Unmasking the Abuse – Typologies and the Path to Tailored Treatment

To truly help, we must first understand what is what and who is who. The WHI “Batterer Position Paper”, by Adam O’Brien, emphasizes that batterers are not a monolithic group and suffer from trauma just like everyone one else. Research, while still evolving, points to at least five primary categories: pathological, sexually violent, general violent, psychologically violent, and family-only batterers. A clear understanding of these typologies is crucial for developing effective, individualized therapeutic interventions, but what if addiction is not defined accurately in the DSM and abuse pathology is not directly defined in the DSM (O’Brien, 2023a).  

Beyond these classifications, common characteristics often emerge. Batterers are predominantly male and frequently exhibit a propensity for control, a sense of entitlement, possessiveness, jealousy, and disrespect. These traits are often weaponized against loved ones. They may also display abnormal levels of control within the family, manipulativeness, a pervasive sense of superiority, and an authoritarian parenting style. Paradoxically, many cultivate a positive community image that hides their abusive behaviors, and some even believe they are acting out of “love”. Their sophisticated understanding of psychology can even enable them to manipulate evaluators and evade accountability.  But with a deeper understanding of addiction and recovery, WHI is offering a new path for those who need to heal both the abuser and victim within themselves. For those who know what addiction and recovery means are the ones who can truly help those who know not what they do when they are doing it. The pervasiveness of addictive dissociation is beyond what psychology knows and is willing to admit, but luckily, science shows the way (O’Brien, 2023a), if we are willing and have the courage to follow it (O’Brien, 2025).

The existence of these diverse typologies strongly supports the argument against a “one-size-fits-all” approach. The manipulative and charming facades highlight the immense challenge in engaging this population in meaningful treatment. It suggests a deeply ingrained, often unconscious (but defined as the body, the psychological unconscious has new meaning), self-justifying narrative that requires sophisticated, individualized interventions capable of penetrating denial and engaging with their internal, constructed reality. What better way then psychedelics? Who would rather learn from? West Point graduate with no combat experience or an old battle ax who is both?

So, what are the recommendations for enhanced batterer treatment?

• Shift from exclusive group therapy to individual or combined approaches: Individual sessions can better surface and address underlying problems.  
• Adopt eclectic and Post-Modern/Constructivist approaches: This allows clinicians to gain deeper insights into the batterer’s subjective reality and tailor interventions.  
• Focus on relational aspects: Understanding what draws batterers to their partners and the influence of peer groups is vital.  
• Investigate inner-workings and utilize testimonials: Gaining access to the internal world of batterers and learning from those who have achieved “abuse recovery” can provide invaluable insights.  
• Leverage Motivational Enhancement Techniques (MET) and the Stages of Change Model: Meeting clients “where they are at” and without judgment is fundamental for building a strong therapeutic relationship and fostering engagement.  
• Address emotional content: Beyond behavioral modification, it’s crucial to address guilt, shame, and remorse for lasting change.  
• Provide key information for clinicians: Equipping professionals with knowledge about batterer psychology, predictors of violence, and common tactics is essential.  

These recommendations represent a shift from a purely punitive or behaviorist model to a client-centered healing model, aiming for genuine, sustainable change that goes beyond mere compliance (Moral-Ethics). This aligns perfectly with the Wounded Healers Institute’s broader philosophy of understanding underlying causes, which we’ll explore further in our next post.

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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/