Individuals who engage in intimate partner violence have high rates of previous exposure to trauma and, most notably, to childhood violence. While decades of research support this finding, most models of intimate partner violence and training programs for practitioners who work with these individuals fail to take into consideration the impact of trauma on relationship functioning. Such programs are thus often ineffective in preventing or reducing violent behaviour. The urgent need for programmes that give greater weight to trauma has been highlighted by the needs of returning military veterans who have experienced significant trauma and engage in intimate partner violence. This book provides mental health professionals the knowledge and skills they need to deliver effective treatment to individuals who engage in intimate partner violence. The authors draw on their extensive clinical experience as well as their own recent studies to help clinicians assess and intervene both with military personnel and civilians who belong to this ""hard to treat"" population. Their positive approach to treatment addresses trauma-related issues in those who experience intimate partner violence as well as those who engage in it. Clearly written and approachable, it provides guidelines for intervention with groups, couples, and individuals, providing much-needed answers to both common and unexpected clinical challenges. A comprehensive appendix features ready-to-use worksheets and forms for both practitioners and their clients, including: Common Reactions to Trauma Trauma Impact Questions Anger Analysis Form Roots of Your Communication Style Conflict Analysis Sheet
Introduction I. Foundations Social Information Processing Model of Trauma and Intimate Partner Violence Trauma and Intimate Partner Violence in Military Veterans Trauma and Intimate Partner Violence in Civilian Populations Assessment Safety Considerations Process Considerations II. Trauma-Informed Intimate Partner Violence Interventions and Examples Group Interventions Example of Group Intervention Couples Interventions Example of Couples Intervention Individual Interventions Examples of Individual Intervention Adjunctive Interventions Afterword: Conclusions, Future Directions, and Challenges Appendix A: Group Philosophy Appendix B: Common Reactions to Trauma Appendix C: Trauma Impact Questions Appendix D: Anger Analysis Form Appendix E: What to Do During Time-Out Appendix F: ""Survival Mode"" and Alternative Thoughts Appendix G: Anger Meter Appendix H: Roots of Your Communication Style Appendix I: Identifying Feelings Handout Appendix J: Daily Feelings Expression Appendix K: You've Been Caught Doing Something Nice Appendix L: Common Themes Related to Trauma Appendix M: Conflict Analysis Sheet Appendix N: Time-Outs: Planning, Preparing, and Practicing Appendix O: Daily Feelings Expression References Index
