BT06 Workshop 42 - The Prevention of Spouse and Partner Abuse - Cloé Madanes, Lic Psic, HDL

Description:

Madanes will present a series of strategies for the prevention of the recurrence of spouse and partner abuse of different degrees of severity. The strategies will be illustrated with videos of actual therapy sessions.

Educational Objectives:

1. To list three strategies for the prevention of spouse and partner abuse.
2. To describe three ways of engaging extended family in the prevention of spouse and partner abuse.

*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*

Outline:

Introduction and Case Setup

• Cloe Madanes emphasizes interactive participation and case consultation.

• She introduces a case of a reclusive single mother traumatized by past abuse.

• Strategy: Have the mother date three men at once to break isolation, with her children's support.

The "Three Men" Strategy

• Goal: Prevent reclusiveness, not deep involvement.

• The mother gains confidence, starts dating, and eventually remarries.

• Children’s involvement gives emotional permission for the mother to reengage socially.

Involving Community Support

• Cloe advises carefully selecting and preparing outside helpers (family, trusted individuals).

• Example: Preparing a pastor for an apology to a client.

• Community involvement can reinforce therapeutic goals.

Handling Resistant Clients and Legal Risks

• Importance of careful language ("framing") to avoid misunderstandings or accusations (e.g., extortion).

• Cloe shares examples of securing confessions to protect against future violence.

• Therapists must remain available and cautious to prevent legal action.

Working with Child Protective Services (CPS)

• Cloe shares experience working long-term with CPS to reunify families.

• Focus: Prevent future abuse and keep children with extended family whenever possible.

• Small steps and collaboration with CPS are essential.

Dealing with Abusive Mothers

• Focus on future safety rather than punishing past abuse.

• Long-term therapy and monitoring recommended for abusive parents.

Preventing Partner Abuse: Cloe's Approach

• Introduces financial incentive system: paying a mother and son for no violence between them.

• Results: behavior change without traditional therapy.

Challenges in Helping Friends vs. Clients

• Non-therapists (friends) should avoid direct interventions; refer to professional therapy instead.

Therapeutic Session Example: Bank Account Strategy

• Focus couples on concrete solutions (like setting up a joint account) to rebuild trust and cooperation.

• Avoid distractions when victims defend abusers.

Protective Measures and Family Involvement

• Involve the wider family network to create systemic support.

• Phone coaching for therapists managing tough cases.

Severe Abuse and Family Therapy

• Example: A jailed man working through violent past with therapist.

• Involves multiple family members (mother, wives, children) to repair emotional damage.

• Focus: Address confusion between love and violence; promote reparation and healing.

Therapist’s Role and Long-Term Impact

• Create a safe, supportive space for accountability and growth.

• Foster genuine reparation and acknowledgment of harm.

• Maintain long-term support to ensure family safety and healing.

• Therapy leads to reduced violence and improved family dynamics.