Treating Posttraumatic Stress Disorder using couple’s counseling

Steps for the Counselor

1. Rule out Suicide ideation, Alcohol or Substance abuse, Domestic Violence using appropriate assessments. These assessments

should be done with each member of the couple independently so that neither partner is concerned about confidentiality

(Sautter, Armelie, Gylnn &Wielt, 2011). Suggestions: Conflict Tactics Scale (Straus & Douglas, 2004); Alcohol Use

Disorders Identification Test (Bohn, Babor, & Kranzler, 1995); Drug Abuse Screening Test (Gavin, Ross, & Skinner, 1989);

Beck Suicide Ideation Scale (Beck, Kovacs, & Weissman, 1979).

2. Psychoeducation - Educate the couple on trauma and PTSD, the impacts of PTSD on the relationship. Normalize the

experience by partner with PTSD and patterns faced by the couple. Initiate dialogue on how the couple can communicate

wishes for how to cope during specific phenomenon (i.e. nightmares or flashbacks) (Jones, Sherman, Zanotti, 2005; Sautter,

Armelie, Gylnn &Wielt, 2011). Promote acceptance in problematic behaviors associated with PTSD. Enhancing partner

acceptance is powerful and often results in behavioral change (Sautter, Armelie, Gylnn &Wielt, 2011).

3. Treatment Guides and Manuals –

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy:

Wasler, R.D., Westrup, D., & Hayes, S.C. (2007). Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress

Disorder: A Practitioner's Guide to Using Mindfulness & Acceptance Strategies. New Harbinger Publications

Emotion Focused Approach:

Johnson, E. (2005). Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy with Trauma Survivors: Strengthening Attachment Bonds. The Guilford

Press.

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing:

Shapiro, F., Kaslow, F., & Maxfield, L. (2007). Handbook of EMDR and Family Therapy Processes. Wiley.

Structured Approach Therapy:

Sautter, F.J., Armelie, A.P., Glynn, S.M. & Wielt, D.B. (2011). The Development of a Couple-Based Treatment for PTSD in

Returning Veterans. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 42(1), 63-69.

Systems Approach:

Everson, R.B. & Figley, C.R. (2010). Families Under Fire: Systemic Therapy With Military Families. Routledge.

Additional Resources:

Catherall, D.R. (2004). Family Stressors: Interventions for Stress and Trauma. Routledge.

Jones, D.E., Sherman, M.D., & Zanotti, D.K. (2005). Key Elements in Couples Therapy with Veterns with Combat-Related

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(6), 626-633.

Webb, N. B. (2003). Mass Trauma and Violence: Helping Families and Children Cope. The Guilford Press.

Resources for the Couple

Bibliotherapy:

England, D. (2009). The Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Relationship: How to Support Your Partner and Keep Your Relationship

Healthy. Adams Media

Gottman (1995). Why Marriages Succeed or Fail and how you can make yours last. Simon & Schuster

Phillips, S.B., & Kane, D. (2009). Healing Together: A Couple's Guide to Coping with Trauma & Post-Traumatic Stress. New

Harbinger Publications

Addition Resources:

Military One Sources. (2011). Retrieved from www.militaryonesource.com.

National Center for PTSD (2011). Retrieved from www.ptsd.va.gov/index/asp

United States Department of Veterans Affairs (2011). Retrieved from www.va.gov/

References

Allen, E.S., Rhoades, G.K., Stanley, S.M., &Markman, H.J. (2010). Hitting Home: Relationships Between

Recent Deployment, Posttraumatic Stress Symptoms, and Marital Functioning for Married Couples.

Journal of Family Psychology, 24(3), 280-288

Benotsch, E.G., Brailey, K., Vasterling J.J., Uddo, M., Constans, J.I., &Sutker, P. (2000). War zone stress,

personal and environmental resources, and PTSD symptoms in Gulf War veterans: A longitudinal

Perspective. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 109, 205-213.

Galovski, T.E., & Lyons, J. (2004). The psychological sequelea of exposure to combat violence: A review of

the impact on the veteran’s family. Aggression and Violent Behavior: A Journal Review, 9, 477-501

Goff, B.S.N., Crow, J.R., Reisbig, A.M.J., & Hamilton, S. (2007). The impact of individual trauma symptoms

of deployed soldiers on relationship satisfaction. Journal of Family Psychology, 21, 344-353.

Jacobson, N., & Christensen, A. (1996). Integrative couple therapy: Promoting acceptance and change. New

York: Norton.

Johnson, S.M. (2002). Emotionally focused couple therapy with trauma survivors: Strengthening attachment

bonds, New York: Guildford Press.

Jones, D.E., Sherman, M.D., & Zanotti, D.K. (2005). Key Elements in Couples Therapy with Veterns with

Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 36(6),

626-633.

Sautter, F.J., Armelie, A.P., Glynn, S.M. & Wielt, D.B. (2011). The Development of a Couple-Based Treatment

for PTSD in Returning Veterans. Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, 42(1), 63-69.

Taft, C.T., Watkins, L.E., Stafford, J., Street, A.E., & Monson, C.M. (2011). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and

Intimate Relationship Problems: A Meta-Analysis. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology,

79(1), 22-33.