We're a user-supported site and earn a commission from BetterHelp if you sign up through our links - at no cost to you.

Kathryn Vella

Holistic Jungian therapist specializing in trauma and relationships

About

I am a credentialed Australian professional living in Germany, 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.

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.

Academics
I am finalising my Master of Clinical Psychology and will begin my PhD in Clinical Psychology & Psychopharmacology in 2026. My research rigorously examines the clinical and neurobiological underpinnings of coercive control, integrating advanced investigations into trauma and its intersections with complex comorbid mental health conditions, attachment styles, and developmental disorders. Contributing academically to clinical psychology is as paramount as clinical practice and client engagement. This work aims to elucidate the multifaceted dynamics of coercive control and inform evidence-based interventions for populations affected by these pervasive challenges.

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

Kathryn

Disclaimer:
My work hours are Monday–Thursday. Emails are reviewed during these times, though responses may not always be immediate. For this reason, it is best that important concerns be raised within sessions where they can be addressed directly. My schedule is often at capacity, clients are encouraged to manage bookings or cancellations through the scheduling system. Friday–Sunday my inbox is not monitored. Please note that, as BetterHelp is an online platform, occasional connection issues may occur. If I am ever unable to attend a session for reasons other than technical issues, I will provide notice in advance and assist with rescheduling.

Years Experience: 6
Location: Australia, Australia
Accepting New Clients: No
Gender: Female
Accepting international clients: No
NPI Number:
Credentials:
Languages Spoken: English
Licenses: AASW #484038 exp 2026-06-30
List of Specialties: Stress, Anxiety, Relationship, Family, Trauma and abuse, Self esteem, Addictions, LGBT, Grief, Eating, Sleeping, Anger, Career, Bipolar, Coping with life changes, Coaching, Compassion fatigue, ADHD, Female therapist, Gay, Christian, Older, Non-religious, Conservative therapist
Where Can You Work With This Therapist: BetterHelp
Therapist of color: No
Communication options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Kathryn Vella

Specialist in coercive control recovery
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Schema therapy focus
  • Neurodiversity-aware

Licensed · Professional · Cancel Anytime

About

Kathryn Vella is a credentialed Australian professional currently living in Germany with six years of clinical and professional experience across mental health, forensic mental health, psychology, and life coaching.

She specialises in working with victims of coercive control, a complex area of practice. By integrating sociolegal and psychosocial frameworks into therapy, Kathryn ensures interventions are clinically sound and contextually relevant, addressing both psychological and systemic factors that affect recovery. This approach supports tailored, evidence-based strategies aimed at improving long-term outcomes for people navigating coercive control.

Her practice assists clients recovering from trauma, PTSD/CPTSD, and emotional and psychological abuse, including those rebuilding identity and self-esteem during or following narcissistic abuse. Kathryn uses schema therapy to help clients process childhood trauma, clarify purpose, cultivate self-compassion, and strengthen self-worth and direction. By addressing deep-rooted emotional patterns and unmet childhood needs, this work supports lasting change and freedom from maladaptive cycles.

Kathryn also supports people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), attending to the ways these conditions intersect with trauma, identity, and emotion regulation. Psychoeducation on coercive control, mental health, and neurodevelopmental disorders is woven into her trauma-informed, holistic practice.

All therapeutic work is grounded in unconditional positive regard, strengths-based practice, and trauma-informed care. Kathryn works collaboratively with clients, believing they are the experts on their own stories, and commends them for taking the first step toward healing.

Academically, Kathryn is finalising her Master of Clinical Psychology and will begin a PhD in Clinical Psychology & Psychopharmacology in 2026. Her research examines the clinical and neurobiological underpinnings of coercive control, integrating investigations into trauma and its intersections with complex comorbid mental health conditions, attachment styles, and developmental disorders. Contributing academically is as important to her as clinical practice and client engagement, with the goal of informing evidence-based interventions for those affected by coercive control.

Her work hours are Monday-Thursday and emails are reviewed during those times, though responses may not always be immediate. Clients are encouraged to raise important concerns within sessions so they can be addressed directly. Her schedule is often at capacity, and clients are encouraged to manage bookings or cancellations via the scheduling system. Friday-Sunday the inbox is not monitored. Please note that, as BetterHelp is an online platform, occasional connection issues may occur. If Kathryn is ever unable to attend a session for reasons other than technical issues, she will provide notice in advance and assist with rescheduling.

She looks forward to supporting clients on their journey to recovery.

Location: Australia, Australia
Years Experience: 6
Gender: Female
Languages Spoken: English
Therapist of Color: No
Communication Options: Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging

Specialties

Primary area of focus: Family, Relationship, Relationship, Self esteem, Stress, Anxiety, Trauma and abuse

Therapeutic approach: 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, Internal Family Systems, Jungian Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative Therapy, Psychodynamic Therapy, Solution-Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Systemic Therapy, Trauma-Focused Therapy
Ready To Start Your Journey?

Therapist Available Through: BetterHelp
Currently Accepting New Clients: No
Accepting International Clients: No

Credentials & Verification

  • Credentials:
  • NPI Number:
  • License: AASW #484038 exp 2026-06-30

Is Online Therapy the Right Step Toward Better Mental Health?

Many people wonder whether therapy delivered online can make a real difference. For common concerns such as stress, anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, or navigating life changes, online therapy has been shown to be just as effective as traditional in-person sessions. One of the key benefits is flexibility – clients can connect in the format that suits them best, whether by video call, phone session, live chat, or in-app messaging. This range of options often makes it easier to fit therapy into a busy life. All participating therapists are licensed professionals, and clients have the option to switch therapists if they feel a different fit would be more helpful. Online therapy can be a practical, effective choice for many people seeking support.

How much experience does Kathryn Vella have?

Kathryn Vella has 6 years of experience providing therapy services.

In which languages does Kathryn Vella provide therapy?

Kathryn Vella provides therapy in English.

Where is Kathryn Vella located?

Kathryn Vella is located in Australia.

How can I work with Kathryn Vella as my therapist?

You can work with Kathryn Vella through Phone • Video • Live Chat • Messaging.

How much does therapy with Kathryn Vella cost?

The cost of therapy can vary based on factors such as your location and Kathryn Vella’s availability. Sessions are billed through a subscription that can be cancelled at any time, for any reason. For current details, click the ‘Start Therapy’ button on this page.

How can I get started with therapy?

Getting started is quick and straightforward. Click the ‘Start Therapy’ button and complete a short questionnaire to help match you with Kathryn Vella. Depending on availability, you can then schedule your first session by phone, video call, live chat, or in-app messaging.

© All rights reserved.