A pilot intervention of an existing intervention adapted for the returning warfighter population: a couples treatment for PTSD, Structured Approach Therapy (SAT), which emphasizes reducing the PTSD avoidance/numbing symptoms that are corrosive in families.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
The SAT treatment is provided in 12 weekly 50-minute sessions and is fully manualized. First, couple-based exposure techniques are used to address anxiety about intimacy, increasing the traumatized person's ability to engage in social and relational behaviors that promote bonding and satisfaction. Second, as anxiety decreases, couple-based techniques are also used to increase the positive experiences the couple is having. These activities expose the traumatized person to positive feelings instead of anxiety, so that he/she may become desensitized to the anxiety caused by the closeness, and more comfortable engaging in intimate behaviors.
UCLA Semel Institute
Los Angeles, California, United States
Improved couples communication as measured by standardized assessments
Time frame: 4-6 months
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