The single-trauma couple: a case analysis of a clinical session transcript.

Trauma survivors and their spouses/partners who seek therapy may present with unique dynamics due to the effects of previous trauma. The current paper provides an analysis of a clinical case vignette for understanding the effects of trauma when only one partner reports a trauma history-single-trauma...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of Couple & Relationship Therapy Vol. 5; no. 3; pp. 59 - 78
Main Authors: Goff BSN, Peterson FR, Berg N, Williams T, Clark C
Format: case study Journal Article
Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd 2006
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
Description
Summary:Trauma survivors and their spouses/partners who seek therapy may present with unique dynamics due to the effects of previous trauma. The current paper provides an analysis of a clinical case vignette for understanding the effects of trauma when only one partner reports a trauma history-single-trauma couples. The description of the single-trauma couple includes the relevant trauma history, anecdotal case information, and a session transcript, which identify primary issues experienced by the couple. The authors emphasize the importance of using a 'trauma lens' when working with couples and families to avoid overlooking important cues about the individual and systemic effects of traumatic stress. Clinical and research implications are also described.