In this episode of The Counselling Armchair, Liz and Melissa sit down with intern psychologist Joshua Boardman for a thoughtful conversation about coercive control—a form of emotional and psychological abuse that can occur in many types of relationships. Together, we discuss how it can appear, why it may be difficult to recognise, and what safe steps people can take if they have concerns.

Content note: This episode contains discussion of emotional abuse. Please listen with care, and remember that support is available through the services listed below.

• Understanding what coercive control is

• Common behaviours such as love bombing, gaslighting, and guilt-tripping

• Misconceptions and vulnerability factors

• Green flags in healthy relationships

• Where to find support and how to plan safely

• 1800RESPECT – 1800 737 732

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

• RMIT Student Support – 1300 305 737 / Text: 0488 884 162

• The Shark Cage® – Ursula Benstead: Educational metaphor for understanding boundaries and safety

• Victoria Police & Crime Stoppers Victoria Podcast: Coercive control and family violence

• NSW Government – Coercive Control Resources: Easy-read guides, translations, and support info

• eSafety Commissioner – Coercive Control Info Sheet: Focus on technology-based coercion among young people

• Attorney-General’s Department – National Principles on Coercive Control: Fact sheets, videos, and community resources

• Compass – Coercive Control Resource Hub: Central access point for education and services

• AIHW – Coercive Control Insights: Data and information on impacts in families

• Safer Families Centre – Toolkit: Examples and tools for professionals

• ACT Government Resources: Multilingual guides and local supports

• Financial Independence Hub – Good Shepherd | 📞 1300 050 150

• Leaving Violence Program – DSS | 📞 1800 253 283

• Anglicare Victoria – Family Violence Financial Counselling

• Women’s Legal Service Victoria | 📞 1800 133 302

• 1800RESPECT – Financial Abuse Toolkit | 📞 1800 737 732

👉 This episode is for educational purposes only. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please reach out to one of the support services above.

Key TopicsSupport ServicesFurther Resources (Educational)Financial & Legal Supports