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CLP - Couples Living with PTSD

OPS is getting ready to offer a 10 module psychoeducation program on living with PTSD.  This program is designed to inform and equip Veterans and their partners who live with the challenges and opportunities that come along with a diagnosis of PTSD or any other TSI (Trauma Stress Injury).  

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Communication challenges run rampant in the lives of people who live with PTSD, but there is a lot of mystery surrounding these communication impairments as it related to PTSD.  This psychoeducation group provides a safe place where couples can learn and grow together with the right information to inform and implement resilient communication.  

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This is a virtual group that will meet once a month for 10 modules, two hours each (with a ten minute break in between).  Participants from Ontario and Nova Scotia, and anywhere in Canada are welcome to register.  Be aware that the time for Ontario will be 6-8 pm (EST) Nova Scotia will be from 7-9 pm (AST).  Please check your time differences before registering. 

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Services are provided in English only at this time.

Photo of a Poppy

Time and Dates:

Time:  6 - 8 pm (Virtual) (EST)

7-9 pm (Virtual) (AST)

Dates:  (last Wednesday of the Month)

October 30, 2024

November 27, 2024

January 29, 2025 

February 26, 2025

March 26, 2025

April 30, 2025

May 28, 2025

June 25, 2025

July 30, 2025

August 27, 2025

Who:

This group is led by Dwight Thompson MSW RSW RMFT-SQ and will be joined by Barb Pierce, RP (Qualifying) CD,  (who is also a Veteran).  Dwight firmly believes in the power of lived experience, and a combination of training and education to help bring healing to the lives of those he works with.  

Costs & Registrations

This is a service covered by your Blue Cross extended benefits for mental health.  We will help you register and get authorized, walk you through the process so you feel supported.  You just need to contact us to get you started with you and your partners full names, DOB and K number.  Send this information to us by clicking here:  Click Here

What is covered:

The group focuses on understanding the impacts of PTSD on the neuro-social function of the brain, and what this means for couples and their relationships (including the family).  Scroll down for further information.  

Psychoeducation & Discussion as well as "Try it at home exercises"

The group is led in a way that encourages exploration and safety.  We are not there to conduct therapy, but rather to learn, and to explore how to learn when your life is impacted by PTSD.  

Who:  Veterans and their spouses.  

This group is for Veterans who live in Ontario or Nova Scotia, and have a K number with Medavie Blue Cross.  When you register, you can provide this information and our friendly admin team will do all the authorizations and billing on your behalf.  In order to register, please contact us by clicking here:  Contact Us

To Register:

Provide us with your name, your partner's name.

Date of birth for both participants.

Veteran's K number through Medavie Blue Cross.

We'll help you with the rest!

What are we going to learn?

The following topics are explored in the facilitated learning group.  FYI, these topics may not be in the order presented here, but rather integrated into the natural flow and needs of the learning group.  

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The PTSD Cycle and the Negative Interactional Cycle

-The typical responses to ongoing activation of the PTSD Brain

-The way the cycle works to maintain the PTSD cycle including depressive and/or anxious conditions that work against resolving PTSD.

 

The Neurobiology of the PTSD Brain          

-Relationship between the amygdala and the hippocampus and the cortex.

-How the triune brain changes in response to PTSD

-How PTSD limits access to memory and executive functioning making typical life transactions difficult.

What is safety and why does the brain require it?  Recognition and Opportunity

-Memory and Communication

-Brain Fog/Forgetfulness

 

PTSD and Relationships:

-Impact of PTSD on communication and interpersonal safety

-Navigating the recovery after a trigger event – what to do and what not to do.

-Exploring relevant psychological first aid between spouses. 

-Navigating post deployment life at home – how PTSD disrupts the environment.

-Post Military Work and PTSD:  why having post service work goals help with PTSD management and maintenance.

-The We in PTSD

 

PTSD and the Trigger

-What and how does a trigger work that cues the PTSD response

-Why triggers continue to be a problem (even after PTSD treatment)

-Emotional Regulation Issues with the Trigger

-Building Reflective Capacity after a trigger response

-How a depressive/anxious response is connected to a trigger.

 

Memory and Trauma:

-The requirement for trauma treatment to include active recall of memories that underly the experiences of having PTSD. 

-Why recall and engaging the autobiographical part of the brain is problematic for those with PTSD. 

-Memory:  Semantic, Episodic, Procedural and Emotional (what are we forgetting?)

Memory Avoidance:  The main response to PTSD and how it maintains the problems associated with PTSD treatment and adherence. 

 

PTSD and your sense of self (Identity)

-How the brain interrupts stable identity

-Why a stable self helps relationship growth

-Why relationships help to manage and keep identity stable

 

PTSD and Loss (Why being sad really does help!)

Understanding the healing power of sadness and grief

Why we don’t let ourselves grieve

Sadness:  The route for the brain’s toxic release/signs of recovery and re-organization

Sadness:  The ultimate expression of safety!

 

PTSD:  Cure or Maintenance?

Why some PTSD may resolve, and why some doesn’t – the impact of developmental experiences on the PTSD Brain.

How the PTSD brain builds expectations around Cure, Management and Maintenance of PTSD/Depression, and what to do about it?

Recovery is not one approach:  the puzzle of PTSD treatment, and putting the pieces together to build your recovery lifestyle

Adopting a lifestyle of recovery that facilitates brain healing and healthy functioning. 

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