Carmel O'Brien

<p>Carmel O&rsquo;Brien is an Australian counselling psychologist whose special interest is the recovery of women and children from family violence.&nbsp; She has worked in child protection and women&rsquo;s correctional services, in relationship and general counselling services, in the community sector and in private practice.</p><br> <p>Carmel worked for many years as Director of Clinical Services for a large community agency, managing counselling and family violence support programs, and developing a suite of services for women and children who have experienced abuse. She initiated some unique models of service provision including utilizing trained mentors to aid recovery, commencing a domestic violence prevention program for girls in schools, and starting a successful choir for survivors.&nbsp; In this role she also launched two iPhone Apps to deliver information about domestic violence issues and healthy relationships.&nbsp; Carmel was instrumental in developing the Australian Psychological Society guidelines for working with intimate partner violence.&nbsp; Her first book &ldquo;Blame Changer: Understanding Domestic Violence&rdquo; was released in October 2016.&nbsp; She also has a particular interest in survivors&rsquo; experiences in the justice system.&nbsp;</p><br> <p>Carmel received the Australian Psychological Society Elaine Dignan Award for her contribution to women through her profession and is also a Fellow of both the Australian Psychological Society and the Cairnmillar Institute.&nbsp; In January 2017, Carmel was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contribution to mental health and social welfare organisations.&nbsp;</p> <br> <p>Carmel has seven adult children and lives in Rosebud, Victoria.</p><br>