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Therapist Response to Clients’ Partner Abuse: Implications for Training and Development of Marriage and Family Therapists

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Abstract

This qualitative study explored ecosystemic influences on therapists’ responses to partner abuse. Research questions focus on aspects of personal and professional development of attitudes and belief systems surrounding partner abuse. In-depth interviews with seven therapy trainees indicate that family of origin experiences, clinical experiences, and therapist developmental processes affect values, beliefs, and clinical reactivity to cases involving partner abuse. Implications for therapists’ self-work, clinical training, and the process of supervision are addressed.

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Correspondence to Matthew W. Brosi.

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Brosi, M.W., Carolan, M.T. Therapist Response to Clients’ Partner Abuse: Implications for Training and Development of Marriage and Family Therapists. Contemp Fam Ther 28, 111–130 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-006-9698-z

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