Meta-Dialogues in Domestic Violence-Focused Couples Treatment

Abstract

In this article we describe how meta-dialogues (Hargens & Grau, 1994) are used in the context of a domestic violence-focused couples treatment program. The couples treatment program is an add-on to a male batterer program for couples in which the male partner has perpetrated mild to moderate violence, yet both partners want to remain together. Meta-dialogues allow co-therapists to comment on the couple's process, de-escalate rising conflict in the session, explore and challenge gender role stereotypes, shift the couple's focus from problems to strengths, model alternative conflict resolution skills, and introduce difficult material without directly challenging the couple. Case examples are presented to illustrate the value of meta-dialogues in this treatment context.