Healing the Cycle: an Integrative Approach To Healing Intimate Partner Violence – A Brief Report

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this brief report is to introduce the Integrative Healing Model for Intimate Partner Violence (IHM-IPV). This approach builds off the current evidence base of healing modalities supportive for survivors of IPV and best therapeutic practices to provide clinicians with a comprehensive framework to explore healing with their clients. Methods We reviewed evidence-based practices related to therapeutic modalities to support healing after IPV and integrated them with findings from a qualitative meta-synthesis surrounding survivor perspectives of IPV healing goals, contextualizing these findings within the socio-cultural forces influencing the survivor healing journey. Results The Integrative Healing Model, depicted as a tree diagram, includes highlights such as elements of the therapeutic soil, educational roots, and experiential components of healing. This model also acknowledges the impact of social determinants of health and intersectionality as it relates to these components. Conclusion By incorporating diverse modalities in a complementary manner, IHM-IPV offers a nuanced understanding of survivors’ healing needs beyond symptom alleviation. This paper contributes a valuable tool to the field, offering clinicians a starting point for discussions on healing with IPV survivors. The IHM-IPV enhances the effectiveness of therapeutic efforts and addresses the current lack of integration and guidance within different theoretical perspectives, fostering a more cohesive and supportive approach to survivors’ healing.