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Relationship Problems and Military Related PTSD: The Case for Using Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples

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Abstract

In this paper, the authors argue that effective couple interventions are important for the military given the impact deployment-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has on couple relationships. The authors review the literature on military relationships and how PTSD, in particular, is problematic for these relationships. The authors then review evidence based couple therapy interventions targeting military couples and argue that Emotionally Focused Therapy is an ideally suited means of working with these couples as they face PTSD.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Couple and Family Therapy Program, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, 3B Human Ecology, 552 W Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Adrian J. Blow

  2. Providence Service Corporation, Catalyst Program, 7986 Dagget St., San Diego, CA, 92111, USA

    Ansley Fraser Curtis

  3. Couple and Family Therapy Program, Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, 13E Human Ecology, 552 W. Circle Drive, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA

    Andrea K. Wittenborn

  4. Michigan Public Health Institute, 2440 Woodlake Circle, Okemos, MI, 48864, USA

    Lisa Gorman

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  1. Adrian J. Blow
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  2. Ansley Fraser Curtis
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  3. Andrea K. Wittenborn
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  4. Lisa Gorman
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Correspondence to Adrian J. Blow.

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Blow, A.J., Curtis, A.F., Wittenborn, A.K. et al. Relationship Problems and Military Related PTSD: The Case for Using Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples. Contemp Fam Ther 37, 261–270 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10591-015-9345-7

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