Paper Session A

15. The Broken Mirror:
A Self Psychological Treatment Perspective for Relationship Violence

Self Psychology Page | 21th Conference Program

SUMMARY

This paper and workshop presents an approach to working with relationship violence perpetrators, especially male batterers, from an empathic, client-centered, self psychological perspective. In contrast to many of the treatment models that have been in vogue in treating this population over the past decade, the self psychological approach offers a way of making a meaningful connection--and opens a window of opportunity for genuine change--with this difficult population.

Based on the presenter's extensive clinical experience in designing programs and working directly with this clinical group, this presentation will outline current research about the typology of batterers and the evolution of current treatment approaches. It will offer a critique of the more confrontational approaches, followed by a theoretical rationale and clinical examples demonstrating respectful clinical connection in these cases. Special issues and pitfalls of this approach will also be reviewed. The presentation will offer a survey of current research and theory as well as clinical examples and interventions.

Self Psychology Page | 21th Conference Program