Marie-France Hirigoyen, a psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, victimologist, and systemic family therapist, has spent thousands of hours listening to the sufferings of men and women who have been affected by invisible violence. For the past forty-five years, she has been seeing hundreds of patients in her office located just a twenty-minute walk from her apartment in the 5th arrondissement of Paris. She prefers to see patients at home, in her immaculate and bright living room, as she spends a lot of time in her office observing the dysfunctions of society. Her work has led to the publication of several influential books on psychological violence that have contributed to its recognition in the legal system.
In her latest book, “Séparations avec enfants” (The Discovery), Hirigoyen explores the impact of parental separation on children’s suffering. She emphasizes that children are not hurt by the separation itself, but by the way it is handled. Drawing from the experiences of children of divorcees, as well as parents going through separations, Hirigoyen highlights a disturbing trend of psychological manipulation of minors in the context of conflictual separations. One parent, seeking revenge on their ex-partner, may unconsciously use the child to reject the other parent, causing emotional abuse with serious consequences for the child.
Hirigoyen’s method involves listening to the stories of her patients without judgment and taking notes. Over the years, these consultations have informed her writings and research, shaping her understanding of psychological violence and its impact on individuals. By describing what she perceives through what she hears in her practice, Hirigoyen has become a respected expert in the field, offering insights that have influenced public discourse on the issue.
Through her work, Hirigoyen aims to raise awareness about psychological violence and its harmful consequences for individuals and society as a whole. By shedding light on the subtle yet destructive nature of this form of abuse, she seeks to empower individuals to recognize and address such behaviors in their own lives. Hirigoyen’s dedication to listening and validating the experiences of her patients has earned her a reputation as a compassionate and insightful therapist, whose work continues to have a lasting impact on the field of psychology.
Hirigoyen’s research and writings have not only contributed to the understanding of psychological violence but have also played a significant role in advocating for its recognition in legal frameworks. By documenting the stories and experiences of her patients, she has been able to draw attention to the importance of protecting individuals, especially children, from the devastating effects of psychological abuse. Through her commitment to listening, observing, and speaking out against injustices, Hirigoyen has become a voice for those who have suffered in silence, offering hope and validation to those who seek healing and justice.
