Intimate partner violence is a health problem that accompanies mental illness. Group therapy, however, is not often used as a tool for therapeutic services. Utilizing a qualitative approach, this study examines the effectiveness of group therapy on Black women who have experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) with 15 participants who used group therapy as an additional source of treatment. The aim of this present study is to gauge the outcome of group therapy in IPV victims from a Cognitive Behavior Therapeutic (CBT) approach with the goal of improving mental and emotional wellness. At the conclusion of 12 structured group sessions, participants met with facilitators where a qualitative analysis was performed where themes were identified that included how supportive the group was, a decrease anxiety symptom and increase in overall emotional wellness

   Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains a major public health problem around the world against women whether in form of physical and or sexual violence (Crespo et al., 2021). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2021) defines IPV as preventable physical and or sexual violence, stalking and psychological aggression by a former or current intimate partner. Black women have been identified as having a greater risk and being more vulnerable to IPV compared to other racial backgrounds (Lacey et al., 2020). IPV among black women cannot be explained or limited to one single factor. Several components are associated with IPV, including demographics, resources, socioeconomic status and alcohol use. According to data between 2003 and 2014, Black women are disproportionately murdered by intimate partners (Waller & Bent-Goodley, 2023). Researchers suggests that the culmination of outside stressors, racism, oppression, discrimination, etc., increases violent behavior not caused by relational problems (Maldonado et al., 2022).

            Although an intimate partner violence requires and urgent intervention, Black women often delay help-seeking. “Help-seeking is a means of women disclosing partner abuse to their family and friends and often escalating the victimization to formal providers before terminating the relationship and ultimately leaving their abusive partner” (Waller et al. 2023, p.2). several barriers prevent black women from seeking help ranging from shame and denial to cultural stigmas of strength and independence. These barriers often lead to unfortunate outcomes for these women that are often irreversible. In additions, there has been a long history of distrust of healthcare system in the United States among Black people (Dean and Smith, 2021). Understanding these components can help clinicians understand how to effectively work with Black women who have experienced intimate partner violence.

            Group therapy is a cost-effective way to provide services to vulnerable populations who are seeking help (Yalom & Leszez, 2005). It can be especially useful for victims of intimate partner violence. Although many theories and group types would be beneficial for this population, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) id effective. Not only is group therapy a great way for Black women to establish healthy relationships with other women, but CBT also allows them to address their core beliefs and improve maladaptive behaviors (Sax, 2012). Specific to this population, group therapy aims to reduce stress and ease symptoms of trauma while addressing safety and well-being concerns among victims and/ or survivors (Hameed et al., 2020). Therapists must be attentive to the group dynamic but also addresses any immediate concerns of individual clients. Clinicians must give their clients the appropriate tools to fly their own planes but empower and encourage them to trust their ability to be their own pilots.

 As a survivor of domestic violence how was mental health?

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Participants in group therapy for intimate partner violence IPV at a counseling treatment center sho... View the full answer