ABSTRACT
Cognitive interventions focus on decreasing thoughts that contribute to anger and individuals’ choices to behave aggressively toward their partners, increasing thoughts that guide constructive couple interactions. Couple therapies have been developed to treat common couple violence, and research has indicated that couples can be treated safely and effectively with careful monitoring and active structured interventions, in particular using cognitive-behavioral and solution-focused approaches. Given the high level of danger associated with battering, therapists avoid treating such couples with conjoint therapy, typically referring perpetrators to anger management groups and victims to shelters. One of the key treatments for partner aggression is anger management training. It includes interventions that address the cognitive, affective, and behavioral components of aggression. The core of the technique is engaging the individual in conscious, systematic self-talk focused on reducing anger and aggressive behaviour. The therapist can set up role-play practice exercises during couple therapy sessions, coaching the partners as they rehearse constructive self-talk and non-aggressive behavior.
