Kathryn Vella, AASW

Trauma-informed therapist specialising in coercive control

Coercive control expertise
Neurodiversity aware
Evidence based approaches

About Kathryn Vella

Kathryn Vella is a credentialed Australian social worker (AASW) with six years of clinical and professional experience spanning mental health, forensic mental health, psychology and life coaching. She specialises in supporting people affected by coercive control, combining sociolegal and psychosocial perspectives so therapeutic work attends to both individual psychological needs and the broader systems that influence recovery. This combined lens supports tailored, evidence-informed strategies for people navigating the complex, long-term impacts of controlling relationships.

Her practice addresses trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD, emotional and psychological abuse, and the difficulties of rebuilding identity and self-worth following narcissistic abuse. Kathryn incorporates schema therapy to help clients process childhood wounds, clarify purpose, develop self-compassion and change entrenched emotional patterns. She also works with clients who have ADHD, autism spectrum conditions and obsessive-compulsive disorder, exploring how these neurodevelopmental differences intersect with trauma, identity and emotional regulation.

Psychoeducation about coercive control, neurodevelopmental conditions and mental health is woven into therapeutic work to support sustained progress. All interventions are grounded in unconditional positive regard, strengths-based practice and trauma-informed principles, and Kathryn takes a collaborative stance because she recognises clients as experts in their own stories. She is finalising a Master of Clinical Psychology and will begin a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Psychopharmacology in 2026, researching the clinical and neurobiological aspects of coercive control. Kathryn looks forward to supporting people on their recovery journeys.

Areas of Expertise

Primary Focus

Stress, AnxietyRelationship issuesFamily conflictsTrauma and abuse Self esteem

Also Specializes In

AddictionsLGBTGriefEating disordersSleeping disordersAnger managementCareer difficultiesBipolar disorderCoping with life changesCoachingCompassion fatigueADHD

Additional Focus Areas

AbandonmentAdoption and foster careAging and geriatric issuesAntisocial personalityAttachment issuesAutism and Asperger SyndromeAvoidant personalityBDSM, kink, and alternative sex cultureBody imageCaregiver issues and stressCo-morbidityCodependencyCommitment issuesCommunication problemsControl issuesCoping with natural or human-caused disasterDependent personalityDisruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD)DissociationDivorce and separationDomestic violenceDrug and alcohol addictionEating and food-related issuesEmptinessFamily of origin issuesFamily problemsFatherhood issuesForgivenessGuilt and shameHoardingHospice and end-of-life counselingImmigration issuesImpulsivityInfidelityIntellectual disabilityIsolation / lonelinessJealousyLife purposeMen's issuesMidlife crisisMoney and financial issuesMood disordersMulticultural concernsNarcissismObsessions, compulsions, and OCDPanic disorder and panic attacksParanoiaPersonality disordersPostpartum depressionPost-traumatic stressPregnancy and childbirthProcess addiction (porn, exercise, gambling)Self-harmSelf-loveSexual assault and abuseSocial anxiety and phobiaWomen's issuesWorkplace issuesYoung adult issues

Therapeutic Approach

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Attachment-Based Therapy Client-Centered Therapy Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) Existential Therapy Jungian Therapy Mindfulness Therapy Motivational Interviewing Narrative Therapy Psychodynamic Therapy Solution-Focused Therapy Somatic Therapy Trauma-Focused Therapy Internal Family Systems Systemic Therapy

Frequently Asked Questions

How much experience does Kathryn Vella have?

Kathryn Vella has six years of clinical and professional experience in mental health, forensic mental health, psychology and life coaching.

Is Kathryn Vella a licensed therapist?

Yes. She holds AASW, indicating membership of the Australian Association of Social Workers.

In which languages does Kathryn Vella provide therapy?

Kathryn provides therapy in English.

Where is Kathryn Vella located?

Kathryn is located in Australia.

How can I work with Kathryn Vella as my therapist?

Clients can work with Kathryn through video calls, phone sessions, live chat or text-based messaging.

Does Kathryn Vella work with international clients?

Kathryn does not currently work with international clients.

How much does therapy with Kathryn Vella cost?

Costs can vary depending on factors such as location and therapist availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time for any reason. For current pricing and plan details, click the "Start Therapy" button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is straightforward: click the "Start Therapy" button and complete a short questionnaire to help match with Kathryn. Depending on availability, clients can then schedule a first session conducted by phone, video call, live chat or in-app messaging.

Therapeutic approaches for effective online care

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values and commit to actions that improve wellbeing. It supports managing difficult emotions and increasing psychological flexibility, which can be useful for anxiety, stress and the aftermath of trauma. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationships shape current patterns of connection and trust. It helps people understand relational wounds and develop safer ways of relating, which is particularly relevant when working with coercive control, abandonment or attachment issues. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-oriented approach that identifies unhelpful thoughts and behaviours and teaches alternative strategies to manage symptoms such as anxiety, depression and sleep difficulties.

Kathryn approaches treatment collaboratively and will work with clients to determine the best-fit methods based on individual needs, goals and preferences. Exploring different techniques together is part of the process and helps tailor therapy to what works in real life.

Online therapy offers flexible ways to engage through video calls, phone sessions, live chat and text-based messaging, making it easier to schedule sessions around work, family commitments and other obligations. Remote formats can increase access to licensed professionals and allow continuity of care when in-person options are limited, while supporting ongoing skill practice and check-ins between sessions.

Ready to start therapy with Kathryn Vella?

Take the first step toward a better you.

Get Started