Client Beliefs About a Multicouple Group Service for Intimate Partner Violence

Abstract

Despite the ongoing debate about intervention best practices for intimate partner violence (IPV), few researchers have elicited the perspectives of clients themselves about what interventions most effectively decrease violence and increase safety. Using qualitative narrative analysis methodology, the researchers conducted 48 client participant interviews and 5 staff interviews to better understand couples' perspectives of a multicouple conjoint treatment program for IPV. Several recurring themes included (a) group purpose and general service characteristics, (b) motivation for participation, (c) comparison with other services, (d) benefits of, (e) disadvantages of, and (f) suggestions for Couples Achieving Relationship Enrichment. Important research implications for community intervention are discussed.

Results of the Jyväskylä research project on couple therapy for intimate partner violence: topics and strategies in successful therapy processes

“…Referring to the issue of parenthood, in line with the guidelines of other IPV‐specific couple treatment modalities (Cooper and Vetere, ; Todahl et al ., ), the present findings also highlight parenthood as an important theme in IPV couple therapy conversations (Hakala, Jalava and Holma, ; Juntunen and Holma, ). It is essential that therapists take into account the views of children affected by the violence between their parents.…”

“…It is important to view dyadic interactions as an effort to understand both members of the couple, not as a systemic causality of violence thus allowing victim blaming. Despite promising results, little is yet known about how to promote successful outcome in couple therapy for IPV (Stith and McCollum, ; Todahl et al ., ). What seems clear from a recent review is that couple therapy has a positive impact in decreasing violence recidivism, and that couple therapy is a slightly better treatment approach than standard treatments when working with violent couples (Karakurt, Whiting, Esch, Bolen and Calabrese, ).…”

“…Todahl et al . () noted that participants reported improvement in their parenting skills in multicouple group treatment for IPV. These complexities and concerns reflect the high amount of uncertainty experienced by IPV therapists.…”

“…Lechtenberg and colleagues () showed that the therapists’ emphasis on emotional safety was highly valued by both male and female participants. In the same vein, Todahl and colleagues () reported that clients felt safe, pointing out, however, that feeling safe is conditional on screening, voluntary participation, and the format of the programme. In sum, clients seem to value screening and an emphasis on safety when participating in couple treatment for IPV.…”