Why “One Size Fits All” Fails
A Critical Look at Current Batterer Intervention Programs
For decades, Batterer Intervention Programs (BIPs) have been the standard response to domestic violence. However, a critical examination reveals significant limitations, particularly their reliance on a “one-size-fits-all” group format and psycho-educational delivery. The truth is, batterers are a diverse group, and their paths to change are equally varied.
WHI argues in “Batterer Position Paper”, that this uniform approach is insufficient to the need at hand. Instead, it advocates for a flexible, tailored strategy that recognizes the different categories or “typologies” of batterers. While acknowledging the historical importance of the Duluth Model (which emphasizes patriarchal power and control), the paper suggests we need to evolve. The Duluth Model, rooted in a feminist framework, asserts that domestic violence stems from societal patriarchy and that batterers bear sole responsibility. While foundational, this singular focus may miss the nuances of individual experience. Similarly, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), while effective for some, primarily focuses on changing irrational thoughts and behaviors. The paper questions whether CBT alone can address the deep emotional content – the guilt, shame, and remorse – crucial for true transformation.
This isn’t to dismiss these models entirely, but to highlight their limitations and the logic they come from (O’Brien, 2025). The paper suggests that a postmodern approach, like Constructivism, could offer significant therapeutic advantages by helping us understand the batterer’s subjective reality. This shift allows for a more nuanced understanding of “shared responsibility” within relational dynamics, potentially increasing engagement as individuals feel understood rather than solely accused.
The debate between empirically-supported practices like CBT and more eclectic, individualized approaches points to a fundamental philosophical difference in the field. It’s a call for a broader definition of “evidence” that includes the qualitative and experiential data essential for profound, lasting change. Adding evidence-based like EMDR, meditation-based practices (including psychedelic)(O’Brien, 2023b), parts work, and biological and neuroscience approaches like Neurofeedback into the mix, the recovery solution becomes more manageable. Recovery sees these all as meditation-based and necessary to encourage deeper healing. In this one size fits all approach logic, 1 + 1 can only = 2. Our approach sees how 1 + 1 = 2 and 3 and 4 and 5.We’ll dive deeper into the different types of batterers and the tailored interventions that can truly make a difference.
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References
O’Brien, A. (2023a). Addiction as Trauma-Related Dissociation: A Phenomenological Investigation of the Addictive State. International University of Graduate Studies. (Dissertation). Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/courses/addiction-as-dissociation-model-course/
O’Brien, A. (2023b). Memory Reconsolidation in Psychedelics Therapy. In Path of the Wounded Healer: A Dissociative-Focused Phase Model for Normative and Pathological States of Consciousness: Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/courses/addiction-as-dissociation-model-course/
O’Brien, A. (2023c). Path of the Wounded Healer: A Dissociative-Focused Phase Model for Normative and Pathological States of Consciousness: Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/
O’Brien, A. (2024a). Healer and Healing: The re-education of the healer and healing professions as an advocation. Re-educational and Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/
O’Brien, A. (2024e). Path of the Wounded Healers for Thrivers: Perfectionism, Altruism, and Ambition Addictions; Re-education and training manual for Abusers, Activists, Batterers, Bullies, Enablers, Killers, Narcissists, Offenders, Parents, Perpetrators, and Warriors. Re-Education and Training Manual and Guide. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/
O’Brien, A. (2025). American Made Addiction Recovery: a healer’s journey through professional recovery. Albany, NY: Wounded Healers Institute. Retrieved at woundedhealersinstitute.org/
