The emerging specialty of traumatic stress studies provides a new generation of clinicians with diagnoses, theory and techniques that help victims of sudden, catastrophic stress. PTSD specialists know how to educate and coach and guide survivors toward mastery of traumatic memories and a new emotional equilibrium. But liberation from a lifetime of abuse is a different issue entirely. PTSD may or may not be present. If it is, it is complex rather than simple.
Brief therapy is usually insufficient.
Issues of trust, rejection, anger and abandonment take time, skill and patience. Keeping to firm limits and calm but minimal responses are the most helpful behavior the therapist can engage in. This gives the message that you like her, are willing to stay with her in treatment without being abusive, and understand that she is scared. However, some of the limit setting and distancing techniques recommended for use with borderline clients would be counterproductive for use with a battered woman as they would set up power and control issues and not provide the warmth and understanding needed to regain feelings of safety. Obviously, not every therapist is equipped to help the woman who wants to change the habits that helped her endure abuse.