Identifying power differentials in nonviolent heterosexual couples in counseling through discourse analysis

Gender based power differentials continue to plague nonviolent heterosexual couples as highlighted by feminist research. Through the application of feminist theory and the dominant theory of language to the practice of marriage and family counseling, this study identified dominant linguistic behaviors in couples engaged in couples counseling with experienced licensed marriage and family therapists. The purpose of this study was to identify gendered oppressive situational talk between male and female partners in counseling sessions through discourse analysis. Attempts by the therapist to intervene in the dominant speech behaviors and their contribution to the power dynamics of the speech were also assessed.;Four therapists (two females and two males) agreed to participate in this study and to audio tape a typical counseling session of the couple. Each therapist selected a couple that met the study's criteria: they were a nonviolent heterosexual couple over 21 years of age, lived together (married or unmarried) for a minimum of 7 years, and were free of major psychopathology. Eight dominant linguistic features were chosen and identified using discourse analysis; they included talk time, interruptions, collaborative talk, use of minimal responses, use of questions, control of topic, overlaps, and the use of hedges. Averages of 36 minutes of session were selected for analyses.;This study revealed the prevalence of male dominant linguistic behaviors entering the counseling room and that the counseling setting cannot be separated from the sociocultural rules of a patriarchal society. The participating therapists did not intervene in the dominant linguistic behaviors and appeared to be more supportive of the male partner's talk than the female partner's talk. Thus, the study illustrated that the power of the hegemonic system not only affects our institutions but also impacts the profession of marriage and family counseling.