Canadian researcher Donald Dutton . has written that marital work with a man who has a history of relationship violence may be a “conflict-generator” and that individual work . should come first for both husband and wife. …Marital therapy does not provide the battered woman the kind of safety she needs for rebuilding her strength and finding her identity. The consequences may be severe if she is truthful in a couple’s session. She may be too afraid. Moreover, many upscale batterers can be charming and persuasive and may convey a far different image of themselves to the therapist than the one that reflects the woman’s reality at home. .Susan Weitzman
About This Quote
It is very important as a therapist to understand what is happening in the home as well as the relationship of the client with the therapist. It is dangerous to embark on a relationship with someone who has a history of violence. Additionally, it makes sense to get individual therapy before starting couples therapy for this particular reason. The batterer may present himself differently in therapy than he does at home. It is not safe to get involved with someone who has demonstrated violent behavior in the past.
Source: Not To People Like Us: Hidden Abuse In Upscale Marriages
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