Domestic Violence Support

Domestic Violence Support in Brisbane and online Australia-wide. Connect with experienced psychologists who provide compassionate, trauma-informed therapy for individuals and families affected by domestic and family violence.

Access support to improve safety, process trauma, rebuild confidence, strengthen wellbeing, and move towards recovery in a safe and supportive environment.

YH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7

Clinically informed Support

Michelle Barratt Psychology provides a neutral, professional hub that connects you with the right clinician — so therapy can stay focused on you.

Table of Contents

Our approach

Domestic Violence Support

Domestic violence support at Michelle Barratt Psychology and Administrative Services (MBP) prioritises your safety, dignity, and immediate stabilisation. We manage sensitive cases with strict confidentiality, trauma‑informed protocols, and a clear focus on connecting you quickly to specialist, independent clinicians.

Michelle Barratt Psychology (MBP) provides in-person therapy across Brisbane, and flexible online therapy options Australia-wide, ensuring that professional support is always accessible. 

Calm therapy room with armchair, plants and warm natural light
How we help

How does MBP support access to Domestic Violence Therapy?

MBP provides a secure administrative hub that links you with experienced Brisbane psychologists and allied health professionals who specialise in domestic and family violence recovery. We offer:

  • Rapid, discreet referrals to trauma‑informed clinicians.
  • Coordinated care with medical and legal supports when needed, while preserving clinical neutrality.
  • Consistent follow‑up and appointment management so you can access ongoing therapeutic support without administrative burden.
  • Billing to Victims Assist QLD with valid referrals. 
For clients & practitioners

What support does MBP provide?

Sensitive Intake

Compassionate intake processes designed to support individuals experiencing complex circumstances.

Priority Access

Timely scheduling helps reduce barriers to accessing psychological support.

Safety Focused

Administrative processes prioritise privacy, confidentiality, and client wellbeing.

Referral Support

Assistance with referrals, Medicare paperwork, and service coordination.

Coordinated Care

Communication with relevant health providers where appropriate and authorised.

Flexible Access

Description: In-person Brisbane appointments and telehealth services available Australia-wide.

Next step

How do I get started?

If you need support, please don’t hesitate to use the email form below to contact us privately, and we will respond with a clinically informed pathway to care. We can help arrange an initial appointment, explain what to expect from trauma‑focused therapy, and coordinate with other services as appropriate.

You may also view our Practitioner Page and select the clinician of your choice:

Important safety note

If you are in immediate danger, experiencing severe distress, or having thoughts of harming yourself, contact emergency services or a crisis service right away. If you are concerned but not in immediate danger, please mention this when you contact us so we can prioritise an appropriate, timely response.

UNDERSTANDING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

What is Domestic and Family Violence?

Domestic and family violence involves patterns of behaviour used to control, intimidate, manipulate, isolate, or harm another person. Abuse can occur within intimate partner relationships, families, or other close relationships and may affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances.

Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm. It can also involve emotional, psychological, financial, sexual, social, or coercive forms of abuse. Regardless of the form it takes, domestic violence can have significant impacts on emotional wellbeing, safety, confidence, and mental health.

RECOGNISING THE SIGNS

Forms of Domestic Abuse

Domestic violence can take many forms, including:

• Physical abuse and threats of harm

• Emotional and psychological abuse

• Coercive control and intimidation

• Financial abuse and control of resources

• Sexual abuse and exploitation

• Isolation from family, friends, or support networks

• Ongoing monitoring, harassment, or controlling behaviours

Recognising these patterns is often an important first step in seeking support and improving safety.

THERAPEUTIC SUPPORT

How Therapy Can Help

Experiencing domestic violence can affect emotional, psychological, and physical wellbeing. Many individuals experience anxiety, depression, trauma responses, hypervigilance, sleep difficulties, low self-esteem, feelings of shame, or difficulties trusting others.

The impact may continue long after the abuse has ended. Trauma-informed therapy can help individuals process their experiences, strengthen coping strategies, improve emotional regulation, and rebuild confidence and resilience over time.

TRAUMA & RECOVERY

The Psychological Impact of Domestic Violence

Evidence-based therapy can support recovery following domestic violence by helping individuals:

• Process traumatic experiences safely

• Reduce anxiety, fear, and emotional distress

• Rebuild confidence and self-worth

• Develop healthy coping strategies

• Improve emotional regulation

• Strengthen personal boundaries

• Create safety and support plans

• Re-establish a sense of control and independence

Treatment approaches may include Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), trauma-informed interventions, and emotional regulation strategies tailored to individual needs.

SUPPORTING CHILDREN

The Impact of Family Violence on Children and Adolescents

Children and adolescents can be significantly affected by exposure to domestic and family violence, even when they are not directly targeted. Living in an environment where conflict, fear, intimidation, or violence occurs can influence emotional development, behaviour, learning, relationships, and overall wellbeing.

Young people exposed to family violence may experience anxiety, emotional distress, behavioural difficulties, sleep problems, difficulties concentrating, reduced self-esteem, or challenges forming secure relationships. Early support can help children and adolescents process their experiences and build resilience.

YH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7

Recovery from domestic violence takes time, support, and compassion. With the right guidance, families can rebuild a sense of safety, strengthen relationships, and create a more stable and positive future.

For families

Supporting Children and Families After Domestic Violence

Domestic and family violence often affects the entire family. Parents, caregivers, children, and adolescents may all experience emotional, behavioural, and psychological impacts that continue long after the immediate crisis has passed.

Recovery is not only about physical safety—it is also about rebuilding trust, confidence, emotional wellbeing, and healthy relationships. Family support can play an important role in helping children and adults feel safe, understood, and supported during the healing process.

With appropriate psychological support, families can develop practical strategies that promote resilience, emotional recovery, and healthier family relationships.

1 Safety Planning

Develop practical strategies that support safety and well-being.

2 Trauma Recovery

Help family members understand and process the effects of trauma.

3 Emotional Regulation

Build skills for managing difficult emotions and stress.

4 Parent Support

Support parents and caregivers as they navigate recovery and family change.

5 Child Wellbeing

Promote resilience, confidence, and emotional development in children.

Get in touch

Contact Us on the Email Form Below

Please be advised that you’ll receive a response within 24 to 48 hours. 

If in crisis, please call 000.

Prefer to call?

Phone our administration team on (07) 3185 0040 or complete the form below:

*Your personal information will be handled in the strictest confidence in accordance with the Allied Health Privacy ACT, 1988.