Coercive Control
I hold specialist training in coercive control and abuse through a Master of Science in the Psychology of Coercive Control from the University of Salford, Manchester, and I am currently the only psychotherapist in Ireland with Master’s-level specialist training in this area. This training has given me in-depth knowledge of coercive control across multiple contexts, including intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, sibling abuse, elder abuse, spiritual abuse, human trafficking, gangs and extremist groups, online radicalisation, cults and high demand groups, organisations and workplace settings.
My studies focused on recovery from the psychological harm caused by coercive control, alongside the impact contemporary research, legislation and government policy has on safeguarding and prevention. My academic research focused on therapeutic work with survivors of coercive control and continues to inform my approach which is empathetic, non-judgemental, research-based and trauma-informed.
Coercive control is an intentional and strategic pattern of behaviour designed to dominate, exploit, manipulate and create dependency
Specialised Therapy for those navigating the complexity of Coercive Control
Coercive control is an intentional and strategic pattern of behaviour designed to dominate, exploit, manipulate and create dependency and may or may not involve physical violence. Coercive control can include intimidation, harassment, gaslighting, isolation, financial abuse, technology-facilitated abuse, surveillance and restriction of personal freedom and autonomy.
Coercive control can occur in many areas of life including families, friendships, workplaces, faith communities, wellbeing and self-improvement groups, criminal gangs, extremist groups and online spaces. It is complex, nuanced and often extremely difficult to identify. These dynamics can create confusion, self-doubt and significant emotional distress that may continue after the abuse has ended.
In therapy, I offer a safe, supportive and confidential space where clients can explore their experiences at their own pace. Over time, therapy can bring clarity, rebuild a sense of agency and autonomy and support healing from the profound psychological harm caused by coercive control and abuse.
Additional Specialist Coercive Control Services
Specialist Coercive Control Training
I provide specialised clinical training to counsellors and psychotherapists who work with survivors of coercive control. This training focuses on recognising the often subtle and covert dynamics of abuse across multiple contexts, understanding the specific psychological harm caused and working therapeutically with clients affected by coercive control. Practitioners will gain a nuanced understanding of the distinct and complex relational, clinical and ethical challenges that may arise and develop the clinical skills required for trauma-informed and coercive control-competent practice that is safe, effective and research-based.
Coercive Control Consulting
I provide consultancy services to organisations, workplaces, professional services, charities and NGO’s seeking specialist guidance on coercive control . This can include training, case consultation, adult safeguarding support, consulting on legislation and government policy and integrating evidence-based frameworks into organisational practice. I help organisations recognise and respond to coercive control across diverse contexts and develop safe, ethical, and trauma‑informed responses grounded in contemporary research and best-practice standards.
Media Consulting
I offer media consulting for authors, screenwriters, documentary filmmakers and production teams who want to portray coercive control accurately, ethically and responsibly. This may include offering clear, research-based definitions, reviewing scripts or storylines for narrative accuracy or providing guidance on character dynamics and relational patterns. I am particularly passionate about this work as I believe the media plays a crucial role in raising public awareness and understanding of coercive control. My aim is to support film, television and literature to portray coercive control in a trauma-informed, ethical way that is reflective of lived experience.