Thinking under fire: Mentalization‐based couple therapy for high conflict and domestically abusive couples'

Abstract

Background The question of working psychotherapeutically with high conflict and domestically abusive couples is one that continues to raise anxieties within the field. Aims Embracing a relational approach offers an alternative perspective to the more familiar individual‐based treatment interventions. Materials and Methods Drawing on my therapy with a married couple who presented in a crisis following an abusive incident, I will outline how I approached the assessment, my understanding of their presenting problem and the basis on which the therapy was conducted. Results During the eight months of treatment, the couple had frequent breakdowns in communication, and I found myself drawing on a range of mentalization‐based techniques that supported and maintained the working alliance. Discussion Helping the couple break the damaging effects of the abuse, which was seriously affecting them and impacting their children, provides a particular focus for this submission. Conclusion The rationale for undertaking couple therapy in situations of domestic violence and abuse was examined. The dynamic elements of theory underpinning practice, together with mentalization‐based techniques designed to tackle disregulated states of mind that may lead to violent and abusive exchanges, were considered through the presentation of a case example.

Intimate partner violence: Narratives of attachment relationships and linguistic analysis of emotional schemas through a quali-quantitative approach.

“…In the context of women exposed to IPV, a recent study showed evidence of poor mentalization capabilities expressed by reduced abilities in reflecting and ascribing meaning to personal experiences (Condino et al, 2022). The importance of promoting mentalization processes is therefore recommended since it has a possible way of tackling dysregulated states of mind that may lead to act/be exposed to abusive and violent behaviors (Bateman & Fonagy, 2012; McCann, 2022).…”

Intervention types and their effects on workplace bullying among nurses: A systematic review

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