Understanding Coercive Control

Recognising the Patterns, Reclaiming Clarity

28 November 2026 | 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

Have you ever questioned whether you are being controlled in a relationship?

Perhaps you have noticed changes in a friend, sister, daughter, or someone you care about. They may seem less confident, increasingly anxious, withdrawn, or uncertain of their own judgement.

Or perhaps you have found yourself wondering why a relationship that once felt loving and supportive now leaves you feeling confused, emotionally exhausted, or constantly questioning yourself.

Coercive control is not always obvious.

It does not necessarily involve physical violence, shouting, or overt threats. Often, it develops gradually through subtle behaviours that, when viewed individually, may appear insignificant or even normal.

Over time, however, these behaviours can form a pattern that undermines a person's confidence, independence, sense of identity, and ability to trust their own judgement.

This is why recognising coercive control requires us to look beyond individual incidents and understand the patterns of power, manipulation, intimidation, and control that may exist within a relationship.

About the Workshop

As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, Serene Solutions Counselling & Social Services invites you to join a thought-provoking and educational two-hour workshop exploring the often misunderstood dynamics of coercive control.

Drawing on the published work of Dee Donaldson, Clinical Psychologist and author, this workshop explores the principles of recognising coercive control, including the importance of identifying patterns of behaviour rather than focusing on isolated incidents.

Dee Donaldson's Relationship Clarity Mapping™ is acknowledged as a valuable framework for understanding and tracking coercive behaviours. The workshop will reference insights from her published work alongside Theresa Potter's clinical experience in domestic and family violence, complex trauma, and relationship dynamics.

Please note: This is an independently presented educational workshop and does not constitute formal training or certification in Dee Donaldson's Relationship Clarity Mapping™ method.

What Will We Explore?

During this interactive and informative presentation, we will discuss:

• What is coercive control? Understanding the difference between healthy relationship conflict and patterns of coercion.

• The subtle warning signs: Recognising emotional manipulation, gaslighting, isolation, intimidation, financial control, and the gradual erosion of personal autonomy.

• Why is it so difficult to recognise? Exploring how coercive behaviours can become normalised within everyday relationship interactions.

• The psychological impact: Understanding how prolonged exposure can affect self-esteem, identity, decision-making, emotional regulation, and mental wellbeing.

• Recognising patterns: Learning why repeated behaviours and their cumulative effects matter more than isolated incidents.

• Supporting someone you care about: How to respond when you suspect a friend or family member may be experiencing coercive control, without judgement or increasing their risk.

• Finding a way forward: Exploring practical strategies, available resources, and appropriate pathways to support and safety.

Meet Your Presenter — Theresa Potter

Accredited Social Worker | Clinical Psychotherapist | Clinical Hypnotherapist

Theresa Potter is the founder of Serene Solutions Counselling & Social Services in Ellenbrook, Western Australia.

With extensive experience supporting individuals, couples, and families navigating complex relationship difficulties, Theresa brings a trauma-informed and clinically grounded perspective to understanding coercive control.

Her professional work includes supporting survivors of domestic and family violence, psychological and emotional abuse, complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD), religious trauma, and relationships affected by manipulation and unhealthy power dynamics.

Through her work as a social worker and psychotherapist, Theresa has witnessed how coercive control can gradually erode an individual's confidence, independence, and sense of self, often leaving them questioning their own perceptions and experiences.

Her approach combines clinical knowledge, practical education, compassion, and an understanding of the psychological processes that can make controlling relationships difficult to identify and leave.

Theresa is passionate about helping people recognise unhealthy relationship patterns, understand their experiences, and make informed decisions about their wellbeing and safety.

Her message is simple: You cannot always recognise coercive control by looking at a single incident. Sometimes, it is only when we connect the dots that the bigger picture becomes clear.

Who Should Attend?

This workshop is suitable for anyone who:

• Wants to understand coercive control and its warning signs.

• Is questioning certain behaviours within their own relationship.

• Is concerned about a friend, family member, colleague, or loved one.

• Has experienced a controlling relationship and wants to better understand what happened.

• Works with or supports people who may be experiencing domestic and family violence.

• Believes that education and awareness are essential to preventing abuse.

You do not need to have experienced domestic violence to benefit from this presentation.

Workshop Information

Date: Saturday, 28 November 2026
Duration: 2 hours
Cost: $50 per person

Your workshop fee includes educational information and free resource materials to support continued learning and awareness.

Special Book Giveaway

Two attendees will each receive a complimentary copy of Dee Donaldson's book on understanding coercive control, generously included as part of our workshop giveaway.

Why This Conversation Matters

Coercive control thrives when its patterns remain unseen, misunderstood, or dismissed.

By increasing awareness, we can become better equipped to recognise harmful behaviours, support those affected, and challenge the misconception that abuse must be physical to be damaging.

Whether you attend for yourself, someone you love, or simply to become better informed, this workshop offers an opportunity to learn, reflect, and develop a deeper understanding of the dynamics of coercive control.

Because understanding the pattern may be the first step towards reclaiming clarity, confidence, and choice.

Please note: This is an educational workshop, not a group therapy session. Participants will not be expected to disclose personal experiences. Some topics may be emotionally confronting, and attendees are encouraged to participate at their own comfort level.

If you are currently experiencing domestic or family violence and require confidential support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an immediate emergency, call 000.