Becoming Allies

Many books have been written for those who have been abused, but what about those who have been abusive?

Abusive and controlling behaviors are sadly common in the U.S. and all over the world. There is plenty of support for people who need to get free of abuse, but very few books have been written for people who struggle with being abusive and controlling themselves. Becoming Allies fills that gap.



This comprehensive book, the first of its kind, draws on the author’s three decades of experience in the field of intimate partner violence working with thousands of people who have been abusive. It presents for the first time the best practices of specialized abuse-prevention programs from around the country.



Becoming Allies identifies and examines abusive and controlling behaviors, explains the underlying beliefs that drive them, and teaches specific, concrete techniques for changing them. It is nothing short of a lifeline for people who want to stop their abusive and controlling behaviors and improve their relationships with themselves, their partners, and their loved ones.



About the Authors



Chris Huffine, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist in Portland, Oregon. He has worked with abusive partners in the field of intimate partner violence for nearly thirty years, helping thousands of abusive partners and hundreds of abused partners learn how to change their lives for the better. In 2004, after twelve years at Men’s Resource Center and Women’s Counseling Center in Portland, he founded Allies in Change, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Allies in Change offers over two dozen weekly abuse-intervention groups that serve approximately 300 abusive men, women, and non-binary people. Of particular note is the fact that a quarter of the attendees at Allies in Change participate voluntarily, more than are served by any other program in the country. Dr. Huffine provides training to groups and individuals nationwide.