-person appointments feel difficult to arrange. Many therapists offer video or phone sessions, which can reduce travel time and increase access to clinicians who specialise in family violence. When you choose online care, you and your therapist will plan how to maintain your privacy during sessions and agree on safety signals or steps to follow if a session is interrupted or you need immediate assistance. It helps to identify a quiet room or a friend who can provide short-term support if required.

Online therapy also allows you to connect with practitioners in different cities - you might live in a regional area but work with a clinician based in Melbourne who has specialist training. However, online sessions are not a substitute for immediate emergency help. If you are in immediate danger you should contact local emergency services. Your therapist can help you plan who to call and what to do in a crisis, but if you need urgent assistance reach out to local responders or crisis services in your state.

Common signs you might benefit from domestic violence therapy

You might consider therapy if you notice ongoing fear or anxiety about a partner or household member, repeated patterns of controlling behaviour, or unexplained injuries. Emotional signs often include overwhelming shame, persistent worry, difficulty sleeping, or sudden changes in mood and appetite. You may find yourself socially isolated, cut off from friends and family, or struggling to make everyday decisions because of fear of retaliation. Children in the household may show signs of distress such as acting out at school or withdrawing, and you might find it hard to set boundaries or plan for your own safety. Any of these experiences are valid reasons to seek professional support and to discuss options with a trained therapist.

Tips for choosing the right therapist for domestic violence

Choosing a therapist is a personal decision and it is important that you feel listened to and respected. Start by looking for clinicians who state experience with family and domestic violence, trauma-informed practice and safety planning. Check credentials and ask on first contact about their experience with cases similar to yours, how they approach safety planning, and whether they can liaise with local support services. Practical considerations such as session cost, availability of rebate schemes, appointment times and whether they offer online sessions can also affect your choice.

Trust your instincts during an initial consultation. A good therapist will acknowledge the complexity of your situation, explain their approach in clear terms and be willing to discuss how they will support you outside of sessions if needed. If you have specific needs - for example a therapist who speaks your language, has experience with LGBTQ clients, or understands Indigenous perspectives - make that part of your search. In cities like Sydney and Melbourne you may have a wider pool of specialists to choose from, while in smaller communities you may prioritise flexibility and the ability to access support online.

Practical questions to ask

When you contact a potential therapist, it can help to ask about their experience with domestic violence, how they conduct risk and safety assessments, what types of therapy they use, and how they handle coordination with other services. Ask about session length and fees, whether they accept referrals or mental health treatment plans, and what supports they can recommend between sessions. You can also enquire about their approach to cultural safety and how they work with clients who are navigating legal or housing systems.

Remember that seeking therapy is a step toward regaining agency and making informed choices about your life. You do not have to move through this process alone - therapists are one part of a network of supports that can include legal advisors, community services and local advocacy organisations.

When you need immediate help

If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services in your area without delay. For urgent threats to your safety, local police and emergency responders can provide immediate assistance. For non-emergency but pressing concerns, local domestic and family violence services, crisis lines and community organisations can connect you with shelters, legal advice and advocacy. A therapist can help you map out these options and support you as you access the services that match your needs and circumstances.

If you are ready to explore therapy, use the listings on this page to find clinicians who specialise in domestic violence across Australia. Whether you are in Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide or a regional community, there are therapists who can work with you online or in person to develop a plan that honours your safety and goals. Reach out when you are ready - the right support can help you move toward recovery and regain a sense of control over your life.