Fighting for Connection : Perspectives on Conflict and Intimate Partner Violence

Fighting for Connection offers a fresh, nuanced perspective on conflict and partner violence, blending emotional, relational, and scientific insights through the lens of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). This book speaks to couples experiencing escalating conflict, as well as to professionals supporting them. It moves beyond traditional narratives of power or victimhood to explore the emotional and relational dynamics that underlie violent interactions. Structured as a conversation between two experts in EFT and domestic violence, the authors answer the questions couples often ask themselves when caught in cycles of escalation. Readers are guided through the complexities of love, conflict, and emotional pain, engaging with the material in an accessible, empathetic style. This book combines clear explanations with research-based insights, while ensuring the language resonates with lived experiences. With its original dual audience approach, it speaks directly to couples living through high-conflict situations and simultaneously equips therapists, counselors, and social workers with practical frameworks and strategies rooted in EFT. It reframes partner violence as a relational problem, providing pathways toward healing without oversimplifying the challenges involved. Through real-world examples, therapy principles, and actionable guidance, this book empowers readers to restore safety, connection, and empathy in relationships.