Cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD: Pilot results from a community sample

Abstract

Seven couples participated in an uncontrolled trial of cognitive–behavioral conjoint therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Among the 6 couples who completed treatment, 5 of the patients no longer met criteria for PTSD and there were across-treatment effect size improvements in patients’ total PTSD symptoms according to independent clinician assessment, patient report, and partner report (d = 1.32–1.69). Three of the 4 couples relationally distressed at pretreatment were satisfied at posttreatment. Partners reported statistically significant and large effect size improvements in relationship satisfaction; patients reported nonsignificant moderate to large improvements in relationship satisfaction. Patients also reported nonsignificant, but large effect size improvements in depression and state anger symptoms. Future directions for research and treatment of traumatized individuals and close others are offered.

Military veteran perpetrators of intimate partner violence: Challenges and barriers to coordinated intervention

“…For example, most guidelines proscribe couple-based approaches despite evidence that such approaches are effective in reducing IPV (Stith & McCollum, 2011). Couple-based approaches may be particularly indicated in Veterans who may be suffering from PTSD because difficulties experiencing and expressing emotions are a hallmark feature of the disorder and recent evidence shows that couple intervention improves intimate relationships and is effective in treating PTSD (Monson et al, 2011). Further, many guidelines proscribe interventions that emphasize mental health factors, which is problematic for Veteran-perpetrated IPV given the aforementioned research base indicating that a range of mental health problems significantly increase the risk of IPV perpetration in this population.…”

Couple/family therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Review to facilitate interpretation of VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline

“…CBCT for PTSD consists of fifteen 75 min sessions comprised of three phases: (1) treatment and education about PTSD and its impact on relationships and increasing safety, (2) communication-skills training and dyad-oriented in vivo exposures to overcome behavioral and experiential avoidance, and (3) cognitive interventions aimed at changing problematic trauma appraisals and beliefs most relevant to the maintenance of PTSD and relationship problems (i.e., trust, power/control, and emotional and physical closeness). Three uncontrolled studies with Vietnam Veterans (Monson et al [10]), Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans (Schumm et al * ), and community members (Monson et al [32]) and their romantic partners indicate improvements in PTSD symptoms and their comorbidities and some evidence of relationship improvements in couples who may or may not be clinically distressed at the outset of therapy (this is not an inclusion criteria for the therapy).…”

A Pilot Study of the Effects of Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder on Parenting

“…The third phase is focused on challenging maladaptive beliefs to help the couple arrive at balanced and healthy beliefs related to the traumatic event and their relationship. CBCT for PTSD has been shown to produce significant reductions in PTSD symptoms on par with individually delivered PTSD treatments and to simultaneously improve intimate relationship satisfaction (Monson et al, 2011;Monson, Schnurr, Guthrie, & Stevens, 2004;Schumm, Fredman, Monson, Chard, & Greenwald, 2013). Further, CBCT for PTSD has also been demonstrated to improve partner mental health symptoms (Monson, Stevens, & Schnurr, 2005;Shnaider, Pukay-Martin, Fredman, Macdonald, & Monson, 2014).…”