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Kathryn Vella, AASW

Experienced mental health professional

Provides online counseling through BetterHelp

At a glance

Kathryn is an experienced, licensed Mental Health Professional who specializes in affordable online therapy offered through our partner, BetterHelp.

Great news, Kathryn is accepting new clients!
She is normally fully-booked.
Speaks English
Offers Telehealth visits
Licensed in Australia

More about Kathryn

  • 6 years' experience
  • Female
  • AASW

I am a credentialed professional in Australia with six years of clinical and professional experience in mental health, forensic mental health, psychology, and life coaching. I specialise in treating victims of coercive control, a highly complex area of practice. By integrating sociolegal and psychosocial frameworks into therapeutic interventions, it ensures my approach is both clinically sound and contextually relevant, addressing the psychological and systemic factors that impact recovery. This dynamic approach allows for tailored, evidence-based strategies that enhance long-term outcomes for clients navigating the complexities of coercive control.

My practice supports clients in overcoming trauma, PTSD/CPTSD, and emotional and psychological abuse while addressing challenges related to rebuilding identity and self-esteem following and during narcissistic abuse. Incorporating schema therapy supports clients process childhood trauma, identify purpose, develop self-compassion, strengthen self-worth, and direction; by addressing deep-rooted emotional patterns and unmet childhood needs, schema therapy fosters healing and empowers clients to break free from maladaptive cycles.

I also specialise in supporting clients with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and considering the unique ways these conditions intersect with trauma, identity, and emotional regulation.

In addition to evidence-based therapies, I integrate the Expressive Therapies Continuum (ETC) to facilitate a structured and adaptive approach to sensorimotor, cognitive, and emotional processing in trauma recovery. ETC provides a clinically informed framework that enhances self-expression, emotional regulation, and meaning making, fostering deeper therapeutic engagement and improved outcomes.

Psychoeducation on coercive control, mental health, and neurodevelopmental disorders is incorporated into therapy offering a holistic, trauma-informed approach that supports sustainable healing.

All therapeutic interventions are grounded in unconditional positive regard, strengths-based practice, and trauma-informed care. I work collaboratively with clients because I believe that you are the expert on your own story, and I commend you for taking the first step toward healing. Given the specialised tools integrated into therapy, my preferred contact method is chat; however, I also offer phone and video sessions to accommodate your needs.

I look forward to supporting you on your journey to recovery.

Kathryn

Specialties

Stress Anxiety Relationship issues Family conflicts Trauma and abuse Self esteem Abandonment Aging and geriatric issues Antisocial personality Attachment issues Autism and Asperger Syndrome Avoidant personality BDSM, kink, and alternative sex culture Body image Caregiver issues and stress Co-morbidity Codependency Commitment issues Communication problems Control issues Coping with natural or human-caused disaster Dependent personality Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD) Dissociation Divorce and separation Domestic violence Eating and food-related issues Emptiness Family of origin issues Family problems Fatherhood issues Forgiveness Guilt and shame Hospice and end-of-life counseling Immigration issues Impulsivity Infidelity Intellectual disability Isolation / loneliness Jealousy Life purpose Men's issues Midlife crisis Money and financial issues Mood disorders Multicultural concerns Narcissism Obsessions, compulsions, and OCD Panic disorder and panic attacks Personality disorders Postpartum depression Post-traumatic stress Pregnancy and childbirth Process addiction (porn, exercise, gambling) Self-love Sexual assault and abuse Social anxiety and phobia Women's issues Young adult issues

Treatment Approaches

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
  • Attachment-Based Therapy
  • Client-Centered Therapy
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
  • Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT)
  • Existential Therapy
  • Jungian Therapy
  • Mindfulness Therapy
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Narrative Therapy
  • Psychodynamic Therapy
  • Solution-Focused Therapy
  • Somatic Therapy
  • Trauma-Focused Therapy
  • Internal Family Systems
  • Systemic Therapy

Licenses

  • AASW · Australia · 484038 · Expires June 2025

About online counseling

Affordable.
Pay a low flat fee.
Convenient.
Do it at your own time and at your own pace. Communicate whenever you feel it's needed.
Available now.
There is no waiting list and no calls to make. Simply fill out a short questionnaire and send your first message.

Online counseling, also known as teletherapy, is a method of delivering mental health services through digital means such as video conferencing, phone calls, or messaging platforms. It can be an ideal option for individuals who have difficulty accessing traditional therapy due to geographical distance, time constraints, or personal preferences like privacy and comfort. Many people find it easier to open up from the familiarity of their own space.

Teletherapy has been found to be highly effective, with studies showing that it can produce similar outcomes to in-person therapy, particularly for issues like anxiety, depression, and PTSD. The flexibility and accessibility it offers make it a valuable alternative to conventional therapy settings.

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Frequently asked questions

Does Kathryn Vella offer telehealth visits?

Yes. Kathryn Vella works with clients by exchanging messages, chatting live, speaking over the phone, or video conferencing based on what works for the client at that particular time.

What language(s) does Kathryn Vella speak?

Kathryn Vella speaks English.

How many years of experience does Kathryn Vella have?

Kathryn Vella has 6 years of experience.

Where is Kathryn Vella licensed to practice?

Kathryn Vella is licensed to practice in Australia.

Does Kathryn Vella accept clients outside of Australia?

No, Kathryn Vella does not accept clients outside of Australia.

Is online therapy as effective as in-person therapy?

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of online platforms in facilitating life changes. For instance, research published by JMIR Publications, conducted by teams from the University of Berkeley, UCSF, and SF General Hospital, found that "users of BetterHelp experienced significantly reduced depression symptom severity after engaging with the platform."

What treatment approaches does Kathryn Vella offer?

Kathryn Vella offers clients Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Attachment-Based Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT), Existential Therapy, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy, Internal Family Systems, and Systemic Therapy.

How can I communicate with Kathryn Vella?

Kathryn Vella can be engaged in any one of four ways: (1) Exchanging messages, (2) chatting live, (3) speaking over the phone, or (4) video conferencing. You can use different ways at different times as you wish, based on your needs, availability, and convenience.

How do I get started with Kathryn Vella?

Just tap the CHAT NOW button or tap here: A new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.

Mental health conditions are real, common, and treatable.

And recovery is possible.

Messaging
Live Chat
Phone
Video

When you tap CHAT NOW a new window will open and you'll be directed to a simple form that will help start the conversation. Please note: It can take up to a few days to be matched to a therapist.