Couple Therapy Approaches
Cognitive Behavioural Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) for PTSD
CBCT is an evidence-based couple treatment for PTSD that aims to improve both the symptoms of PTSD and relationship satisfaction. Couples are taught conflict management skills to establish relationship safety, increase intimacy through effective communication, and challenge problematic thoughts about PTSD and the relationship. With these skills, couples learn to "shrink" the role of PTSD in their relationships. A full course of treatment is 15 sessions. Couples have regular out of session practice assignments aimed at reducing avoidance of trauma-related reminders and challenging trauma-related beliefs that are keeping the couple "stuck" in PTSD.
Sage for BPD
Sage is a treatment for couples in which one partner has borderline personality disorder or big emotions that are causing problems in their relationship. Research evidence is growing to suggest Sage is helpful in reducing symptoms of BPD and self-harm, and in improving relationship satisfaction. It has also been used successfully for couples struggling with high conflict. In Sage, couples learn to identify cycles of interacting with one another that can escalate conflict and other problematic behaviours like self harm. They also learn skills to interrupt these cycles and improve their communication including conflict management, listening, and validation of each others' emotions. Sage is 12 sessions and includes out of session practice of skills learned.