Working with Client Experiences of Domestic Abuse : A Handbook for Counsellors, Psychotherapists, and Other Mental Health Professionals

This edited volume shares relevant theory and practical strategies to support counsellors to work effectively with those who have experienced domestic abuse.

The effect of relational and other abuses can impact an individual’s ability to engage with family, friends, counsellors or other professionals trying to support them due to reduced ability to trust and the impact of complex trauma. Helping someone to recover requires specific knowledge and skills, not usually part of a standard professional training program. This book acts as a training manual, providing an overview of what clients need at different stages of recovery. It contains chapters written by staff who deliver counselling and mental health training and provides their insight into the specific issues that clients may present, suggesting constructive and accessible suggestions for practice, and a chapter on counsellor self-care. The reflections/exercises in each chapter will help the reader assess their competency.

will be of interest to mental health professionals, counselling training courses, and domestic violence services, who wish to incorporate counselling as part of their service offer.