Results of the Jyväskylä research project on couple therapy for intimate partner violence: topics and strategies in successful therapy processes

Despite controversy over the indications of couple therapy for IPV, current research has indicated some benefits. This article examines some crucial aspects when dealing with couple therapy for IPV, such as how dominance and power abuse are present, and which important issues should be taken into account during the therapeutic process and be brought up in therapeutic conversations. It also proposes strategies for therapists conducting couple therapy for IPV. Ten studies conducted within the Jyvaskyla research project on couple therapy for IPV were reviewed. Findings highlighted the importance of the therapists’ awareness of the presence of violence, dominance and power during the sessions, and of how cultural issues could prevent their recognition. Responsibility and couple agreement on the violent behaviour seemed especially relevant at the beginning of the treatment. Potentially useful therapeutic strategies are directedness, use of reflective dialogue, and continuous assessment. Practitioner points In couple treatment for IPV therapists should (a) actively bring up violence, responsibility and parenting, and (b) reflect on the culturally dominant understandings of IPV To regulate the presence of dominance, therapists’ directivity might promote equal distribution of talk, and increase the therapeutic alliance Therapist strategies such as multivoiced addresses, reflective dialogue and a directive approach may promote clients’ responsibility and reflexivity