NCJ Number
240429
Journal
Journal of Family Violence Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: May 2012 Pages: 357-368
Date Published
May 2012
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This qualitative study investigated conversations within a Finnish abuser treatment program in which an integrative treatment approach was applied.
Abstract
Treatment programs for intimately abusive men seek to stop and prevent partner and family violence by applying a variety of methods based on different disciplinary premises. For professionals working with this particular group of clients, the challenge is to combine therapeutic understanding and support with adequate efforts to make clients stop and reconsider their behavior. This qualitative study investigated conversations within a Finnish abuser treatment program in which an integrative treatment approach was applied. A detailed study of videotaped conversations within a 15-week therapy program was conducted through Dialogical Investigations, a method specifically designed for studying interactions in multiple-actor settings. The findings demonstrate how dialogical investigations can assist in evaluations of the efficacy of abuser treatment programs. Consideration is also given to facilitators' working style, and some examples of how the two dominant approaches in abuser treatment can be successfully combined are provided. Abstract published by arrangement with Springer.