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

Abstract

Abstract-A well-documented association exists among Veterans' posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms, family relationship problems, and mental health problems in partners and children of Veterans. This article reviews the recommendations regarding couple/family therapy offered in the newest version of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)/Department of Defense (DOD) VA/DOD Clinical Practice Guideline for Management of Post-Traumatic Stress. We then provide a heuristic for clinicians, researchers, and policy makers to consider when incorporating couple/family interventions into Veterans' mental health services. The range of research that has been conducted on couple/family therapy for Veterans with PTSD is reviewed using this heuristic, and suggestions for clinical practice are offered.

One day at a time: The experiences of partners of veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.

“…Several efforts are underway to support partners who want to help their loved ones' recovery. If the veteran is reluctant to seek treatment, education and family-facilitated engagement approaches can help the family understand the condition and teach them ways to encourage their loved ones to get care (Monson, Macdonald, & Brown-Bowers, 2012). One example designed for various psychological conditions, including PTSD, is the Support and Family Education Program (Sherman, 2003).…”

Vietnam in the Later Family: Self-reported Symptoms and Interpretations of Posttraumatic Stress

“…Public policy should recognize that the shadow army of military families does not disappear when deployment or enlistment ends. Clinical application of the new VA/DOD guidelines suggest the importance of family involvement early on for assessment and treatment (Monson, Macdonald, & Brown-Bowers, 2012;Nash & Watson, 2012). Advances are forthcoming with new diagnostic criteria for PTSD (APA, 2013) and new assessment tools for measuring functional impairment related to PTSD (Rodriguez et al, 2012).…”

Military Caregivers

“…The social worker could then help Natasha and Bill both identify how they have already contributed to society and how they can continue to do so within their new roles. Other theory-and evidence-based therapeutic approaches that may be useful with this family include Support and Family Education (SAFE Program), Behavioral Couple/Family Therapy, the K'oach Program, the Lifestyle Management Course, Emotionally-Focused Couple Therapy for Trauma, Strategic Approach Therapy, and Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (Monson et al 2012). Regardless of the theoretical approach, the social worker should focus on how improvements in one area of the family system, whether an individual or a subsystem, can enhance the whole family's functioning.…”