One of the most painful aspects of PTSD is the emotional wall that can rise between partners. You might feel your spouse is distant, uninterested in intimacy, or "checked out," even when they are sitting right next to you.

This is often a biological "safety" mechanism, not a lack of love. For physical and emotional intimacy to occur, the body must shift into the Parasympathetic Nervous System (the "rest and digest" mode). However, a Veteran with PTSD is often locked in the Sympathetic Nervous System (the "fight or flight" mode). To the brain, letting guard down for intimacy can feel dangerous.

Reconnecting requires patience and "safety building." Therapy can help you decode these signals, move past the guilt and rejection, and find new ways to build intimacy that feels safe for both of you.

Couples therapy for Veterans requires a therapist who understands how trauma physiology impacts relationships.

Clinicians for Veteran Couples:

• Shelley Briscoe-Dimock

• Shelley Colter: 

• Sandra Martins: 

• Amy Klassen: 

• Elyse Champaigne-Klassen: 

• Shelley Briscoe-Dimock

• Ryan Schmitt

• Yan St-Louis

• Lilly Bianchi

• Barb Pierce

• Nancy McCormick

Rebuild your connection. 

Email info@ottawapsychotherapyservices.ca to book a couples consultation.