Men’s Behaviour Change Program vs Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling: What’s the Difference?
If you’re searching for a Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP) or men’s behaviour change counselling, you may be unsure what the difference is — and which one you actually need.
Both services aim to help men change harmful behaviours.
But they are designed for different situations.
If you’re in Canberra or elsewhere in Australia looking for behaviour change support for men, this guide explains it clearly.
What Is a Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP)?
A Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP) is a structured, group-based program designed for men who have used violence, coercive control, or abusive behaviour in relationships.
These programs are often:
- Court ordered
- Required by child protection services
- Recommended following police involvement
- Part of family law proceedings
In Australia, a Men’s Behaviour Change Program focuses heavily on:
- Accountability
- Victim safety
- Understanding coercive control
- The impact of family violence on women and children
- Long-term behaviour change
An MBCP is not general anger management.
It specifically addresses family violence and controlling behaviours.
What to Expect in a Men’s Behaviour Change Program
- Group sessions with other men (usually with a female and male facilitator)
- Weekly attendance (often 20+ weeks)
- Structured curriculum
- Risk assessment processes
- Partner contact and safety planning
If you have been court ordered to attend a Men’s Behaviour Change Program, individual counselling is usually not considered a substitute.
What Is Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling?
Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling is individual therapy focused on helping a man understand and change unhealthy or harmful patterns — before they escalate or become entrenched.
It is typically:
- One-on-one
- Voluntary
- Tailored to the individual
- Focused on insight and skill development
Men seek behaviour change counselling for:
- Anger that feels out of control
- Repeated relationship conflict
- Jealousy or possessiveness
- Emotional shutdown
- Verbal aggression
- Early signs of controlling behaviour
Unlike a formal MBCP, behaviour change counselling may also explore:
- Trauma history
- Attachment patterns
- Emotional regulation skills
- Stress and overwhelm
- Communication skills
It can be preventative, early-intervention support — or part of deeper personal growth work.
Key Differences Between MBCP and Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling
| Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP) | Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling |
|---|---|
| Group-based | Individual sessions |
| Highly structured | Flexible and personalised |
| Often court ordered | Usually voluntary |
| Designed for family violence contexts | May address emerging or lower-level behaviours |
| Includes partner safety processes | Typically does not include partner contact |
| Focused strongly on accountability | Focused on insight and emotional skill-building |
Which One Do I Need?
You may need a Men’s Behaviour Change Program if:
- There has been physical violence
- There are threats or intimidation
- Police or courts are involved
- A partner feels afraid
- Child protection is involved
You may benefit from men’s behaviour change counselling if:
- You want to stop harmful patterns early
- You are motivated to change
- You recognise escalating anger
- You want to improve your relationship
- You are seeking men’s counselling for controlling behaviour
If you are unsure, a professional assessment can clarify what level of intervention is appropriate.
Why Early Behaviour Change Matters
Many men wait until there are legal consequences before seeking help.
The earlier behaviour patterns are addressed, the easier they are to change.
Seeking men’s counselling for anger or controlling behaviour is not an admission of being a “bad person.”
It is a decision to take responsibility and prevent further harm.
Men’s Behaviour Change Support in Canberra
At Who Matters, we provide:
- Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling
- Support for men concerned about anger or control
- Early intervention behaviour change work
- Professional, accountable, structured therapeutic support
If you are searching for a Men’s Behaviour Change Program in Canberra or wondering whether individual counselling is appropriate, you are welcome to make contact to discuss your situation.
Or you could go to one of the following MBCP providers in Canberra: DVCS Room4Change or EveryMan Violence Prevention
Change begins with ownership.
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