Domestic violence is a complex social issue that has significant social, psychological and economic impact on men, women, families and communities. Domestic violence may involve a range of behaviours including physical, sexual, emotional, verbal, social, or economic and spiritual abuse.

Domestic violence is across all demographics, regardless of age, gender, sexual identity, cultural background, ability, religion, wealth, status or location. There is no one type of perpetrator of domestic violence as there are also different types of violence.

Many people are not aware they are living in domestically violent situations. People who perpetrate abuse and violence in their intimate relationships can tend to minimise, justify or blame their partner for their violence. The reality is that the perpetrator is always responsible for acts of violence and abuse.

Domestic violence counselling is a highly complex and specialised field of counselling. At all times the safety of all concerned is prioritised above all else. We provide counselling for those involved in domestic violence relationships and are involved in researching the most effective therapeutic approaches to working with perpetrators.

Mediation is a process that assists people in negotiating their decisions with the help of a third party. Family mediation is used in situations of family breakdown to help those involved to communicate better and reach decisions around some of the issues arising from separation and divorce, e.g., children, property, and finance. Those entering family mediation do so voluntarily and find that not only is it a cost-effective way of resolving disputes and conflicts but it also imparts skills that can minimize risks of escalating conflicts in the future. Family mediation may prevent the need to engage in lengthy and costly legal proceedings. Once people enter mediation they will be encouraged to talk openly and to exchange information, ideas, and feelings constructively.

The family mediator is impartial and will not advise about what they think the best option is for either party. The process supports each party in reaching informed decisions that are best for all concerned. Family mediation may not be appropriate in situations where there has been, or there is a current risk of, family violence/abuse. An initial assessment is carried out with each party to ascertain whether family mediation is the best option.

Psychometric assessments are used to assess abilities relating to emotional, social, behavioural or educational difficulties. However, they will not decide for people what they should do. The results generated from assessments are normally used alongside other methods of assessment e.g., interviews, resumes, and other exercises to allow people to make fully informed decisions.

A psychological assessment will typically involve:

• An initial intake interview where the psychologist will gather information from the client and/or family members.
• Correspondence with third parties, including schools or workplaces.
• Psychological testing of the client.
• Discussion of the test results with the client and/or family members.
• A psychometric report.

In addition to information gathered from relevant parties, assessments can identify:

• Learning difficulties, such as literacy and numeracy problems, and dyslexia
• Intellectual abilities, including intellectual impairment and giftedness
• Attention difficulties
• Memory problems
• Social and communication skills
• Emotional difficulties
• Behavioural problems

Following the psychometric assessment, the psychologist will work with the client and relevant parties to implement recommendations and develop a treatment plan.

Many veterans can successfully adjust to the day-to-day routine of civilian life following military service. However, for some veterans, the experiences during their military service have a lasting and profound effect on their lives. Adjusting to civilian life can be challenging due to the culture of strict conformity and high standards of behaviour, and traumatic service experiences.

Common mental health concerns among veterans include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Complex grief
• Alcohol and substance misuse or dependence

Misso Psychology can provide psychological services to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA). To access this service, you will require a DVA referral from your GP. For more information, please contact the clinic or discuss with your GP.