Homecoming as Safe Haven or the New Front: Attachment and Detachment in Military Couples

Traumatized military couples represent a new population for the application of attachment theory constructs. An innovative clinical social work practice model, grounded in a synthesis of social and psychological theories, aims to assist these couple and families who are navigating very difficult transitions. Since social support is known to be a central protective factor in mediating the long-term adverse effects of combat trauma, this therapeutic focus addresses two compelling problem areas: the disruption of secure attachments and affect dysregulation. The effects of deployment stressors on soldiers, their intimate partners, and their families are discussed in depth. Clinical illustrations highlight the utility of a phase-oriented culturally responsive couple therapy practice approach that has clear clinical implications for military couples.

Kathryn BashamEmail:

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Kathryn Basham,   PhD, LICSW, is professor at Smith College School for Social Work and Editor of the Smith College Studies in Social Work. She has Co-authored a text titled Physiologic, Psychologic and Psychosocial Effects of Deployment-Related Stress (2007) and Transforming the Legacy: Couple therapy with Survivors of Childhood Trauma (2004).