An Explorative Single Case Study of the Therapist’s Perspectives on Power, Emotions and Identity Changes in Cognitive Behavior Therapy against Men’s Violence in Sweden

Abstract

This study starts from Retzinger (1995), Retzinger & Scheff (2000) and Scheff & Retzinger’s (2000, 2001) micro-sociological perspective on social bonds. The general aim is to test a new model of operationalized sub-indicators that allows for a simplified ability to analyze the relationship between power relations and the social bond between therapist and clients in cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for violent men. CBT-therapy often achieves positive effects by giving clients the knowledge and ability to talk about their problems instead of using aggression and drugs as defenses. The therapists make in this case much effort to balance the relationship between them and the clients, but there is still a tendency that therapy alienates them from each other and prevents the development of a solidarity social bond, which, assuming that the theoretical premise is true, is the prerequisite for a client to build a positive self-image and become reintegrated into society.