Integrative Intensive Retreats for Veteran Couples and Families: A Pilot Study Assessing Change in Relationship Adjustment, Posttraumatic Growth, and Trauma Symptoms

Abstract

We assessed a brief, systemic retreat-style intervention that was developed to address concerns about the utilization of services for veterans coping with traumatic stress. A total of 76 dyads (N = 152) were assessed before and after a 4-day retreat, which included psychoeducation, group and conjoint therapeutic sessions, and recreational relaxation components. Overall, participants reported a reduction in trauma symptoms, but only support persons experienced a significant increase in posttraumatic growth from pretest to posttest. Both veterans and their romantic partners reported an increase in relationship adjustment after the retreat. Opportunities to address the needs of this population by removing barriers to treatment and reducing feelings of isolation, as well as implications for similar treatments are discussed.

Couple‐based interventions for PTSD among military veterans: An empirical review

“…Out of 16 total studies, 13% ( n = 2; Monk et al, ; Weissman et al, ) did not report data on the sex of their sample. In all but five (31%) of the studies reviewed (Blount, Peterson, & Monson, ; Monk et al, ; Monk, Oseland, Goff, Ogolsky, & Summers, ; Monson et al, ; Monson et al, ), samples were entirely comprised of a male SM/V with PTSD and a female, nonmilitary partner. Out of 16 total studies, 19% ( n = 3) did not report data on the race/ethnicity of their sample (Blount et al, ; Fredman, Monson, & Adair, ; Monson, Gradus et al, ).…”

“…The VCIIR protocol can also be shortened into a 4‐day retreat with less emphasis on recreational activities (Monk et al, ). The recreational activities are carefully selected not only for popularity, but for their effects that augment therapy (Monk et al, , ). Treatment phases included: (1) psychoeducation about PTSD, (2) relationship skills training, (3) intergenerational interaction and support, (4) yoga and recreational wellness activities to engender relaxation between other therapeutic services, and (5) community involvement.…”

“…Another nonrandomized multisubject study utilized the 4‐day protocol of VCIIR for PTSD (Monk et al, ). Self‐reported PTSD symptoms were assessed using the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist‐5th Edition (PCL‐5; Weathers et al, ).…”

“…The VCIIR protocol can also be shortened into a 4-day retreat with less emphasis on recreational activities (Monk et al, 2017). The recreational activities are carefully selected not only for popularity, but for their effects that augment therapy (Monk et al, 2016(Monk et al, , 2017. Treatment phases included: (1) psychoeducation about PTSD,…”

“…Two studies with nonrandomized multisubject designs have been published utilizing VCIIR for the treatment of PTSD symptoms (Monk et al, 2016(Monk et al, , 2017. One study utilized the 7-day protocol of VCIIR for PTSD (Monk et al, 2016).…”