This paper notes recent evidence suggesting that couples characterized by violent interactions respond best to therapy when seen first in individual therapy sessions. Clinicians are then presented with a Gestalt therapy approach to intervening in cases of intimate violence that goes beyond crisis intervention. The focus is on the female's roles in intimate violence as supported in the related literature. Gestalt therapy theory and techniques are applied to the literature on females involved in intimate violence and illustrations are presented. Gestalt therapy is defined and several goals of Gestalt therapy are explained, including: (1) acceptance of reality; (2) increased awareness; (3) integration of opposites; (4) responsibility; (5) maturity; (6) authenticity; (7) self regulation; and (8) behavior change. Suggestions for couple's therapy are provided. References are included. (NB)