Spousal Resiliency Program

SRP is part of Wounded Warriors Canada Clinical Services. The Spousal Resiliency Program is designed for Veteran and First Responder spouses who have been exposed to operational stress injuries, such as PTSD, in their relationships.

Wounded Warriors Canada (WWC) is a national mental health service provider dedicated to serving: Trauma Exposed Professionals Trauma Exposed Families and Trauma Exposed Organizations WWC specializes in providing culturally informed services that utilize a combination of education, counselling, and training approaches to support resiliency and recovery from post-trauma injuries.

This site offers immediate, stigma-free mental health resources for trauma-exposed public safety personnel (both uniform and civilian) in Ontario. Access confidential support 24/7 through free online resources or if in immediate crisis, call 911, Homewood Health’s 24/7 crisis line at 1-833-866-9929, or for 24/7 peer support call Boots on the Ground at 1-833-677-2668.

By clicking proceed to site, you’ll be directed to a trusted third-party provider. Warrior Health partners with external organizations to support public safety personnel. This service has its own privacy and security policies.

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The Spousal Resiliency Program (SRP) brings together spouses for four days to receive clinically facilitated group-based trauma support that draws on leading trauma research. Participants learn regulation and resourcing skills and are guided to understand the function of emotions while exploring parts of themselves that have been wounded through their relationship with an injured spouse.

Group-based delivery allows for the acquisition of relationship skills while enabling participants to give and receive support with clinical guidance and assistance. Participants explore how to build satisfying social support networks in their home lives and culminates with each individual having identified and claimed their own future-focused needs that promote renewal and hope.

Following the completion of the four day residential component, all participants receive a clinical check-in six weeks post program.

WHY SRP?

Over the last several years of delivering couples-based programs, time and again we have heard from spouses of Veterans and First Responders living with operational stress injuries (OSI) that, at some point over their relationship trajectory, they have lost their voice and sense of self within the couple. As a result, they often judge and consider themselves the spouse of the partner affected by OSI instead of a partner that might also be injured due to the impact of OSI on the family dynamic.

We are pleased to report that we are witnessing a new realization within the uniformed service community that spouses also need assistance to return from the darkness that OSI’s can bring into the home. Becoming an active partner again helps spouses cope and better support their injured spouse.

Injured Veterans and First Responders often feel guilt for the impact they’ve had on their spouses. That said, we are seeing the positive impact on members knowing they are helping their spouse get back to who they once were or who they can become.

PROGRAM STRUCTURE

Each program delivery involves two clinical therapists, one support person (Veteran or First Responder) and six client spouses.

Duration: Four days residential followed by a clinical check-in six weeks post program.

Each client receives a clinical intake screening prior to attending the SRP.