FAQs

If you are searching for information about a Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP) or Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling, you likely have important questions. Whether you are a man considering behaviour change support, a partner seeking guidance, or someone navigating court-ordered requirements, understanding the differences between an MBCP and individual counselling is essential.

This FAQ page provides short clear, practical answers about Men’s Behaviour Change Programs, behaviour change counselling for men, accountability, readiness for change, and what to expect from the process.

Our goal is to help you make informed decisions about safe, structured and effective support. Some other useful information and articles is on our blogs page.

What is the difference between Mens Behaviour Change Programs and Mens Behaviour Change Counselling?

What is the difference between “General Counselling” and Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling?

How to Know if He Is Ready to Change

How to Encourage Your Partner to Attend Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling

“It’s just an anger issue” – Is it really?

How to Talk to a Son, Brother, or Friend About Harmful Behaviour

Other Frequently Asked Questions

Who Matters – Who Matters to You?


The name reflects the heart of behaviour change work. Lasting change begins when the focus shifts from “How do I feel?” to “Who is affected by my behaviour?” Conflict and stress impact partners, children, and families. “Who Matters” is an invitation to pause, reflect, and choose actions that protect the people who matter most.

Counselling is offered at $150 per 50-minute session conducted online.

Counsellors are highly trained and experienced in multiple modalities

Sessions are typically held weekly or fortnightly, particularly in the early stages of therapy to ensure the needs of the client are understood and necessary supports can be established. Please contact us to discuss suitability and next steps.

Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling is offered at $170 per 50-minute session conducted online

This is a specialist service grounded in structured, accountability-based practice and extensive experience working with complex behavioural patterns, family violence frameworks, and relational safety.
Sessions are typically held weekly, particularly in the early stages of change, as consistent engagement is critical for meaningful and sustained behavioural shift. The duration of counselling varies depending on the level of risk, pattern history, and individual readiness.
If you are seeking professional, structured Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling, you are welcome to make contact to discuss suitability and next steps.

A Men’s Behaviour Change Program is usually group-based and highly structured, often linked to court or legal processes.

Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling is individual therapy focused on understanding and changing harmful patterns such as anger, control, or intimidation. Counselling may be voluntary and preventative, while an MBCP is typically used in more serious family violence contexts.

A Men’s Behaviour Change Program (MBCP) is a structured, group-based program designed for men who have used violence, coercive control, or abusive behaviours in relationships. In Canberra and across Australia, MBCPs focus on accountability, victim safety, and long-term behaviour change. Many programs are court ordered or required by child protection services.

No. An MBCP is not simply anger management. While anger may be involved, Men’s Behaviour Change Programs address broader issues such as coercive control, entitlement, intimidation, emotional abuse, and the impact of behaviour on partners and children.

In most cases, no. If a court has ordered a Men’s Behaviour Change Program, individual counselling is not considered a substitute. Court requirements typically specify an approved MBCP provider.

Men should consider behaviour change counselling if they notice:
  • Escalating anger or frustration
  • Unable to hear each other’s perspectives
  • Repeated relationship conflict
  • Controlling or jealous behaviours
  • Verbal aggression
  • Emotional shutdown walking out (often used as punishment)
Early intervention can prevent further harm and reduce the likelihood of legal involvement.

A man may be ready to change if he:

  • Takes full responsibility without blaming
  • Acknowledges the impact of his behaviour
  • Seeks help voluntarily
  • Attends counselling consistently
  • Accepts being challenged

Promises alone are not a reliable indicator — consistent behavioural change over time is.

Most Men’s Behaviour Change Programs in Australia run for 20–26 weeks or longer, with weekly group sessions. Some programs include ongoing risk assessment and partner safety contact after the group process has ended.

Yes, counselling is confidential within legal and ethical limits. However, if there are serious safety concerns, risks of harm, or mandatory reporting obligations (for example involving children), confidentiality may be limited in accordance with Australian law.

Early engagement in Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling can help men recognise and change harmful patterns before they escalate into more serious family violence. Counselling focuses on accountability, emotional regulation, and safer relationship behaviours. There are never guarantees because family violence is, ultimately, a choice a man makes.

If you are searching for a Men’s Behaviour Change Program or individual behaviour change counselling for men, it is important to seek a qualified practitioner experienced in family violence frameworks, accountability-based practice, and structured behaviour change work. Contact NTV Men’s Referral Service for qualified/accredited services in your local area.

No. Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling is not anger management.
While anger may be part of the picture, behaviour change counselling goes deeper. It examines patterns of control, entitlement, intimidation, defensiveness, and relational dynamics — not just emotional outbursts.
Anger management typically focuses on calming techniques and emotional regulation skills.
Men’s Behaviour Change Counselling focuses on accountability, responsibility, and the impact of behaviour on partners and children.
Learning to “stay calm” is not the same as addressing controlling or harmful patterns.

No. Family violence is not simply an anger issue.
Many men who use coercive or controlling behaviours are not out of control — they may regulate themselves well in work or social settings. The behaviour often appears selectively in intimate relationships.

Family violence frameworks recognise that harmful behaviour can involve:

  • Power and control dynamics
  • Intimidation
  • Emotional abuse
  • Coercive control
  • Patterned behaviour over time

Addressing family violence requires structured accountability-based intervention — not just anger management techniques.