Coercive Control?
Coercive control involves repeated abusive behaviour aimed at harming, frightening, or isolating someone. Its purpose is to dominate or control, often through patterns of behaviour that may be overt or subtle if hidden from others. This form of control can cause serious long-term psychological damage hence, making it crucial to recognise the signs.
What are the common symptoms?
- Emotional abuse
- Shaming, degrading or humiliating
- Harassing, monitoring and stalking
- Violence and intimidation
- Making threats
- Social isolation
- Reproductive abuse
- Limiting freedom or controlling choices
- Financial abuse
Why do I feel like this?
Isolation
Isolation is one of the most common signs of coercive control. The person may discourage or prevent you from seeing friends, family, or engaging in social activities. Over time, this creates dependency and makes you feel alone, cut off from support networks, and unable to seek help or validation
Constant Monitoring
Coercive partners often monitor your phone, emails, social media, or even your physical movements. This surveillance can feel invasive and controlling, leaving you anxious and fearful of making mistakes. It erodes your sense of privacy and autonomy, making you feel like you have no space to breathe or think freely.
Gaslighting
Gaslighting is emotional manipulation that makes you question your memory, feelings, or reality. They may deny things you know happened, blame you for their behaviour, or twist facts until you doubt yourself. This persistent may undermine or damage your confidence and leave you feeling confused, guilty, and unsure of your own judgement.
Financial Restrictions
Financial control limits your independence by restricting access to money, monitoring spending, or preventing you from working. This creates dependency and makes leaving the relationship feel impossible. You may feel trapped, powerless, and unable to make decisions for yourself because every financial choice is controlled or criticised.
How does therapy help?
Victims of coercive control often experience anxiety, depression, and trauma due to prolonged manipulation and isolation. Therapeutic interventions provide a safe space to rebuild confidence, process emotional harm, and develop coping strategies. This is further outlined below:
Understanding Abuse Dynamics
Therapy educates survivors about coercive control tactics, helping them identify manipulation patterns. This awareness is crucial for breaking cycles of abuse and fostering informed, empowered decision-making.
Rebuilding Self-Esteem
Coercive control often destroys confidence. Therapy provides tools to restore self-worth, enabling survivors to rediscover strengths, set boundaries, and regain a sense of autonomy and personal identity.
Managing Trauma Symptoms
Therapeutic techniques address anxiety, depression, and PTSD caused by coercive control. Trauma-informed care helps survivors process experiences safely, reducing emotional distress and promoting psychological healing.
Developing Coping Strategies
Therapy equips individuals with practical coping mechanisms to handle triggers and stress. These strategies enhance resilience, emotional regulation, and the ability to navigate future challenges confidently.
Restoring Healthy Relationships
Survivors learn to build supportive, non-abusive relationships through therapy. This includes recognising red flags, improving communication skills, and fostering trust in safe, respectful connections.
Empowerment and Independence
Therapy empowers survivors to reclaim control over their lives. By setting goals and reinforcing autonomy, individuals develop confidence to make decisions free from coercive influence.
What are the therapy options that Transformations Clinical Psychology can offer me?
Please contact us or follow this link if you would like to set up an assessment with a Psychologist at Transformations Clinical Psychology.
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FAQ
Q1. What happens in the first session? Do I need to prepare?
Your first appointment is 50–60 minutes. We’ll get to know you—what’s been hard, what you’d like to change, and what’s helped before. You’re welcome to bring notes or just come as you are; we’ll go at your pace. Please complete the online intake and consent forms beforehand. Sessions are available in person (Sydney) or via secure telehealth across Australia. We’ll finish with a clear plan and time for your questions. If you’re in immediate danger, call 000.
Q2. How do fees and Medicare/private insurance work? Do I need a GP referral?
You can book without a referral. If your GP provides a Mental Health Treatment Plan, you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate. We’ll check your eligibility and confirm your out-of-pocket cost before you commit. Private health (Extras) can’t be claimed with Medicare for the same session—please check your fund for coverage. If cost is a concern, let us know and we’ll talk through options.
Q3. Will my information be kept confidential?
Yes. Your sessions and records are kept private under strict legal and ethical standards. There are a few exceptions—if there’s a serious risk of harm, concerns about a child or vulnerable person, or a court order. If we ever need to share information, we’ll explain why, what will be shared, and involve you as much as possible.