Kathryn Vella, AASW

Kathryn Vella (AASW) is a clinician with six years of experience combining mental health practice, forensic mental health knowledge, psychology and life coaching to support people through complex trauma and relational harm. She specialises in working with victims of coercive control, integrating sociolegal and psychosocial frameworks so therapeutic work addresses both psychological impacts and the wider systems that affect recovery. This integrated approach supports tailored, evidence-informed interventions aimed at improving long-term outcomes for people navigating controlling or abusive relationships.

Her practice offers focused support for trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD, emotional and psychological abuse, and recovery from narcissistic abuse, including work on rebuilding identity and self-esteem. Schema-focused methods are used to explore childhood wounds, unmet needs and deep-rooted emotional patterns in order to develop self-compassion, purpose and healthier relational patterns. Kathryn also works with neurodivergent presentations and related challenges, including ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, attending to how these intersect with trauma and emotional regulation.

Therapy is informed by psychoeducation around coercive control, neurodevelopmental differences and general mental health, and is delivered from a trauma-informed, strengths-based stance grounded in unconditional positive regard. She works collaboratively, recognising clients as experts in their own stories, and encourages practical steps toward recovery. Kathryn is finalising her Master of Clinical Psychology and will begin a PhD in Clinical Psychology and Psychopharmacology in 2026, a program of research that examines the clinical and neurobiological aspects of coercive control and complex comorbidity.

Her usual working hours are Monday to Thursday, during which emails are reviewed though responses may not always be immediate. Kathryn’s schedule is often at capacity and clients are encouraged to manage bookings or cancellations through the scheduling system. Friday to Sunday the inbox is not monitored. Occasional connection issues may occur and advance notice will be given if a session cannot be attended for reasons other than technical problems.

Therapeutic approaches and accessible online care

Kathryn draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Attachment-Based Therapy and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to inform online work. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps people clarify their values, learn to accept difficult thoughts and feelings, and take committed action toward meaningful goals - it can be useful for anxiety, avoidance and living alongside difficult experiences. Attachment-Based Therapy focuses on how early relationship patterns shape current connections and emotional responses, supporting work on trust, boundaries and rebuilding secure relating. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) targets the links between thoughts, feelings and behaviours, offering practical strategies for managing anxiety, low mood and unhelpful coping habits.

Choosing the right approach is part of the therapeutic process; Kathryn works collaboratively with each person to identify what fits best with their needs, goals and preferences, and adjusts methods over time as progress and priorities evolve. This collaborative stance supports clients to feel involved and empowered in their own care.

Online therapy with Kathryn is available by video call, phone session, live chat or text-based messaging, providing flexibility for people balancing work, family or mobility needs. These options make it easier to access appropriately qualified or registered professionals from different locations, reduce travel time and allow therapy to follow the practical rhythms of a client’s life while maintaining ongoing therapeutic momentum.