Healing Together: An Introduction to Conjoint Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBCT) for PTSD

CBCT for PTSD is a proven therapy that helps both public safety personnel and their loved ones heal together by improving communication and reducing trauma symptoms.

Trillium Health Partners is a leading hospital system in Ontario, committed to delivering high-quality, patient-centered care through its three main sites: Credit Valley Hospital, Mississauga Hospital, and Queensway Health Centre.

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.

As a Public Safety Personnel (PSP), you are undoubtedly facing stressors that most of the general population will rarely encounter. Exposure to trauma can have lasting impacts, sometimes leading to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Healing is possible, and not just for you; this process can also involve and benefit your loved ones. One promising approach is Conjoint Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBCT) for PTSD.

This evidence-based therapy supports both the person with PTSD and their partner or family member, helping the couple or family heal together, rather than alone.

Background

Traditional treatments for PTSD often focus on the individual. But PTSD can affect relationships deeply, straining communication, reducing emotional connection, and impacting day-to-day functioning. CBCT for PTSD recognizes this and includes both the person with PTSD and a loved one (often a spouse or long-term partner) in the therapy process.

The therapy was developed by Drs. Candice Monson and Steffany Fredman, both leading experts in trauma and relationships. Dr. Monson, based in Toronto, has worked extensively with PSP and military populations. CBCT combines well-established cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) strategies with tools that support trust, connection, and emotional recovery between partners.

What Does CBCT Involve?

CBCT is a structured, short-term therapy that typically runs for 15 weekly sessions. These sessions include both partners and are led by a trained therapist. The focus is not on placing blame or revisiting traumatic experiences in detail, but on:

Understanding PTSD and how it affects both people in the relationship.

Improving communication and reducing avoidance or conflict.

Changing unhelpful thoughts that maintain PTSD symptoms.

Rebuilding safety, trust, and closeness in the relationship.

Importantly, CBCT can be effective even if only one person has PTSD. The presence and participation of a supportive partner can make a big difference in recovery.

What Does the Research Say?

Studies have shown CBCT can lead to:

Significant reductions in PTSD symptoms

Improvements in relationship satisfaction

Improved emotional regulation for both partners

A 2016 randomized controlled trial found that participants receiving CBCT showed greater improvement all PTSD symptom clusters and trauma-related beliefs than those on a waitlist. More recent research has confirmed these benefits, even among military and first responder couples, who often face unique pressures.

In short, CBCT doesn’t just help with PTSD—it helps strengthen relationships, which are essential to long-term resilience and recovery.

Resources for PSP and Families in Ontario

Wounded Warriors Canada – Couples Overcoming PTSD Everyday (COPE) Program
https://woundedwarriors.ca/COPE
Offers CBCT-based group therapy for couples affected by operational stress injuries.

The Atlas Institute for Veterans and Families
https://atlasveterans.ca
Provides resources on PTSD and trauma-informed care, including tools for family members and PSP.

Ontario Psychological Association – Find a Psychologist Tool
https://psych.on.ca
Locate therapists trained in CBCT or trauma-focused therapy in Ontario.

PSP and their families give so much to our communities. You deserve care that respects the complexity of trauma and the importance of relationships. CBCT is a hopeful, healing approach that says: you don’t have to go through this alone—because healing can happen together.

References

Macdonald, A., Pukay-Martin, N. D., Wagner, A. C., Fredman, S. J., & Monson, C. M. (2016). Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD improves various PTSD symptoms and trauma-related cognitions: Results from a randomized controlled trial. Journal of family psychology: JFP: Journal of the Division of Family Psychology of the American Psychological Association (Division 43), 30(1), 157–162. https://doi.org/10.1037/fam0000177

Monson, C. M., Fredman, S. J., Macdonald, A., Pukay-Martin, N. D., Resick, P. A., & Schnurr, P. P. (2012). Effect of cognitive-behavioral couple therapy for PTSD: A randomized controlled trial. JAMA, 308(7), 700–709.

Fredman, S. J., Vorstenbosch, V., Wagner, A. C., Macdonald, A., & Monson, C. M. (2020). Partner accommodation in posttraumatic stress disorder: Initial testing of the Couple Adaptation to Traumatic Stress Model. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 70, 102196.

Monson, C. M., & Fredman, S. J. (2012). Cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy for PTSD: Harnessing the healing power of relationships. Guilford Press.