There has been a bit of discussion with secondary PTSD. I was put in contact with Dr Steffany Fredman by a former guest, Dr Carmen. Dr Fredman’s interest is in the intersection between individual mental health and couple functioning. Her focus is on those with PTSD. Dr Fredman is really interested in how PTSD affects couples’ relationships. Dr Fredman is passionate about developing, testing, and (most importantly) disseminating couple base therapy.
This was such an insightful conversation. The concept of approaching PTSD as a team just makes sense to me. Historically for me, if I wanted to improve myself then I would always tell my close friends and family so they can hold me accountable. Whether it was making a bet I wasn’t going to drink for a year or else my buddy Chris gets to tase me at any moment he wanted. Even something as simple as wanting to go to the gym more and getting a workout buddy so it wasn’t just me letting myself down but also that person. Eventually I would get that discipline back and could return the favor when that workout partner started to struggle with consistency. Back to the couple therapy; in addition to being held accountable you both are becoming more informed about PTSD. I find that having a better understanding of what PTSD is beneficial for both individuals in a relationship. That person that cares about you will likely do anything in the world to help. Knowing what will help is important so we don’t find ourselves facilitating bad habits or making the situation worse.
Resources Mentioned:
Book: Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD by Dance M. Monson and Steffany J. Fredman https://www.guilford.com/books/Cognitive-Behavioral-Conjoint-Therapy-for-PTSD/Monson-Fredman/9781462505531 https://patriot.uthscsa.edu/strongstar/pinfo/051/
https://cdmrp.army.mil/dmrdp/research_highlights/20fredman_highlight
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/
https://cdmrp.army.mil/dmrdp/research_highlights/20fredman_highlight https://patriot.uthscsa.edu/strongstar/pinfo/051/
https://news.psu.edu/story/629394/2020/08/24/research/study-shows-promise-two-day-therapy-treat-ptsd-improve
https://news4sanantonio.com/news/trouble-shooters/new-form-of-ptsd-therapy-could-be-game-changer-for-military-coupleshttps://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/austin/in-focus/2020/09/27/two-day-therapy-retreat-helps-treat-ptsd-and-improve-relationships