Learning Objectives

1. At the completion of this training, you will be able to:
2. Compare and contrast the psychometric soundness of assessment instruments used to diagnose PTSD, including tools for structured interviews, self-report scales, and psycho-physiological assessment methods.
3. Distinguish between the neurobiological changes associated with PTSD that occur in the amygdala, anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
4. Evaluate the effectiveness of popular individual therapies for treating PTSD.
5. Compare and contrast research studies on couples therapy methods for treating PTSD.
6. Defend the practice of conducting conjoint therapy to address PTSD during couples therapy by referencing the relevant research findings on the impact of PTSD on relationships, as well as the relationship outcomes associated with individual PTSD treatment.
7. Implement clinical strategies that help “surface” trauma when working with a couple with PTSD.
8. Select clinical interventions that help “explore” trauma at a deeper level once it has surfaced.
9. Facilitate movement from the individual to the dyad when processing a trauma.
10. Teach couples how to conduct a Stress-Reducing Conversation when PTSD is involved.
11. Teach couples how to conduct an Aftermath of a Regrettable Incident Exercise when PTSD is involved.
12. Compare and contrast popular therapies for treating infidelity.
13. Explain how the 24 steps of the “Gottman-Rusbult-Glass” cascade toward betrayal lead to a blurring of boundaries between self and potential others.
14. Explain how a betrayed partner may develop PTSD as a result of their partner’s affair.
15. Apply the Gottman Method Couples Therapy Assessment process with couples who have experienced an affair.
16. Incorporate appropriate additional details when conducting an Assessment feedback session for treating affairs.
17. Facilitate the Atonement phase of Gottman Method Couples Therapy for affairs.
18. Defend the practice of allowing the hurt partner to express anger, insecurity, resentment, fear and feelings of rejection, rather than down-regulating their expression of emotion.
19. Implement appropriate clinical tools to strengthen an affair couple’s Attunement to each other.
20. Teach affair couples how to effectively process Regrettable Incidents.
21. Select appropriate clinical interventions to deepen an affair couple’s Attachment to one another.
22. Apply effective clinical strategies to help affair couples prevent relapse.