Domestic & Family Violence Counselling in Cairns

Domestic and family violence (DFV) can take many forms, including emotional, psychological, financial, physical, sexual, or controlling behaviours. It often leaves people feeling isolated, fearful, and unsure where to turn. Whether you’re currently experiencing DFV, recovering from a past relationship, or supporting someone who is, counselling can provide a safe, non-judgemental space to begin healing and rebuilding.

I have worked extensively in the domestic and family violence sector throughout my social work career, supporting individuals and families impacted by abuse. My experience includes:

• Providing counselling and emotional support to those impacted by DFV
   
• Conducting risk assessments and developing safety plans tailored to individual needs
   
• Supporting clients to navigate the legal system, including Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPO applications) and court processes
   
• Working alongside community organisations, crisis services, and the justice system to ensure wraparound support
   

This experience allows me to bring both practical guidance and therapeutic support, so you can feel safer, more empowered, and supported at every step.

In our work together, we may explore:

Creating strategies to help you feel safer in your day-to-day life, tailored to your situation and needs.

Understanding the legal process can feel overwhelming. I can walk alongside you as you explore options such as DVPOs, providing emotional support while connecting you with practical resources.

We’ll explore the different types of abuse (emotional, physical, financial, psychological, coercive control) and their impacts on mental health, self-esteem, and relationships.

Learning to identify early warning signs and patterns of unhealthy dynamics, so you feel more confident recognising what isn’t safe or respectful.

Together, we can unpack what healthy connection, boundaries, and respect look like — helping you rebuild trust in yourself and others.

Coercive Control

Coercive control is a pattern of behaviours designed to restrict a person’s freedom and independence. It can look like:

• Monitoring or isolating you from friends and family
   
• Controlling finances or access to resources
   
• Making threats, gaslighting, or manipulation
   
• Dictating where you go, who you see, or what you do
   

Over time, coercive control can deeply impact self-esteem and leave someone doubting their own judgement. In counselling, we can work on recognising these patterns, rebuilding trust in yourself, and finding safe ways to regain independence.

Narcissistic Abuse

Narcissistic abuse often involves manipulation, emotional exploitation, and patterns such as love-bombing, gaslighting, or devaluing. Survivors of narcissistic abuse often describe feeling “erased,” confused, or trapped in cycles of hope and disappointment.

Through counselling, I can help you:

• Understand these behaviours and their psychological impacts
   
• Break free from cycles of guilt, self-doubt, and blame
   
• Strengthen boundaries and reclaim your sense of self-worth
   
• Learn to identify and protect yourself from unhealthy relational dynamics in the future
   

Domestic and family violence can affect every area of life:

• Emotional wellbeing – Anxiety, depression, trauma responses, shame or self-blame
   
• Physical health – Sleep difficulties, chronic stress, nervous system dysregulation
   
• Relationships – Challenges with trust, intimacy, and setting boundaries
   
• Daily life – Financial hardship, housing instability, or difficulties with parenting
   

Healing takes time, but it’s possible. With the right support, you can begin to reclaim your voice, your choices, and your sense of safety.

I offer compassion, practical guidance, and therapeutic support, as you take steps toward safety and healing.

If you’re ready to talk, please reach out today for counselling in Cairns. You deserve safety, respect, and a life free from violence.

If you are in immediate danger, please call 000.

If you need urgent support, the following services are available 24/7:

• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732 (National Sexual Assault, Domestic & Family Violence Counselling Service)
   
• DVConnect Womensline – 1800 811 811 (Queensland crisis support and safe accommodation)
   
• DVConnect Mensline – 1800 600 636 (Support for men who are experiencing or using violence)
   
• Lifeline – 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention)