Love in Violence: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

The objective of this research was to explore through interpretative phenomenological analysis on how psychotherapists understand and conceptualize women’s relationship experiences including those of intimacy and love with their abusive partners. In this study, 6 therapists were interviewed regarding women’s relationship experiences with abusive partners. The findings of this research challenge the notion that therapists can act as blank screens in therapy and has implications for psychological therapy, therapists, supervisors, training courses, services, and policymakers. These highlight the need for therapists, through self-reflection, supervision, continuous professional development, and personal therapy, to reflect on how they influence women’s disclosures of abusive experiences. The study supports the argument for a multitreatment approach with systemic understanding when working with women living with violence and abuse.