100766: Accountability for Change: Solution-Focused Treatment with Domestic Violence Offenders

About the Course:

In this article, the authors discuss and evaluate a solution-focused treatment program for domestic violence offenders. Building on a strengths perspective, a solution-focused approach holds a person accountable for solutions instead of focusing on problems. The outcome study was a 1-group pre- and posttest design with a 6-month follow-up to evaluate the effectiveness of a solution-focused group treatment program for 90 domestic violence offenders who were ordered by the court to receive treatment. Findings of the outcome study indicated a recidivism rate of 16.7\% of program participants as based on official records over a 6-year period. There was a significant improvement in participants’ relational skills in intimate relationships as evaluated by their spouses or partners and a significant increase in their self-esteem based on self-reports. Implications for treatment and research with domestic violence offenders are discussed. COURSE SYLLABUS I. Introduction II. Solution-Focused Treatment of Domestic Violence Ofenders A) The Treatment Model B) The Outcome Study 1) Methods 2) Findings 3) Discussion 4) Conclusion

Publication Date:

2004 /Vol. 85, No. 4

Authors

Mo Yee Lee, PhD; Adriana Uken, LCSW; John Sebold, LCSW

About the Authors:

Professor College of Social Work Ohio State University

Senior Therapist Plumas County Mental Health

Director, Plumas County Mental Health

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for social workers, counselors, psychologists, and other human services and behavioral health professionals who seek knowledge about solution-focused treatment. It is appropriate for participants with intermediate to advanced levels of knowledge about the topic.

Course Objectives:

1. Describe the principles and practices of a solution-focused treatment program for domestic violence offenders.

2. Identify the empirical results of a solution-focused treatment program for domestic violence offenders.