Date of Conferral

8-2-2025

Degree

Ph.D.

School

Counselor Education and Supervision

Advisor

Shelli Friess

Abstract

Domestic violence is a significant societal problem. However, aspects of domestic violence (DV) perpetrated by women are often overlooked or inadequately addressed in existing counseling and intervention programs, leaving counselor educators ill-equipped to effectively train counselors to treat this specific population. The research question addressed the treatment experiences of female DV offenders who completed court-mandated counseling programs. Given the limited current research on female domestic violence offender treatment, Heidegger’s hermeneutic phenomenological methodology was employed to further understand the perspectives of participants, potentially identifying areas of improvement and addressing the needs of female program participants. Semistructured interviews were completed with six participants, data were iteratively analyzed using Van Manen’s thematic analysis, and guided by the principles of the hermeneutic circle, to identify common themes and patterns within the narratives of participant treatment experiences. Key findings include navigating treatment barriers and initial resistance, cycles of trauma, gender dynamics in treatment, and transformation through supportive therapeutic relationships. This study contributes to DV literature, offering recommendations for tailored intervention programs for this population. Findings, revealing positive transformative change, practical skills development, healing from trauma, and the fostering of healthier relationships, provide insights for better equipping counselors. This qualitative research contributes to social change by informing treatment outcomes, policies, and interventions at individual and societal levels.

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