Alison D’Vine is a passionate social worker who has reshaped how we view men’s healing. She is the founder of Perth’s first private-practice Men’s Behaviour Change Program, created specifically to address domestic violence through proactive, therapeutic engagement. With years of experience in trauma-informed care, Alison believes that men deserve the space and support to confront their past, take accountability, and break free from generational cycles. Her work is rooted in the principle that vulnerability is a strength, and that meaningful change happens through connection, not shame. Alison frequently speaks at summits, rallies, and podcasts, advocating for systems that support—not punish—those ready to heal. She is committed to building emotionally intelligent men and safer communities through a compassionate, evidence-based approach.

What if healing the future begins by understanding men’s pain today?

In this powerful episode of the Healing Through Love Podcast, Sharlene Lynch welcomes trailblazing social worker Alison D’Vine for a heart-centred conversation about breaking generational cycles and supporting men to heal. As the founder of Perth’s first private-practice Men’s Behaviour Change Program, Alison is leading a quiet revolution in how we approach domestic violence—starting with prevention, not punishment.

Raised in environments where emotions were buried and abuse often normalized; many men grow up disconnected from their feelings. That disconnection can eventually surface as anger, control, or violence. Alison’s work offers these men something rare: a second chance. A chance to understand their emotional inheritance, to take responsibility, and to choose a different path.

In this episode, she shares:

• The warning signs of generational trauma
• Why vulnerability is the foundation of strength
• How community support plays a role in long-term transformation

Whether you’re a survivor, therapist, advocate, or simply someone who believes in healing and hope, this episode will shift your perspective on what’s possible when we meet pain with compassion and action.

🎧 Tune in and discover how we can create a world where men are seen, supported, and strong enough to choose change.

📌 THREE Key Takeaways:

1. Healing Begins with Accountability – Men can transform their lives when given the tools and safe spaces to address trauma.
2. Generational Cycles Can Be Broken – With the right support, we are not doomed to repeat the patterns of our past.
3. Vulnerability is Strength – Real change happens when we allow ourselves to be seen, felt, and heard.

Introduction to Alison and the Podcast

• The podcast ‘Healing Through Love’ is introduced, focusing on domestic and family violence awareness and empowerment for survivors.
• Host Sharlene Lynch welcomes Alison, a social worker specializing in men’s behaviour change programs for domestic violence.
• Alison shares their journey into working with men who have perpetrated domestic violence, emphasizing the importance of understanding and addressing their experiences.

Alison’s Journey into Working with Men

• Alison recounts their experience during their Masters in Counselling, where they were encouraged to confront their ‘trigger client’, a man who employed domestic violence.
• During a role-play exercise, Alison felt overwhelmed and unable to engage effectively, highlighting the challenge of working with such clients.
• Alison’s perspective shifted after a session with a men’s behaviour change program, where they realized the men did not fit their preconceived notions of perpetrators.
• Alison learned to work with the humanity of the clients, using a balance of strong boundaries (iron fist) and care (velvet glove).

Establishment of Alison’s Private Practice

• Frustrated with the limitations of working under contract for the Department of Justice, Alison decided to start their own program.
• Within a month of quitting their job, Alison read all the guidelines set by the peak body in men’s behaviour change and created their own program, forms, and manual.
• Alison’s clinical supervisor supported the idea, offering office space, and within a month, Alison launched Sage NCWA, which has been growing successfully for two years.

Expansion and Impact of Alison’s Program

• Alison’s program gained significant attention after a presentation to a large group of lawyers in Perth, leading to increased referrals and court involvement.
• The program has been accepted in family, magistrates, and district courts, with sentences being linked to Alison’s reports.
• Alison has been nominated for awards and has started hosting practicum students to increase the number of men working in this field.
• Alison aims to expand the program to rural areas in Western Australia, though technological limitations pose challenges.

Final Words of Wisdom from Alison

• Alison emphasizes the importance of learning in an environment free from shame, promoting vulnerability and courage as key to healing.
• Alison encourages survivors and their partners to seek help and create lasting healing relationships.
• Alison views their work as a love letter to their children, aiming to create a safer world for them by addressing the root causes of domestic violence.

• Alison Dvine’s journey into working with men in domestic violence behaviour change programs began with her Masters in Counselling, where she faced her own triggers and learned to work with her shame and attachment issues.
• Alison’s initial reluctance to work with men in domestic violence programs was overcome when she realized that the men she worked with did not fit her preconceived notions of perpetrators.
• Alison’s approach to working with men in domestic violence programs involves a combination of strong boundaries and a person-centred, empathetic approach, described as an ‘iron fist in a velvet glove.’
• Frustration with the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach mandated by the Department of Justice led Alison to start her own private practice, Sage NCWA, focusing on men’s behaviour change programs.
• Alison’s program, Sage NCWA, quickly gained recognition and acceptance in the legal and court systems, leading to increased referrals and integration into court proceedings.
• Alison expressed her ambition to expand her program to rural areas in Western Australia, despite challenges related to technology and infrastructure.
• Sharlene Lynch suggested exploring low-bandwidth platforms like YouTube to make Alison’s program more accessible to people with limited technology access.
• Alison’s final words of wisdom emphasized the importance of learning in an environment free from shame, promoting vulnerability and courage to foster lasting healing relationships.