Working with Domestic Violence and Coercive Control in Clinical Practice : A Practical Guide for Psychologists

This book argues that awareness and competence in this area is essential to good therapeutic work. The chapters offer conclusions and recommendations from research, experience in clinical practice, and survivor testimonies and consulting professionals.

Presently, there is difficulty in finding information on how to work in the context of domestic violence and abuse in clinical practice within psychology, despite domestic violence being a significant public health concern. Working with Domestic Violence and Coercive Control in Clinical Practice argues that awareness and competence in this area are essential to good therapeutic work. Chapters offer conclusions and recommendations from research, experience in clinical practice, survivor testimonies and consulting professionals in trauma services and the domestic violence sector. This book brings together psychological theory with an ecological and social understanding of the context in which the individual lives to provide a nuanced understanding of DVA and the dynamics of coercive control, to best support mental well-being in this context. This book equips the practitioner with skills and offers a series of actionable recommendations embedded with knowledge about trauma and the impact of coercion, viewed through an intersectional and feminist lens that considers power in relationships and, most importantly, from a stance that resonates with survivors. It is key reading for practitioner psychologists and clinicians across disciplines to equip themselves with the latest knowledge, skills and research in this area to best support the individuals, couples, families and communities they work with.