Domestic Violence & Couple Assessment Analysis

1. Domestic Violence & Couple Assessment Analysis Presented by Mia Simms PYSU561 – Marital Systems and Studies in Domestic Violence

2. Introduction The following research endeavor entails domestic violence and how it can physically and emotionally effect its victims concerning the family unit. The research will discuss behaviors, and practices of male persons (Mike presented in the vignette) who may show signs of violence with a propensity to repeat acts of violence within the home. The research was cross-examined via the vignette (Mike and Jen), as well as, discusses the Emotional Focuses Couples Therapy (EFCT), and Solution Focused Couple Therapy (SFCT), and how the attachment theory applies to Mike and Jen, concerning their partnership.

3. The Problem • The present dilemma surrounding domestic violence as it relates to the family unit, entails male aggression concerning violent episodic tendencies to inflict aggression onto the spouse. • In many cases, the victim is continually coerced into believing that their aggressor will stifle their patterns of violence, but is subject to witness more violence and aggression while in the relationship.

4. Theoretical Framework & Interventions -The attachment theory and framework was designed by John Bowlby in the early seventies. His research described the significance of emotional bonds and how they represent varied psychological disturbancesconcerning depressive tendencies and anxiety, and how they are interconnected to the above emotional bond (Crawley & Grant, 2005). -EFCTentails systems (development of strategic plans concerning therapy, attachment theory, and experiential techniques (exercise based techniques). -According to Seedall (2009) SFCT therapy can be more effective if couples focus on the more positive aspects of their partner and relationship, rather than problematic concerns.

5. Why I chose Attachment Theory?

6. Mike and Jen

7. Three Level Model -Assessment -Pre-assessment process -Therapy (red flags and “spidey since”) -Prognosis/clinical evaluation -Treatment Plan -First session (rights, laws, information) -Goals of therapy -Termination of therapy -Behaviors -Relapse

8. How do you think mike and jen story ends?

9. Conclusive Statement Julie has been treating Mike and Jen for six months. She has introduced many treatment approaches including EFCT and SFCT, as well as, incorporated the integrative aspect of the approaches. In addition; Julie has successfully aided Mike and Jen to place in their marriage where they agree that they married to young and too quickly. Both agreed that a divorce was inevitable, and that they would both continue to raise Jessica apart. During the course of therapy, Mike admitted that he was angry since his childhood (being told that he had to be perfect), and took it out on his family. He was even ashamed at his behavior. He told Jen that he was sorry for his actions and felt that he needed to find himself.

10. References • Basil, K. C. (2002). Attitudes of Social Background and Victim Status. Journal of Victims Violence, 17, 3; pg. 341-54 • Benson, L. A., Christensen, A., Sevier, M. (2013). The Impact of Behavioral Couple Therapy on Attachment in Distressed Couples. Journal of Marriage Family Therapy, 39, 407-420 • Crawley, J., Grant, J. (2005). Emotional Focused Therapy for Couples and Attachment Theory. ANZJFT, 26, pp. 82-89 • Gau, V. D. (2011). Successful Marriage. Pastoral Psychology, 60, 651-658. doi:1007/1108901103627 • Gurman, A. S. (2008). Clinical handbook of couple therapy (4th ed.). New York, NY: The Guilford Press • Kessler, H. (1996). Treating Couples. San Francisco, Ca: Jossey-Bass • Kilborne, J. (1987). Killing Us Softly 3: Advertising’s Image Of Women: Media Education • Foundation. • Seedall, R. B. (2009). Enhancing Change Process in Solution-Focused Brief Therapy by Utilizing Couple Enactments. The American Journal of Family Therapy, 37: 99-113