Are asymmetrical power relations a hidden obstacle to successful rehabilitation of violent men? An explorative study on the methodology to investigate shame

Therapies without Pride: An Explorative Study of the Therapist’s Perspective on the Quality of the Social Bond with Clients in Cognitive Behavior Therapy and a Psychodynamic Therapy against Men’s Violence in Sweden

“…In contrast to the ideal-typical case study that is heuristic and inductive, this study has a deductive design and has been preceded by work on the development of a theoretical model (Jansson and Saxonberg 2013) for understanding emotions that are relevant to the effect of therapy. That review article summarized the sociology of emotions and the literature that laid the foundation for the theoretical model used in this empirical study comparing two therapeutic approaches.…”

“…The validity of their method is not in question, but as the method is time-consuming, technically complicated, and not designed for use outside a research context, it needs to be adapted to suit a therapeutic context. A new model, based on the work of Jansson and Saxonberg (2013) and aligned with the central aspects of Scheff’s and Retzinger’s theories, has been developed and operationalized in a pragmatic way that also includes consideration of power (Barbalet 1998). Therapists using this model are made aware of the impact they have on the client’s self-esteem and opportunities to influence clients positively in the context of therapy (see Figure 1).…”

“…The theoretical premise of the model (Jansson and Saxonberg 2013) used in this study is that therapies dominated by shame result in an isolating and/or engulfing social bond that alienates therapist and client from each other, which prevents the creation of the stable social bonds of solidarity that are central to a positive self-image and the client’s reintegration as nonviolent into conventional society. Therapy dominated by shame tends to worsen poor self-esteem, which afflicts many clients.…”

Applying a Strengths-Based Psychoeducational Model of Rehabilitation to the Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence: Program Theory and Logic Model

“…These individuals, not surprisingly, are typically suspicious, cynical, and negative in their view of authority figures, including those practitioners representing treatment contexts to which clients are in some way mandated (Van wormer, 1999). Given the high prevalence of childhood abuse, neglect, and witnessing of IPVA between parents, IPVA abusers are more sensitive toward situations that provoke feelings of shame of being alienated or unloved (Jansson & Saxonberg, 2013). Focusing on problems and deficits is likely to lead to enhanced perceptions of being controlled and required to change according to the requirements of the program.…”

Advancements in Treating Intimate Partner Violence in Veterans

“…Such a synthesis of structure and flexibility in a group format provides a setting where therapists can work collaboratively as partners with veterans and their families to identify alternatives and solutions that will work for each of them, and it sets a tone of collaboration that may diffuse the shame and anger that appear to perpetuate the dynamic of IPV in relationships. 11,12 …”