Kathryn Vella , AASW

Kathryn Vella is a credentialed Australian mental health professional with six years of clinical and professional experience across mental health, forensic mental health, psychology, and life coaching. She specialises in supporting people affected by coercive control, applying sociolegal and psychosocial frameworks to ensure therapy addresses both psychological and systemic factors that influence recovery. This integrated stance allows her to tailor evidence-based strategies to each person's circumstances and improve outcomes over time.

Her practice focuses on trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD, emotional and psychological abuse, and the process of rebuilding identity and self-esteem after narcissistic abuse. Kathryn incorporates schema therapy to help clients process childhood trauma, identify purpose, cultivate self-compassion, strengthen self-worth, and break long-standing patterns that no longer serve them. She also works with people who have ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and OCD, paying attention to how these conditions interact with trauma, identity, and emotional regulation.

Psychoeducation about coercive control, mental health, and neurodevelopmental differences is woven into her sessions, grounded in unconditional positive regard and strengths-based, trauma-informed care. She works collaboratively because she views clients as experts in their own stories and acknowledges the courage it takes to seek help. Kathryn holds the credential AASW - indicating membership in the Australian Association of Social Workers - and is finalising a Master of Clinical Psychology. She plans to begin a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Psychopharmacology in 2026, with research examining the clinical and neurobiological aspects of coercive control and its intersections with comorbid conditions and developmental differences.

Kathryn's work hours are Monday through Thursday and emails are reviewed during those days, though responses may not always be immediate. Her schedule is often at capacity, so clients are encouraged to manage bookings and cancellations through the scheduling system. Friday through Sunday her inbox is not monitored. As an online practitioner, occasional connection issues may occur; if she is ever unable to attend a session for reasons other than technical issues, she will provide notice and assist with rescheduling. She looks forward to supporting clients on their journeys to recovery.