The presentation consists of three elements.
- The first considers the nature of domestic violence and abuse and its impact on couple relationships, including same-sex and trans couple relationships. It will also address the limits in thinking about the victim and perpetrator divide.
- The second addresses the dynamic nature of couple relationships that give rise to violence and abuse. The presenter will utilise systemic, psychoanalytic, and attachment-based approaches to illuminate an understanding of the genesis of abuse within these relationships. There will also be a consideration of the indications and contraindications for couple therapy.
- The third considers ways of intervening safely in couple relationships where there is violence and abuse. Though the use of a case study, developments in practice will be outlined. This will incorporate thinking about the assessment phase, case formulation and the utilisation of a mentalization-based approach in working with such couples.
Key lessons
Knowing about developments in thinking and practice with abusive couples, including approaches that allow for safe and effective interventions.
- Learning about the definition and typologies of violence and abuse.
- Understanding the nature of violence and abuse within couple relationships, including sexual violence.
- Thinking about the differences concerning same-sex and straight couple violent and abusive relationships.
Considering the limits of the victim perpetrator divide and an increased awareness of the push for a relational approach to violence and abuse within couple relationships.
About the Trainer
Damian McCann, D.Sys.Psych, is a psychoanalytic couple psychotherapist formerly working at Tavistock Relationships, London; adjunct faculty member of the International Psychotherapy Institute (IPI), Washington, DC; an associate of Queen Anne Street Practice, London; and an editorial board member of Couple & Family Psychoanalysis.
He is also a consultant systemic psychotherapist with many years of experience working with children, adolescents, and their families.
He has a particular interest in working with gender and sexual diversity in psychoanalytic practice and has published and taught widely on this topic. His doctoral research was concerned with understanding the meaning and impact of violence in the couple relationships of gay men and he is involved in developing approaches to working with couples more generally in which there is violence and abuse.
His edited book Same-Sex Couples and Other Identities: Psychoanalytic Perspectives was published by Routledge in 2021 and his co-edited booked with Kate Thompson entitled Couples as Parents: Explorations in couple psychotherapy will be published later this year by Routledge.
