Citation

Vall B, Seikkula J, Laitila A, Holma J. J. Fam. Ther. 2016; ePub(ePub): ePub.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2016, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/1467-6427.12142

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The idea of meta-dialogue has evolved over the past twenty years. The study reported here focuses on meta-dialogue, analysing the importance of reflective practices for thoughtfulness and embodiment in couple therapy for psychological Intimate Partner Violence (IPV). The study also sought to determine whether, in a case of psychological IPV, reflective practices helped the couple to acquire a new, shared understanding of violence. The results showed that the use of both meta-dialogue and of a reflective team was related to clients' use of the reflexive mode. Moreover, embodiment could be understood as a precursor of reflectivity and reflective practices. Finally, the results indicated that it was possible to discuss the issue of violence through the use of meta-dialogue, and that, through the therapists' reflective dialogue, the clients were able to reflect on their own relational patterns. The importance of meta-dialogue and embodiment for conjoint therapy in psychological IPV is discussed.


Practitioner points




* Meta-dialogue is present in therapy as: (a) reflective practices (therapists' strategies to promote a reflective stance); and (b) reflectivity (i.e. action of reflecting)

* Consider the importance of therapist sensitivity to embodiment in conjoint therapy for IPV in helping to reflect on what is happening in therapy, thus promoting use of meta-dialogue

Language: en