She may say to herself, "He's starting to do things I've been asking for", (like counseling, anger management, things she sees as a chance of improvement.) Unfortunately, very few abusers make real changes. Once the latest incident has passed from thought, and he has made gestures of cooperation, he is very likely to revert to the behavior that has served him to get what he wants. Only by taking full responsibility for his abuse, (without minimizing, denying or blaming her) can he truly begin to change, and unless he continues to make efforts over many months and years, the effects will only be superficial.