Interpersonal Violence or Abuse
“...anyone can get angry - that is easy...but to do this to the right person, to the right extent, and the right time, with the right motive, and in the right way, that is not for every one, nor is it easy…””
Our expertise
Alex Honeykats has over 20 years experience in working in this field, and has provided clinical supervision to professionals, and services to hundreds of men in individual counselling as well as group therapy.
Over the years, Alex has researched and developed the specific skills required to provide psychotherapeutic services to men, and mentored clinical staff in this capability.
He has presented at conferences; been the family violence (adults) coordinator with Relationships Australia (WA); Consultant for Family/Domestic Violence services with Anglicare (WA); and has provided a range of family violence-specific clinical training to government and not-for-profit organisations. Further, he developed a group-based intervention program (Changing Tracks), which continues to be funded in Western Australia.
More recently, Alex was the manager of a clinical services team across two Australian jurisdictions.
Our philosophy
Interpersonal violence and abuse (IVA) is a much contested area of study and practice, with a range of often conflicting theories developed to explain this social phenomenon.
Our practice is guided by the following principles:
all people deserve to exist in a violence and abuse-free context
IVA is best addressed when all members of the social or family system are engaging in services, interventions or counselling (where safe to do so). Male clients are at times referred to group-based interventions offered by reputable partner agencies
IVA is not a relationship issue - it is a violence and abuse issue which creates fear for those experiencing it. For this reason, IVA is not addressed within family or couples therapy
those experiencing IVA are referred to specialist services
risk(s) presented to those experiencing IVA, as well as to the user of such behaviours, are thoroughly assessed, and clinical management plans are developed to negate or reduce such risks
where risks are assessed as extreme, or where children are witnessing or subjected to IVA, police and child protection authorities will be notified
HRS works collaboratively with agencies providing services to the client family system to better coordinate services and clinical outcomes
Clients are advised of mandatory reporting of actual or perceived risk to childen.
Family/Domestic Violence
HRS counsellors have specific skills, training and experience in working with men, and those who use interpersonal violence or abuse within their relationships.
Our service can make referrals for those experiencing abuse or violence to specialist professional services within the Riverina/Murray region, where required.