The psychotherapeutic path of filicide mother, in a forensic setting

Abstract

This research brings together the experience of forensic facilities of Castiglione Delle Stiviere (Italy) during the psychotherapeutic treatments carried out on female patiens charged with filicide, who were under custody security measures. For that purpose, a specif interview was administered to psychologists who, from 1999 to 2019 have accomplished the treatments, in order to identify the main common steps. Data analysis showed the following effects as recurring: estabilishing of a therapeutic alliance, evaluation of psychic status, target sharing, felony processing, the involvement of support network and the path to discharge. Unanimous thoughts also rose about the role of public opinion in psychotherapeutic path and on issues that can limit or ease the treatment in forensic residential context.