Anglicare Southern Queensland offers client-centred counselling to support people through a range of challenges. The counselling programs we offer include alcohol and other drug programs, family and relationship counselling and domestic and family violence counselling. Our counsellors work in a safe, compassionate and non-judgemental way.
Our Living Without Violence Court Program is a behaviour change program. It’s designed for men who have used violence and abuse against their partners, children, and/or family members. It assists them with ceasing their use of abusive, controlling and violent behaviours. Thus, encouraging them to create safety, respect and partnerships in their current or future relationships.
Mark’s story
Mark, one of our counsellors, provides court support as an initiative of this program. In his role he provides brief intervention, information, education and referrals within the Brisbane Domestic and Family Violence Court.
In an institution that isn’t typically welcoming to men who have used family and domestic violence against their loved ones, Mark has been commended on his ability to quickly build trust with his clients. However, he never minimises their actions and keeps them accountable to their behaviours.
When speaking about this court support role, one of his colleagues said, “In this style of therapy, it’s about allowing for genuine warmth and rapport building. This facilitates an environment for effective change to take place.”
Since starting with Anglicare in 2011, Mark has counselled many individuals. Including those across our alcohol and other drug and domestic and family violence programs. Particularly within the court support space. Clients from these programs often find seeking support to be daunting. This is based on how they’ve been perceived and dealt with by the wider public. Though, through Mark’s practice and professionalism, many have been able to use his support and guidance to make meaningful changes in their lives and relationships.
Like all our counsellors, Mark provides client-centred care. Though, he continuously goes above and beyond in showing up for his clients. He meets their needs in a space and manner that is comfortable for them.
Client-centred care is about being flexible to support clients achieve their goals in ways that work for them. Whether that’s talking to clients in a courtroom or office setting or meeting them at a picnic table in a nearby park where they don’t feel confined within a formal setting.
Mark exceeds what is required of his role to connect with and help his clients to make meaningful change for their future. His ability to hold clients accountable to their actions, while building rapport to improve their behaviours and relationships exemplifies his caring and professional nature.