Psychology Article Summary

Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
The interpersonal dynamics and treatment of dual trauma couples, Vol. 22, No. 4, 1996, 431-442.
Dennis Balcom

NARRATIVE:

The author of this article explores the complex and intense challenges for couples and

marital therapists dealing with trauma survival dyads. These unique challenges in organizing and

implementing treatment are experienced by therapists treating both partners in a couple who are

survivors of trauma.

Therapists are often faced with complications from "interpersonal reactivity, transference,

emotional withdrawal, and associated responses." They must often deal with an abundance of

difficulties. One partner may be in crises while the other is stable. When both partners are in

crises at the same time treatment will be the most challenging.

The author, Balcom, recommends that therapists develop an understanding of the major

dynamics presented by dual trauma couples. "Over...