While couples attending my services may have any one of a broad range of relationship issues, as a baseline their relationship must demonstrate mutual respect and safety. I do not work with couples where violence or abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, financial, social) is present.
This is because people need to feel comfortable in being vulnerable in the mentoring context. It will not be effective if you are open in exploring your perceptions and feelings, only to then be confronted by abusive or violent behaviour in retaliation after the session.
Healthy relationships are founded on mutual respect, empathy, and trust. Any controlling or coercive behaviour by one partner to the other is likely to limit what you can achieve in therapy together.
Some practitioners, however, do specialise in working with couples where there is evidence of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) and specialist resources in this area are available.
If you need immediate support in a violent or abusive situation call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for 24/7 help.