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
Pietro (Pete) Martucci, LPCC
Ref 37848
Calm guidance for stress and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, LGBT, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAngela Neary, BACP
Ref 109659
Experienced person-centred counsellor with practical support
Works with: Addictions, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingCleo Irish Zorrilla, BACP
Ref 258501
Compassionate, practical counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingSiyue Zhang, AASW
Ref 243585
Calm, practical therapy focused on real-life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Mandarin
View listingAnastasia Seale, BACP
Ref 173105
Compassionate integrative counsellor for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Russian
View listingJennifer Hughes, NCPS
Ref 187476
Warm, practical therapy for stress and trauma
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMalak Alsaidi, LCSW
Ref 203999
Supportive New York LCSW focused on healing
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingPamela DiGangi, LMHC
Ref 26004
Calm, practical therapy for real-life struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Parenting Languages: English
View listingMelody Hatter, LCSW, CSW, LISW
Ref 123632
Practical support for anxiety and life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingRoselyn Robertson, BACP
Ref 202372
Sensitive, practical counselling for life’s difficult moments
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJonetta Wakely, LPC
Ref 124539
Practical, listening-focused counseling for life challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingWendy Mayfield, BACP
Ref 100144
Practical, steady support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJonathan Stuart, NCPS
Ref 175272
Practical, respectful support for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingBrittany Elledge, LPCC, LMHC
Ref 11729
Practical, client-centered support for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDawn Nunney, NCPS
Ref 97317
Compassionate person-centred counselling with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English
View listingLiisa Hiltunen, PACFA
Ref 317033
Calm practical therapy with coaching focus
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingKatelyn McCrady, LPC
Ref 345230
Calm, practical counseling for life changes
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Career Languages: English
View listingShannon Mott, LCSW
Ref 108724
Compassionate, practical therapy for life transitions
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingJessica Sullivan, BACP
Ref 94142
Compassionate counsellor focused on practical change
Works with: Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMelissa Upton, LPC
Ref 126683
Empathetic counselor focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Anger Languages: English
View listingClaire Lewis, BACP
Ref 287880
Supportive person-centred counselling
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingDarwin Allen, LCPC
Ref 125869
Direct, practical counseling for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAnnie Taylor, NCPS
Ref 153305
Experienced client-centred counsellor
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Anger Languages: English
View listingEthel-Caroline Miman, AASW
Ref 259803
Gentle, practical therapy for life’s big challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingAnna Gilmore, BACP
Ref 109642
Compassionate counsellor for complex life challenges
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Grief, Eating Languages: English
View listingNicholas Taylor, BACP
Ref 242465
Practical person-centred counselling for everyday challenges
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Self esteem, Depression Languages: English
View listingKeith Chilton, LMFT
Ref 106189
Experienced marriage and family therapist
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Relationship Languages: English
View listingMarilee Frazier, LPC
Ref 257654
Compassionate counselor for adults seeking practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingJennifer Mcpherson (Norman), BACP
Ref 161239
Experienced relationship and trauma counsellor
Works with: Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingAngela Winter, BACP
Ref 175271
Counselling focused on rebuilding confidence
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingMark McConnell, BACP
Ref 208651
Practical support for stress and change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingDawn Redwood, NCPS
Ref 137085
Client-centred counsellor focusing on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, ADHD Languages: English
View listingBarbara Hamberg, LMHC
Ref 253111
Compassionate counselor focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English
View listingDarla McAdams, LPC
Ref 58935
Practical, person-focused counseling in Missouri
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, LGBT Languages: English
View listingSuzanne Gregory, BACP
Ref 161266
Experienced UK counsellor focused on practical support
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingFarah Southwell, LPC
Ref 203059
Practical, experienced therapist for life’s hard moments
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family Languages: English, Haitian Creole
View listingIjeoma Nweze, BACP, NCPS
Ref 203170
Compassionate counsellor for everyday challenges
Works with: Relationship, Family, Parenting Languages: English, Igbo
View listingKerrie McCabe, BACP
Ref 128546
Compassionate counsellor blending listening with practical tools
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingDonna Khan, LMSW
Ref 29669
Experienced social worker focused on practical change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Family, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingDawn Meadow, LPC
Ref 76208
Calm, practical counseling for lifes hard moments
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Parenting Languages: English
View listingJosephine Sultana, AASW
Ref 309775
Compassionate social worker blending therapy and lifestyle care
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Sleeping Languages: English
View listingLoire Bennett, LMHC
Ref 25344
Experienced Florida LMHC focused on practical growth
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Grief Languages: English
View listingSidonia Stiles, BACP
Ref 101572
Experienced counsellor for relationships and grief
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Grief Languages: English, Portuguese
View listingLouise Wood, BACP
Ref 128568
Support to manage stress, trauma and change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingJulie Golding, BACP
Ref 269912
Calm, practical support for stress and life change
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem Languages: English
View listingConnie Seth, LISW
Ref 206834
Seasoned Iowa LISW focused on practical coping
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse, Grief Languages: English
View listingKalpna Kerai, BACP
Ref 165701
Calm, practical counselling for everyday struggles
Works with: Stress, Anxiety, Addictions, Trauma and abuse Languages: English
View listingMaria "Patti" Lorenzo, LCPC
Ref 26902
A practical, compassionate approach to emotional change
Works with: Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Coping with life changes 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.