Conjoint therapy and domestic violence: Treating the individuals and the relationship

Abstract

Domestic violence is a common complaint encountered by counselling psychologists and other mental health professionals. Common psychological treatment practices separate perpetrators and victims into individual intervention modalities. However, there is some research that has been emerging that suggests in some cases a couples treatment approach may be a useful adjunct to existing treatments. The present paper examines research and considerations in making the decision to employ a conjoint approach to treating domestic violence issues.

Keywords:

• Domestic violence
• conjoint therapy
• counselling
• psychotherapy
• victim
• perpetrator