Ciclos de mudança identificados no processo psicoterapêutico de mulheres com histórico de violência por parceiro íntimo

Abstract

For the adequate treatment of women with a history of violence, interventions in psychotherapy need to have methodological support based on scientific studies. The present study is composed of two articles that focus on a brief cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy protocol for women with a history of intimate partner violence. The first article entitled "Brief Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy for Women with Intimate Partner Violence History", aims to describe in detail the protocol of psychotherapy and justifications for interventions, including the presentation of excerpts from the sessions. The psychotherapy protocol is divided into four stages: 1) psychoeducation on violence against women and gender relations, aimed at cognitive restructuring on aspects of violence; 2) gradual exposure to traumatic memories and training in emotional regulation; 3) problem solving training; 4) strengthening strategies to protect and build future projects. The second article, entitled "Cycles of Change Identified in the Psychotherapeutic Process of Women with History of Violence by Intimate Partners," aims to identify and analyze cycles of change present in the psychotherapeutic process of women with intimate partner violence. The general objective of this study was to identify and analyze cycles of change present in the psychotherapeutic process of women with a history of intimate partner violence. Specifically aims were:1) identify which stages of the psychotherapy protocol promoted a greater number of cycles of change through Therapeutic Cycles Mode (TCM); 2) verify which techniques used in the psychotherapy protocol are associated with the cycles of change; and 3) identify key moments of each session of the psychotherapy protocol through the TCM and analyze the central theme present at these moments. The sample, selected for convenience, was composed of three women aged 18 years and over who experienced intimate partner violence. Analyzes of session transcripts were performed in the TCM software. Subsequently, the transcriptions of the cycles of change were analyzed through the Thematic Analysis. A total of 78 cycles of change were found and all the analyzed sessions generating at least one change cycle. The main techniques were: socratic questioning, downward arrow, psychoeducation on violence, psychoeducation on emotions, emotional validation and protection skills training. The common themes found were: family of origin; relationships with children; presence of the perpetrator of the aggression; gender violence; experiences of violence; consequences of violence, social and affective support network, service network and psychotherapy. The study pointed early evidences that the protocol promotes significant therapeutic changes. The study pointed early evidences that the protocol promotes significant therapeutic changes. The protocol also presented a good triggering between sessions and evidenced subjects potentially related to the therapeutic progress, as well as the pertinent techniques in the work with this population.