Veteran Couples Integrative Intensive Retreat Model: An Intervention for Military Veterans and Their Relational Partners

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

“…Seven unique couple‐based interventions were identified across the 16 studies for the treatment of PTSD symptoms and improvement of relationship outcomes. The seven interventions included Cognitive‐Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (CBCT; n = 8, 47%; Monson, Guthrie, & Stevens, ), Mindfulness‐Based Cognitive‐Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (MB‐CBCT, n = 1, 6%; Luedtke, Davis, & Monson, ), Couple Treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and PTSD (CTAP; n = 1, 6%; Schumm, Monson, O'Farrell, Gustin, & Chard, ), Structured Approach Therapy (SAT; n = 2, 13%; Sautter, Glynn, Cretu, Senturk, & Vaught, ), Strategic Approach Therapy (STRAT; n = 1, 6%; Sautter, Glynn, Thompson, Franklin, & Han, ), Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT, n = 1, 6%; Johnson, ), and the Veteran Couples Integrative Intensive Retreat (VCIIR; n = 2, 13%; Monk, Ogolsky, & Bruner, ). Of the 16 articles reviewed, 11 (69%) were multisubject studies with quantitative data and five (31%) were case studies with quantitative data.…”

“…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.…”

Brief‐Systemic Programs for Promoting Mental Health and Relationship Functioning in Military Couples and Families

“…Although empirical support for this intervention style is minimal, there is some evidence to suggest that these brief approaches may promote positive outcomes among military couples. Studies exploring the effects of retreat programs indicate that these interventions are associated with increased relationship satisfaction and adjustment (e.g., Kotrla & Dyer, ; Luedtke et al, ), improved marital health (e.g., Hardwick, ; Weng et al, ), improved conflict resolution and communication skills (e.g., Davis et al, ; Hardwick, ; Kotrla & Dyer, ; Weng et al, ), heightened self‐esteem (Hardwick, ), and reduced PTSD symptoms for service members (e.g., Luedtke et al, ; Monk, Ogolsky, & Bruner, ). Similarly, multiple‐session workshops and single‐day classes have also been associated with decreased mental health (e.g., PTSD, depression, anxiety) symptoms for both service members and partners, along with increased relationship satisfaction and improved intimacy (Cordova et al, ; Devilly, ).…”

Research and Treatment Models Addressing Trauma in Couples

“…The final two articles focus on interventions with military/veteran couples (Lewis, Lamson, & White, 2016;Monk, Ogolsky, & Bruner, 2016). Similar to Wilson and Murray (2016), Lewis and colleagues used a unique approach to provide a description of the current state of the literature on dyadic-focused methodology assessing interventions for military couples.…”