Domestic violence counselling and mental health support services for people experiencing abuse
Seeking domestic violence counselling and mental health support is a significant step, and it is natural to feel uncertain. At Escape to Better Foundation, we believe in the power of counselling to help people experiencing family and domestic violence heal from trauma and begin to rebuild their lives.
We also want you to feel empowered to choose the practitioner who is right for you. We offer a range of counsellor options so it is easier to find someone who suits your needs and circumstances. Who you speak to, and when, is always your choice.
When should people experiencing domestic violence seek counselling support?
There is no “right” time to ask for help. Counselling can support you whether you are still in the relationship, preparing to leave or rebuilding your life afterwards. We highly recommend seeking domestic violence counselling support if you are:
Undecided about whether to stay or leave an abusive relationship
Finding it challenging to rebuild your life after domestic or family violence
Feeling haunted by the trauma you experienced and wanting a safe place to talk
Struggling with anxiety, depression or low self-worth
At any point where you feel you could benefit from additional emotional support
How Escape to Better Foundation can help
Escape to Better Foundation partners with independent counsellors and practitioners who
provide fee-for-service support to people experiencing domestic and family violence. This
service is designed to help if you:
Our role is to make it easier for you to find domestic violence counselling that feels safe,
respectful and tailored to your situation.
Counselling and mental health support for people experiencing domestic violence or abuse
The counsellors in our directory are qualified, trauma informed practitioners with experience supporting people impacted by family and domestic violence. Their services are available for both male and female victim-survivors of abuse. They offer:
Support is available online across Australia, and in-person where counsellors are locally based.
Meet our Counsellors
The practitioners listed with Escape to Better Foundation share our commitment to compassion, safety and empowerment. Their approaches vary so you can choose someone whose style, experience and modality feels like a good fit for you.
Sue Watson
Accredited Mental Health Social Worker
Services
Cultivate Counselling and Consultant
Sue Watson is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker who has been supporting people through complex life challenges since 2010. Her experience spans community social work, mental health care, and palliative care, giving her a deep understanding of how people navigate trauma, grief, and major life transitions.
Sue focuses on helping clients find their own path forward by combining practical life skills with therapeutic support. She aims to create a calm, respectful space where people feel heard and understood.
Sue offers telehealth appointments and also provides face-to-face sessions for clients in the Sunraysia region of North West Victoria and Far West NSW.
Visit the website to learn more about Sue’s approach or contact Sue here.
Neville Starick
Life Transition Specialist & Reflective Practice Facilitator
Services
Cynosure Counselling and Coaching
Neville supports people going through major life transitions, including leaving or recovering from abusive relationships. He works alongside you to gently explore what has been happening, how it is affecting you and what you want life to look like as you move forward.
Using a non-medical, collaborative and tailored approach, Neville helps you make sense of your experiences, strengthen your inner resources and take practical steps toward safety and stability. For those considering significant changes, he also offers reflective practice to build resilience and confidence so you feel more prepared for what lies ahead.
Visit the website to learn more about Neville’s approach or contact Neville here.
Tia Cherry
Psychotherapist
Services
Axia Therapy Services
Tia Cherry is a qualified social worker and psychotherapist with nearly 20 years of clinical experience working with adults and children. Much of her work has involved supporting people who have experienced trauma, including domestic violence and intimate partner abuse.
Tia understands that every person’s story is different and tailors her approach to suit each individual’s needs. She draws on evidence-based therapies including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, and Schema Therapy. Her goal is to help clients better understand their experiences and develop practical strategies for healing and moving forward.
Tia works with clients online across Australia and in person in Adelaide.
Visit the website to learn more about Tia’s approach or contact Tia here.
Jim Ryan
Certified Havening Practitioner & NLC Specialist
Services
Breathe Stretch Float
Jim Ryan specialises in helping people reduce the emotional triggers linked to traumatic experiences, particularly those connected with domestic and family abuse.
Before becoming a Havening practitioner, Jim spent 16 years as a police officer where he witnessed first-hand the impact domestic violence and abuse can have on individuals and families. This experience now informs his compassionate approach to supporting victim-survivors.
Using the Havening technique, Jim helps clients process past trauma so the memories no longer carry the same emotional intensity. His work focuses on helping people regain a sense of calm, safety, and control as they move forward in their lives.
Learn more about the power of Havening or contact Jim about how Havening could help you.
Recognising
Abuse
Planning your
Escape
Rebuilding your
Life
Support for Family
& Friends
Support for workplaces