Couple Counseling in San Antonio May Assist in PTSD Symptom Relief

A study involving couples, wherein one person had posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has found that disorder-specific couple therapy led to a decrease in the severity of PTSD symptoms and, consequently, enhanced relationship satisfaction, in contrast with couples who did not undergo the same. An article from The Journal of American Medical Association explains:

The researchers found that PTSD symptom severity and patients’ intimate relationship satisfaction were significantly more improved in couple therapy than in the wait-list condition. Also, change ratios (calculated by dividing the change in the CBCT condition from pretreatment to post-treatment by the change in the wait-list condition over this period) indicated that PTSD symptom severity decreased almost 3 times more in CBCT from pretreatment to post-treatment compared with the wait list; and patient-reported relationship satisfaction increased more than 4 times more in CBCT compared with the wait list.

 

The secondary outcomes of depression, general anxiety, and anger expression symptoms also improved more in CBCT relative to the wait list.

 

Treatment effects were maintained at 3-month follow-up.

People who have experienced significant traumatic events may develop PTSD and have symptoms ranging from distressful flashbacks or dreams, as well as severe physical or emotional responses triggered by memories of the traumatic event. Because of the severe stress that the individual can suffer from PTSD, this may inevitably affect the relationship of the couple, how they treat each other, and how they protect themselves from the emotional and psychological pain that the illness brings forth.

The effects of PTSD on individuals and their relationships can be damaging if not handled in a loving and knowledgeable manner, more so in intimate relationships. Traumatic events can be devastating, but they do not have to hinder PTSD sufferers from maintaining stable, meaningful, and healthy partnerships with their loved ones. Couples who want to learn more about how to manage PTSD within a committed relationship may benefit from going to San Antonio counseling resources, such as Sherwood Couples Counseling, which follows The Gottman Method of therapy based on a firm scientific foundation.

Resources who offer counseling in San Antonio can also assist couples in finding more constructive ways of dealing with conflicts, finding healthier communication styles, and breaking through relationship roadblocks. Working through various challenges such as PTSD can be a trial for any relationship, but being willing to engage in counseling and therapy can be a significant first step towards an enhanced quality of life together.

 

(Source: Couple’s Therapy Appears to Decrease PTSD Symptoms, Improve Relationship, JAMA)