Counselling for female survivors of domestic violence as practiced in five European countries (United Kingdom - UK, Bulgaria, Italy, the Netherlands and Latvia) was qualitatively explored by researchers in the UK, Germany and Portugal over two years. The effectiveness of current practice was analysed using data from 60 face-to-face interviews with clients who had received counselling. Findings revealed that regardless of which counselling model or approach is used, the effectiveness of specialist domestic violence counselling is dependent upon a positive therapeutic alliance built on mutual trust and respect and, crucially, an understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence and abuse provided by highly qualified counsellors who have received domestic violence training. This article concludes by offering recommendations to inform future funding and policy decisions and avenues for future research
