A New Standard in Domestic Violence Treatment and Forensic Practice
Counseling | Evaluations | Expert Consultation | Professional Training
Nil Buckley, MA, LPC, LAC, ACS, NCC, DVCS.
A New Standard in Domestic Violence Treatment and Forensic Practice
Counseling | Evaluations | Expert Consultation | Professional Training
Nil Buckley
MA, LPC, LAC, ACS, NCC, DVCS
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"This curriculum gave me the tools to rebuild my life."
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“The CARE method was a life-changing experience."
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Working under Nil Buckley changed the way I approach DV treatment."
~ "This curriculum gave me the tools to rebuild my life." ~ “The CARE method was a life-changing experience." ~ Working under Nil Buckley changed the way I approach DV treatment."
When Training Falls Short, Treatment Fails
Mental health counseling programs are designed to prepare clinicians to work with individuals who are ready and motivated to change. Yet many professionals—particularly those providing forensic and court-ordered treatment—are expected to produce meaningful outcomes using outdated models, limited training, and minimal support.
Only when that gap is addressed – for both professionals and clients – can accountability, insight, and motivation for change truly take hold.
Introducing The CARE Method Series
The CARE Method is a research-informed, trauma-informed domestic violence intervention curriculum designed to move treatment beyond attendance and toward meaningful, long-lasting behavioral change. Rooted in the Risk-Need-Responsivity model and integrating cognitive behavioral therapy, motivational interviewing, and person-centered counseling, it recognizes that clients do not enter treatment with the same risks, needs, experiences, or barriers to change.
The curriculum combines clear expectations for accountability with individualized attention to trauma, mental health, substance use, culture, relationships, parenting, emotional regulation, and other factors that may contribute to harmful behavior.
Through structured client workbooks and comprehensive counselor manuals, The CARE Method equips participants to understand their patterns, recognize the impact of their choices, develop safer responses, and build healthier relationships—while supporting clinicians in delivering treatment that remains focused on victim safety, engagement, and measurable growth.
“I have lived through what I am teaching. I have seen the powerful outcome of a counselor equipped with the right tools and a client empowered to do the work. But without proper training, neither the therapists or the clients will benefit.”
Nil Buckley, MA, LPC, LAC, DVCS, NCC, ACS, is a licensed counselor, addiction counselor, domestic violence expert witness, forensic evaluator, clinical supervisor, author, trainer, and founder of Vivus Counseling Services and The Care Method. Originally from Brazil, Nil brings together lived experience, clinical expertise, forensic practice, and a deep commitment to trauma-informed care.
Her work focuses on intimate partner violence, coercive control, trauma, addiction, court-mandated treatment, forensic evaluation, and counselor education. As the creator of The Care Method, Nil has developed a structured domestic violence intervention curriculum designed to support accountability, self-reflection, and long-lasting behavioral change through a trauma-informed and non-shaming approach.
Nil is passionate about improving how professionals assess, treat, supervise, and understand complex relational harm. Through her writing, training, evaluation work, and leadership, she is committed to helping counselors and systems respond to trauma and domestic violence with greater clarity, compassion, ethics, and effectiveness.