Processing Trauma and Addiction through Congruence Couple Therapy
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Date
2019-08-21
Authors
Bastardo Gaelzer, Jessica
University of Lethbridge. Faculty of Health Sciences
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Lethbridge, Alta. : University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Health Sciences
Abstract
The literature has shown a clear connection between trauma and addictive
disorders, including problem gambling. However, most treatment methods for addiction
and trauma are individually based. The purpose of this study is to examine and
describe how Congruence Couple Therapy (CCT) addresses trauma and
addiction within the couple therapy context. The case study design allowed an in-depth
secondary analysis of transcripts of two couples with problem gambling who underwent
CCT. The five themes that emerged from the thematic analysis revealed how CCT works
with couples on both trauma and addictions: (1) Building the foundation for couple
therapy: Therapeutic alliance; (2) Understanding gambling patterns and building the
timeline of addictions; (3) Connecting addiction with life-stressors, trauma, and
childhood wounding; (4) Exploring trauma within the context of relationships; and (5)
Healing from trauma and addiction through re-connection with self and others. Study
limitations and recommendations for future research were discussed.
Description
Keywords
Addicts , Compulsive gamblers , Couples therapy , Group psychotherapy , Mental health counseling , Psychotherapy