Couples Treatment for Intimate Partner Violence: Clients’ Reports of Changes During Therapy

Abstract

In 2005, 68% of the 50 states in the United States expressly prohibited the funding of any program that offers couples or family counseling when there has been intimate partner violence (IPV; Maiuro & Eberle, 2008). However, many couples experiencing violence want to participate in couples treatment. The purpose of this study is to examine the changes experienced by clients during participation in a couples treatment program for IPV. In this study, we analyzed interviews with couples participating in a specific treatment program, Domestic Violence Focused Couples Treatment (Stith, McCollum, & Rosen, 2011), to learn from them what changes they made while participating in the treatment program. Clients reported changes in both individual and relational domains. In addition, a few clients reported no change or an increase in stress. This article examines these changes and provides implications for practice.

Integrated treatment options for male perpetrators of intimate partner violence

“…The couples-based approach again involves indirectly reducing IPV through couples' substance use treatment. In a qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with 14 couples who underwent the intervention, consistent themes emerged across male and female responses regarding safety as a primary treatment focus, increased feelings of safety during and after sessions, the incremental value of couples sessions over individual treatment, the importance of accepting responsibility for one's actions and committing to change [53].…”

International Adaptation of a Treatment Program for Situational Couple Violence

“…Quantitative results (Stith et al, ) indicate that completing the program, for both men and women, in both single couple and multi‐couple treatment led to reduced rates of physical violence toward their partners. Qualitative analyses from 14 couples who completed the program (Mendez, Horst, Stith, & McCollum, ) found that most men and women participating in the program reported individual and relationship changes. For example, one female client reported, “Well, in my relationship, we communicate better.…”

“…For example, one female client reported, “Well, in my relationship, we communicate better. We communicate more actually, and we understand” (Mendez et al, p. 32). One male client reported, “I thought that my option was the better one, the best one.…”

“…One male client reported, “I thought that my option was the better one, the best one. However, between having peace and having some extra benefit in general, I choose having a peaceful relationship” (Mendez et al, p. 29).…”