A standalone clinical service
IPV & Coercive Control Screening
A private, one-to-one screening service for people who want to understand what is happening in their relationship — before, during, or completely apart from any legal or mediation process.
You do not need to be in mediation, in court, or even sure that what you are experiencing “counts.” Screening is a structured, confidential conversation that helps you name patterns, understand risk, and decide what — if anything — you want to do next.
Screening is individual and confidential. Your partner is never contacted, and nothing is shared without your knowledge.
What screening can help you with
- Understanding whether what you are experiencing fits patterns of intimate partner violence or coercive control
- Thinking through safety — for you and for your children
- Preparing for a conversation with a lawyer, mediator, or therapist
- Deciding whether mediation, therapy, or another path is appropriate for your situation
You do not need to explain or prove the abuse here. The conversation starts from what you tell us.
Who this service is for
People come to screening from many different places
Individuals
You are questioning your relationship
Something feels wrong, but you are not sure what to call it. You may be minimizing, second-guessing yourself, or wondering if you are overreacting. Screening gives you a structured space to look at the pattern — without pressure to leave, stay, or decide anything.
Referrals
You were referred by a professional
Your lawyer, mediator, therapist, doctor, or another professional suggested screening before your matter moves forward. We coordinate with referring professionals only with your written consent.
Before a process
You are heading into mediation or court
Screening helps determine whether a joint process like mediation is safe and suitable for you — and what supports or safeguards you would need if you go ahead.
What it involves
A structured, trauma-informed conversation
Screening at Soteldo Psychotherapy Clinic is informed by recognized tools such as the MASIC-S (Mediation Assessment of Safety Issues and Concerns) and by the B.R.A.V.E. Framework™, developed by clinic founder Raquel Soteldo, RP.
What we look at together
- Patterns of control, intimidation, isolation, and monitoring
- Physical, sexual, emotional, and financial abuse
- Post-separation abuse and ongoing harassment
- Your safety, your children’s safety, and your supports
- Your goals — whether or not you plan to leave
What you can expect
- Individual appointments only — never joint sessions for screening
- A pace set by you, with no obligation to disclose more than you choose
- Clear explanations of what is confidential and what the limits of confidentiality are
- Where appropriate, a written summary you can share with your lawyer or mediator
Our approach
A framework informed by established risk-assessment tools
Our screening is guided by a structured clinical framework that draws on recognized intimate partner violence risk-assessment instruments, including:
- Ontario Domestic Assault Risk Assessment Guide (ODARA)
- Domestic Violence Risk Appraisal Guide (DVRAG)
- Spousal Assault Risk Assessment Guide – Version 3 (SARA-V3)
- Brief Spousal Assault Form for the Assessment of Risk, Second Edition (B-SAFER)
- Summary of Domestic Violence Risk Factors
- Domestic Violence Screening Inventory Revised (DVSI-R)
- Danger Assessment
How it works
Four steps
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Reach out privately
Email us from an account only you can access. Tell us as much or as little as you like — we will arrange a time and a safe way to contact you.
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Clarify purpose and privacy
At the first appointment, we explain what screening is, what it is not, how your information is protected, and what would ever require us to break confidentiality.
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Meet individually
We explore your situation at your pace, using structured questions about patterns of behaviour, safety, and your concerns. Most screenings take one to three sessions.
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Decide on next steps
Together we review what the screening suggests — options may include individual therapy, safety planning, legal or mediation referrals, or simply having a clearer picture of your situation.
Important to know
What screening is not
Not couples counselling
Screening is always individual. Where there is coercive control, joint sessions can increase risk — so we never screen partners together.
Not a court assessment
Screening is a clinical service, not a custody evaluation or a court-ordered assessment. It does not produce a legal finding about anyone’s behaviour.
Not legal advice
We can help you understand your situation and prepare good questions, but only a lawyer can advise you on your legal rights and options.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Does my partner find out I came?
No. Appointments are individual and confidential. We never contact your partner, and we agree with you in advance on how and when it is safe to reach you.
Do I have to be leaving my relationship?
No. Many people come to screening while they are still in the relationship and unsure what they want. Understanding your situation does not commit you to any decision.
What if I was referred by my lawyer or mediator?
That is common. We will clarify with you exactly what the referring professional needs, and nothing is shared with them without your written consent.
Can I get something in writing?
Where appropriate, we can provide a written summary of the screening that you may choose to share with your lawyer or mediator. You decide what is included and who receives it.
What does it cost?
Fees depend on the number of sessions your screening requires. Email us and we will give you clear fee information before you book anything.
If you are in danger
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. If it is not safe to read this page right now, use the Quick Exit button at the top — it takes you to a neutral website.
For confidential support, safety planning, and community resources, visit our Help Now page, which lists crisis lines, shelters, legal resources, and victim services across Ontario.
Begin privately
Start with a conversation about your circumstances.
Email info@soteldotherapy.com from an account only you can access, and let us know the safest way to reach you. We will take it from there — at your pace.
Private inquiry
Help us understand which screening approach may fit your circumstances
Tell us the purpose of your inquiry, any concerns you choose to share and whether a professional has requested a specific instrument. A clinician—not this form—will review the context and discuss suitable screening or specialist referral options.
Our service uses a screening framework informed by different tools. Certified administrations of these assessments are not yet offered.