An exploration of transference and countertransference in working therapeutically with clients experiencing intimate partner violence within private practice

Abstract

This paper will examine the transference and countertransference that can occur while working therapeutically with clients experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The psychodynamics of Intimate Partner Violence will be explored, highlighting the complexity of the dynamics that occur in violent relationships such as projection and splitting. The findings from existing literature stresses the importance of the psychotherapist's continuous work on self-awareness, training, risk assessment and supervision when working therapeutically with perpetrators of IPV. Some findings of this theoretical work would suggest that more collaborative psychotherapy research and training for psychotherapists is required to focus on creating best practices around violence prevention measures and interventions.