There is also a tremendous amount of evidence that MC is actually harmful with an abusive person for the very reasons you're describing. It might be safe to say it at MC but it's just more fuel for the fire afterward. He is not a reasonable person. Your MC's misguided attempts (as I see it) to "gain his trust" are just wasting your time and giving H different avenues to manipulate with (since he is only about manipulation) than addressing the problem. MC's are afraid of alienating abusers because then they'll leave C. But the counseling has no point if the abuse isn't being addressed.
