A grounded theory of therapy with adolescents who witness domestic violence at home

Abstract

This study explores the therapeutic interventions needed by adolescents who witness domestic violence at home. Qualitative data, based on in-depth interviews, were analysed using a Grounded Theory Approach (Charmaz, 2006). The sensitizing concepts that were used to inform and generate the theoretical framework illustrates that the therapy for this population manifest the need to develop a healthy therapeutic relationship, enhance a secure therapeutic relationship, establish boundaries and integrating therapeutic approaches. This therapeutic stance and setting can provide the adolescents with a safe and secure environment that can offer support and help to work on the feelings and issues that the exposure to domestic violence may evoke in them. Importance was giving to the need to be aware of the transference and countertransference that may occur between the adolescent and the therapist, and an emphasis was given to the adolescents’ identity and attachment styles since it can help therapists understand better the adolescents while shaping interventions to cater for their needs. The results have significant practice implications for therapists working with these adolescents. Suggestions for future research were also made