- Coercive control
- Trauma recovery
- ADHD and autism
About Kathryn
Kathryn Vella is an AASW clinician with six years of experience in mental health and related fields. She works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, addictions, grief, eating and sleeping problems, anger, career challenges, bipolar disorder, ADHD and coping with life changes.
Kathryn specialises in complex coercive control cases and brings together legal and psychosocial perspectives in her work. That means she pays attention to the wider systems around a person as well as the personal impacts of control and abuse. She helps people understand how those systems affect recovery and practical next steps.
Her practice supports recovery from trauma, PTSD and CPTSD, and from emotional or psychological abuse. Kathryn uses approaches that address long-standing emotional patterns and unmet childhood needs, assisting people to rebuild identity and self-worth after abusive relationships.
She also supports people with neurodevelopmental profiles such as ADHD and autism, and with OCD, considering how these intersect with trauma and emotional regulation. Psychoeducation about coercive control and neurodiversity is part of sessions so clients leave with clearer ideas and tools to manage day-to-day challenges.
Kathryn is finishing a Master of Clinical Psychology and will start a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Psychopharmacology in 2026. Her research focuses on the clinical and neurobiological aspects of coercive control and aims to inform practical interventions. She prefers collaborative work and encourages clients to be active partners in planning therapy.
Therapeutic approaches and remote work
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and committing to actions that match personal values. It can help with anxiety, avoidance and making clearer decisions about direction. Attachment-Based Therapy looks at how early relationships shape current patterns; it helps people understand trust, closeness and repeating relationship dynamics, which is useful after abusive or controlling relationships. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) breaks problems into thoughts, feelings and behaviours to develop practical coping strategies for anxiety, anger, low mood and sleep problems.Finding the right approach is part of the work. Kathryn will collaborate with a client to decide which methods suit their needs, goals and preferences. That choice can change over time as priorities and challenges shift, and sessions will mix skills training, reflection and practical steps to fit what the person wants to achieve.
The biography does not list specific online formats, so confirm session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into study, shifts or short breaks in the day. It can also reduce travel and allow follow-up conversations or shorter check-ins when needed. Appropriately qualified therapists can adapt exercises and homework for remote sessions so progress continues between meetings.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
6+ years
Listed in
Australia
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What kinds of problems does she help with?
She works with adults on stress, anxiety, relationship and family issues, trauma and abuse, self-esteem, addictions, grief, eating and sleeping problems, anger, bipolar disorder, ADHD and coping with life changes.
What is her general approach in sessions?
She blends evidence-informed methods such as CBT, DBT, ACT and attachment work with psychoeducation. Sessions often include practical skills, exploring patterns, and developing strategies for daily life.
How much clinical experience does she have?
She has six years of clinical and professional experience in mental health, forensic mental health, psychology and life coaching.
What are her credentials and where is she based?
She is listed with the AASW and is practising from Australia while living in Germany.
Does she work in other languages or with international clients?
Sessions are offered in English and international clients are not currently accepted.
What session formats does she offer?
Please confirm current session formats before booking, as the biography does not specify which formats are provided.
How are fees handled?
Cost varies with location and sessions use a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I begin working with her?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Online talk therapy through BetterHelp is for adults aged 18 and over and is not emergency care. If you are in danger, use the emergency numbers. Find someone else by name.