Mutual Exploitation in Intimate Relationships

SUMMARY

This article describes a systemic intervention designed to empower women who present individually in therapy and who perceive themselves as victims of exploitation within an intimate relationship. While appreciating the difficulty in recognizing, understanding and altering ingrained problematic interactional patterns, attention is rendered to the unwitting participation of women in the perpetuation of undesirable behaviors. Central issues surrounding constraining client cognitions, inculcated gender stereotyping, mutual invitations and therapist ethical/legal responsibility are discussed.