What is the recommended course of action when domestic violence is present in a couple seeking Gottman-informed therapy?

What is the recommended course of action when domestic violence is present in a couple seeking Gottman-informed therapy?

• A. Do not conduct couple's therapy; assess risk; implement safety planning; provide individual sessions; refer to appropriate resources as needed
• B. Assess risk; implement safety planning; provide individual sessions; refer to appropriate resources as needed; do not conduct couple's therapy
• C. Proceed with couple's therapy after a safety check if both partners consent
• D. Ignore safety concerns if there is a safety plan in place

Answer: (B)

When violence is present, safety takes precedence over how therapy is structured. In Gottman-informed work, you don’t proceed with joint couple’s therapy while domestic violence is ongoing because shared sessions can heighten danger and reinforce coercive dynamics. The most appropriate path starts with assessing risk to understand how dangerous the situation is and whether immediate safety is at stake. After assessing risk, implement safety planning to reduce harm and identify concrete steps for staying safe. This is followed by providing individual sessions to each partner, which helps address personal trauma, accountability, boundaries, and safety without the risks that come with a joint session. Referrals to appropriate resources—such as domestic violence services, shelters, legal aid, or specialized counseling for abusers or survivors—are made as needed. Only after safety is clearly established and both partners are non-coercively engaged would a move toward joint work be considered.

When violence is present, safety takes precedence over how therapy is structured. In Gottman-informed work, you don’t proceed with joint couple’s therapy while domestic violence is ongoing because shared sessions can heighten danger and reinforce coercive dynamics. The most appropriate path starts with assessing risk to understand how dangerous the situation is and whether immediate safety is at stake. After assessing risk, implement safety planning to reduce harm and identify concrete steps for staying safe. This is followed by providing individual sessions to each partner, which helps address personal trauma, accountability, boundaries, and safety without the risks that come with a joint session. Referrals to appropriate resources—such as domestic violence services, shelters, legal aid, or specialized counseling for abusers or survivors—are made as needed. Only after safety is clearly established and both partners are non-coercively engaged would a move toward joint work be considered.