COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL CONJOINT THERAPY FOR POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (CBCT FOR PTSD)

CBCT is an evidence-based therapy for PTSD, meaning that it has been proven to work through rigorous scientific research. While treating PTSD, it has the benefit of simultaneously improving relationship functioning and the health and well-being of close significant others PTSD.

when it is used

Although PTSD is often thought of as an individual disorder, research has shown that PTSD and its treatment are affected by relationship factors like social support, intimate relationships, and family relationships.

goals of treatment

Education: Clients first learn about PTSD and its symptoms. This includes information on how avoidance and problematic thoughts maintain PTSD, and ways that PTSD can contribute to and maintain relationship problems. Clients also learn to feel emotionally and physically safe in their relationships and are taught strategies for managing conflict.

Increasing Satisfaction and Decreasing Avoidance: Clients then learn how to enhance their communication in order to  increase emotional intimacy and counteract symptoms of PTSD. Clients are taught skills to help identify and share their feelings, and to notice how thoughts influence their feelings and affect their behaviours.  Clients use these communication skills to problem-solve how they will “shrink” the role of PTSD in their relationships. This includes addressing the avoidance of places, situations, people and emotions that can contribute to and maintain both PTSD and relationship difficulties.

Trauma-Related Thoughts: In the final phase, clients learn to challenge thoughts that maintain PTSD and relationship problems. Certain thoughts specific to the traumatic experience are challenged as well as beliefs about others and relationships that have changed and become unhelpful following the experience.  Clients are shown how to anticipate and deal with future stressors using skills learned during therapy. Upon completing therapy, clients will be able to use these skills to continue to grow and improve.

what to expect

CBCT for PTSD usually lasts for 15 sessions that are 75 minutes each, which are attended by both the individual experiencing PTSD and a close significant other (e.g., intimate partner, family member, close friend). Each session concludes with out-of-session assignments that help clients practice the skills taught in CBCT in their everyday lives.