Treating the Abusive Partner: An Individualized Cognitive-Behavioral Approach

Intimate partner violence is notoriously difficult to treat, and this promising manual presents the first one-on-one cognitive-behavioral treatment approach for this highly challenging population. Provided are a straightforward rationale and clear guidelines for implementing the authors' flexible four-phase model, which is grounded in extensive research and clinical experience. Detailed case examples illustrate the complexities of conceptualizing individual cases and working with clients to enhance motivation for change, eliminate assaultive and threatening behaviors, alter abuse-maintaining schemas and beliefs, build relationship skills, and reduce relapse risks.

Christopher M. Murphy, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychology and director of the doctoral program in clinical psychology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Dr. Murphy also directs the New Behaviors Program at the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County, Maryland, a comprehensive clinical training, service, and research program focused on perpetrators of intimate partner violence. His research focuses on cognitive-behavioral and motivational treatments for abusive behavior in intimate adult relationships, emotional abuse in relationships, and the links between intimate partner violence and use of alcohol and drugs. This work has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Dr. Murphy has authored more than 40 scientific articles and book chapters on the topic of intimate partner violence.

Christopher I. Eckhardt, PhD, is Associate Professor of Psychological Sciences at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. His research focuses on the cognitive, emotional, and behavioral characteristics of partner-abusive individuals, with a particular emphasis on anger and hostility in this population. This work has been supported by the National Institute of Mental Health, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, the National Institute of Justice, and the Harry Frank Guggenheim Foundation. Dr. Eckhardt has authored more than 30 scientific articles and book chapters on the topic of intimate partner violence.