AN OUNCE OF PREVENTION - A MODEL FOR WORKING WITH COUPLES AT-RISK FORBATTERING

Literature on preventing spousal battering before it starts is virtual ly non-existent. This article describes a prevention of abuse program that targets couples at-risk for battering. At-risk couples and the pr ocess of engaging them in couples counseling are described. The preven tion model is based on a Bowenian approach that focuses on partner dif ferentiation and reducing emotionality and promoting rational thinking . It is assumed that increasing differentiation decreases the risk of spousal battering. The various techniques used to facilitate different iation are presented as well as a case example illustrating a successf ul prevention of abuse experience.