Spouse Abuse: A Treatment Program for Couples

Rating:
Summary: Dangerous for Victims
Review: Partners affected by domestic violence or "spousal abuse" should not be referred for couples therapy or family counseling. Domestic violence ia a pattern of behavior where one partner uses physical, emotional, psychological, sexual and or financial abuse tactics to gain power and control over the other partner. This dynamic will play itself out in a therapy session, potentially placing the victim in more danger, should s/he say something during a session that his/her partner does not agree or approve. Furthermore, a victim may be too fearful and anxious to speak her mind, again out of fear that she'll be "punished" after the session. Counseling goals for perpetrators and victims are very different, therefore they should be seen separately, either individually or in a group setting. The goal when working with a perpetrator of domestic violence is holding him/her accountable for the abusive behavior. The goal when working with victims, actually they're survivors, is safety planning; helping them maintain safety for themselves whether they are presently in an abusive relationship or have been in one in the past. Let's be cautious and carefully assess for domestic violence before making any recommendations for intervention, counseling or therapy.

Rating:
Summary: Dangerous for Victims
Review: Spouse Abuse is theoretically based in rational-emotive theory and cognitive/behavioral theory. It outlines an excellent treatment plan which includes a time-out contract, anger management skills, communication skills and problem-resolution approaches. It examines irrational beliefs that fuel anger and violence. The book has printed forms for self-evaluation, feeling list handouts and other pratical materials. The content of the book is spousal abuse, but much of the material is applicable toward the improvement of any couple relationship. Spouse Abuse was originally developed as a treatment plan for the United States Marines. The emphasis is on group treatment. Many of the skills can be taught in couple counseling or in individual therapy.

Rating:
Summary: A Group Treatment Approach
Review: Spouse Abuse is theoretically based in rational-emotive theory and cognitive/behavioral theory. It outlines an excellent treatment plan which includes a time-out contract, anger management skills, communication skills and problem-resolution approaches. It examines irrational beliefs that fuel anger and violence. The book has printed forms for self-evaluation, feeling list handouts and other pratical materials. The content of the book is spousal abuse, but much of the material is applicable toward the improvement of any couple relationship. Spouse Abuse was originally developed as a treatment plan for the United States Marines. The emphasis is on group treatment. Many of the skills can be taught in couple counseling or in individual therapy.