Working with Protective Emotions

Dubrow-Marshall, Linda; Viliardos, Laura

Abstract

Protective emotions are common amongst survivors of domestic abuse and, on the surface, often appear to be “negative.” Whilst in an abusive relationship, a range of overwhelming emotions may be experienced by the victim/survivor including abject fear. “Protective emotions” can shield the person from feeling terrified of the other person and completely powerless by putting the blame on themselves or placing emphasis on self-deficiencies, which could potentially be rectified and restore some feeling of self-control. Shame, guilt, self-criticism, anxiety, and suicidal ideation are explored through the lens of being “protective” against even more painful, overwhelming, and intolerable feelings. It is imperative that therapists have an understanding of why protective emotions have occurred and they must be open to the exploration of these with the client in an empathic, supportive, and congruent way. This can support a deep and helpful therapeutic relationship.

Citation

Dubrow-Marshall, L., & Viliardos, L. (2023). Working with Protective Emotions. In J. Roddy (Ed.), Working with Client Experiences of Domestic Abuse (73-87). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003253266-6

• Publication Date: May 11, 2023
• Deposit Date: Aug 7, 2023
• Publisher: Routledge
• Pages: 73-87
• Book Title: Working with Client Experiences of Domestic Abuse
• Chapter Number: 6
• ISBN: 9781003253266
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003253266-6