Partner Agression Reflection

This reflection paper is a personal response to the readings on partner aggression, separation, and divorce issues in couples therapy. The purpose of personal responses is to critically analyze and reflect on partner aggression and mechanisms of change for aggression in intimate relationship. Lastly, the paper will also reflect on the discernment counseling as an intervention tool for couples with mixed agenda.
The readings helped me understand that conflicts for some couples may be a normal. The therapy may help them communicate their differences in a collaborative and clear manner. The readings also affirmed my view about patterns of resolution in a healthy couple consist of solving problem constructively. However, this pattern may not be universal and some methods of resolving conflicts may consist of aggression, avoidance, or withdrawal.
The theory by Stets (1988) states that physical aggression is likely to be high when partners perceive themselves to be powerless and out of control with their partner (Gurman, Lebow, & Synder, 2015). To analyze this hypothesis it is important to understand the background

However, I was compelled to read that psychoeducation and modifying negative patterns might encourage change in the aggressive relationship. As a counselor, I would be cautious of using couples therapy with aggressive partner, as to avoid triggers. It encouraged me to reassess and evaluate the situation where the CBCT would be helpful with the aggressive partner. This thought urged me to consider using narrative therapy in the individual session with the aggressive partner. This approach might be helpful to prepare him/her manage the anger responses and work collaboratively in the couples therapy. However, it is necessary to clarify the goals of partners where one partner is leaning towards divorce, while the other wants to preserve the