About domestic violence
Find therapists who list domestic violence among their specialties and provide support to people affected by intimate partner abuse. Browse the listings below to review approaches, languages, credentials, and focus areas to guide your search.
What to compare in entries
| Credentials | A US state licence, or membership of a professional body such as BACP or NCPS. They are different kinds of thing; each profile shows what was supplied. |
|---|---|
| Focus | Whether domestic violence is listed as a main focus or among the wider list of areas. Entries show both. |
| Way of working | The approaches named on the entry. Two people working with the same concern can describe very different sessions. |
| Time in practice | Years in practice, as supplied. A fact to weigh, not a ranking. |
| Language | The languages sessions can be held in, where that matters to you. |
Common questions
How were these entries chosen?
Everyone listed on this page has domestic violence among the areas they told the platform they work with. They are not ranked, rated or endorsed by this directory, and the order is not a recommendation.
Do I need a referral to start?
No. You can contact a therapist through their entry directly. A GP referral is not required for independent online therapy.
What if the first therapist is not right?
Changing therapist is normal and expected, and can be done at any point. One session is a small sample of how someone works.
Entries for domestic violence
Savithri (Savi) Jayaweera, NCPS
Ref 151058
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Hindi, Sinhala
View listingAngela Teasdale, NCPS
Ref 119622
Supportive counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDr. Paula Alvarez, LCSW
Ref 29756
Compassionate clinical social worker with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingMargaret Johnston, LMHC
Ref 62092
Calm listening that helps you move forward
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingClement West, BACP
Ref 167549
Gentle, practical support for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDavid Potts, LCSW
Ref 23255
Practical, compassionate therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingNicola Claydon, NCPS
Ref 183763
Calm, practical support for complex life issues
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingPamela Benoit, NCPS, BACP
Ref 180577
Compassionate practical psychotherapy
Works with: Relationship, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingCaroline Woodford, BACP
Ref 203033
Person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Eating Languages: English
View listingVictoria Postles, BACP
Ref 164179
Practical, person-led counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Grief, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDanielle Horn, LMSW
Ref 272733
Focused therapy that digs to the root
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingWellington Cesar Assis Bueno, BACP
Ref 226813
Healing emotions, building clearer choices
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingKizzie Wells-Daniels, LPC
Ref 67515
Therapist for stress, parenting, and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Parenting, Anger Languages: English
View listingRebecca "Becca" Mather, BACP
Ref 236007
Compassionate, practical support for life’s pressures
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Parenting Languages: English
View listingJoanne Rothery, NCPS
Ref 179003
Compassionate counsellor for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingFaryal Choudry, LCSW
Ref 266995
Compassionate guidance for stress and relationships
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingJade Round, BACP
Ref 180505
Practical, person-focused therapy for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDestiny York, LPC
Ref 340789
Compassionate, practical counseling for life changes
Works with: Addictions, LGBT, Relationship Languages: English
View listingCecile Terrelonge, BACP
Ref 134582
Person-centred counsellor offering practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Family Languages: English
View listingAnjanette Morton, LMHC
Ref 207471
Calm, practical support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMichael Witham, LPC
Ref 56161
Practical, person-focused counseling for daily struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingRev. Catherine Bogue, LCSW
Ref 168255
Compassionate guidance for life’s hard changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDianna Wheeler, LPC
Ref 354614
Practical support for healing and stronger coping skills
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingStacey Tenbrink, LMHC, LPC
Ref 326268
Compassionate, practical therapy for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJohn Swearengin, LPC
Ref 93490
Practical support for stress, addiction, and mood
Works with: Addictions, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDr. Lisa Hammons, LPC
Ref 251179
Calm guidance for stress, relationships, and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingAndrea Antrobus, BACP
Ref 121857
Warm counsellor blending practical therapy and listening
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingRose Sanford, LPC
Ref 150546
Practical support for stress and relationship struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingMaria Wilson, LCSW
Ref 138055
Understanding, practical support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingVivian Fleming, LPCC
Ref 88191
Practical support for trauma and mood challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJulie Fraser, BACP
Ref 160259
Practical support for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingCarson Gerber, LPC
Ref 27651
Compassionate practical therapy for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingGerry Byrne, BACP
Ref 224563
Practical, collaborative therapy for daily struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingDonna Watts, BACP
Ref 219020
Compassionate, practical support for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingKelley Sullivan, LCSW
Ref 526
Compassionate, practical therapy for real life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English, Spanish
View listingDr. Robert Hunt, LPC
Ref 187307
Experienced therapist for life changes and emotion work
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSally Henderson, ACA, PACFA
Ref 224972
Compassionate trauma and addiction counsellor
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingSusan Sigl, LPC
Ref 82483
Experienced counselor focusing on practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingKim Smith, BACP
Ref 203026
Warm integrative BACP counsellor
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Grief Languages: English
View listingCarlisle Bergquist, LCMFT
Ref 194649
Gentle, experienced therapist focused on relationships
Works with: Relationship, Family, Intimacy-related issues Languages: English
View listingDanielle Turner, LCPC
Ref 43399
Practical, compassionate therapy for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingGilberto Bustamante-Ramirez, LCSW
Ref 344474
Compassionate, practical support for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Parenting Languages: English
View listingRani Sagar, BACP
Ref 180509
Gentle humanistic counselling for life changes
Works with: Relationship, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingReva Sears, LMHC
Ref 306665
Compassionate therapist for stress and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingNina Pavitt , BACP
Ref 123931
Supportive person-centred counsellor
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMore about domestic violence
Understanding domestic violence and how it affects people
Defining domestic violence
Domestic violence describes a pattern of behaviors used by one person to gain power and control over another within an intimate relationship. That pattern can include physical harm, threats, emotional manipulation, economic control, coercion, stalking, or sexual abuse. These behaviors often unfold over time and can be episodic or persistent. Because domestic violence shapes daily life in many subtle and overt ways, its effects reach beyond immediate injuries to influence how you feel, think, and relate to others.
Common impacts on wellbeing and relationships
The consequences of domestic violence vary widely from person to person, but many people notice changes in mood, sleep, concentration, and self-trust. You may find it harder to make decisions, feel on edge around others, or withdraw from friends and family. Parenting responsibilities, work, and finances can also be affected when one partner exerts control. The emotional toll can include shame, grief, anger, and a sense of isolation. Understanding these reactions as common responses to a difficult situation can be a first step toward finding care and practical support.
Signs that you or someone you care about might benefit from therapy
Emotional and behavioral indicators
You might consider seeking therapy if you notice persistent anxiety, panic, low mood, or intrusive memories related to episodes of abuse. Changes in appetite, trouble sleeping, frequent feelings of dread, or difficulty concentrating at work or school are signs that the stress you are experiencing is affecting day-to-day functioning. Some people notice a pattern of self-blame, numbing, or turning to alcohol or other substances to cope. If trust in yourself or others feels eroded, talking with a clinician experienced in domestic violence issues can help you regain clarity and strategies for moving forward.
Practical and relational signs
Relationship patterns and practical obstacles can also point toward the value of therapy. If you feel isolated because a partner has limited your social contacts, or if financial or legal pressures have made it hard to plan for the future, a therapist can help you identify resources and next steps. You might also look for support if you are parenting while managing safety concerns, navigating separation, or working through the complex emotions that follow coercive or controlling behavior. Therapy can offer a focused space to process choices, set boundaries, and learn coping skills.
What to expect in therapy focused on domestic violence
Initial assessment and safety planning
Your first sessions typically include an assessment of your current situation, goals, and any immediate safety needs. A clinician will usually ask about patterns of harm, relationships, and the supports you currently have. If there are concerns about imminent danger, the conversation will shift to practical steps to reduce risk and connect you with specialized resources. Therapists often work collaboratively with you to create a plan that addresses both emotional needs and tangible safety considerations in a way that reflects your priorities.
Ongoing therapy process
After initial planning, therapy often focuses on building coping skills, emotion regulation, and strategies to restore a sense of agency. Some people begin with short-term work to stabilize sleep, anxiety, or hypervigilance, while others pursue longer-term therapy to process trauma, grief, and changes to identity and relationships. Sessions may include skill-building for managing triggers, rehearsing difficult conversations, and clarifying boundaries. Your therapist should discuss pacing and goals with you, and adapt techniques to your cultural background and personal preferences.
Common therapeutic approaches and what they offer
Approaches you may encounter
A range of treatment approaches is commonly used when addressing domestic violence. Cognitive-behavioral methods can help you identify and shift unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to distress. Trauma-focused interventions aim to address the impact of frightening or overwhelming experiences. Some therapists list EMDR among their approaches for trauma processing, and others describe narrative, strengths-based, or mindfulness-informed work to help rebuild a sense of self. Group therapy and peer support can provide validation and connection with others who have faced similar challenges. If relationship work is needed and safe to pursue, some clinicians mention couple-focused approaches while noting that such work is not recommended when abuse is ongoing.
Choosing approaches that fit you
No single method fits everyone, and it is reasonable to ask potential therapists how they adapt their approach to your goals. You might prefer practical skill-building and problem solving, or you may wish to focus on processing emotions and memories related to abuse. Cultural sensitivity, awareness of power dynamics, and trauma-informed principles are important qualities to look for in a clinician. Therapists who mention experience with domestic violence or related areas can describe how their approach addresses safety, empowerment, and long-term recovery without promising specific outcomes.
How online therapy works for domestic violence and tips for choosing a therapist
Online therapy considerations
Online therapy can increase access to clinicians who work with domestic violence issues, especially if local options are limited. Sessions are typically conducted through video calls, phone, or messaging platforms. If you are considering online care, it is important to plan for privacy and safety during sessions - for example, identifying a place where you can speak without interruption and agreeing on signals or code words with your clinician if a session becomes unsafe. Ask about the therapist's approach to privacy and data handling, and how they recommend managing sessions if you share a living space with someone who poses a risk.
Practical tips for choosing the right therapist
When reviewing profiles, look for clinicians who explicitly mention domestic violence among their focus areas and who describe experience working with survivors or affected partners. Pay attention to the approaches they list and consider whether those approaches align with your comfort with trauma processing or skill-building work. Language abilities, cultural competence, and experience with related systems - such as legal or family services - may matter depending on your needs. It can be helpful to read a profile to see how a therapist communicates and whether their style feels respectful and understandable to you. Ask about session length, fees, and how they coordinate with other supports if you have legal, medical, or advocacy needs. Trust your sense of fit - the relationship with your clinician is a key part of making progress.
Finding a therapist is an individual process. You do not need to have all the details worked out before reaching out - many clinicians expect to gather information over time and to adapt to your pace. Whether you are seeking immediate emotional support, structured coping strategies, or long-term recovery work, a therapist who lists domestic violence among their specialties can be a resource for guidance, safety planning, and rebuilding a life that reflects your needs and goals.