PTSD Bytes #18: Trauma, emotions and relationship skills

Listen to “#18: Trauma, Emotions, and Social Skills” on Spreaker.

In this episode of the PTSD Bytes podcast, host Dr. Pearl McGee-Vincent talks with Dr. Marylene Cloitre and Dr. Annabel Prins, clinical psychologists at the National Center for PTSD, about how trauma impacts emotions and relationships.

Trauma and emotion regulation

Emotion regulation is the ability to be aware of, recognize and express your feelings. If you experienced trauma, especially as a child, you may have never learned or seen good role models for how to manage emotions. Cloitre explains that trauma can make you either feel overwhelmed by emotions or shut down and feel nothing.

This can lead to difficulties in relationships. You may avoid relationships or have difficulty connecting with others. Or you may feel emotions so intensely you express your emotions in ways that interfere with your relationships.

Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR)

The goal of STAIR is to help people improve their lives by experiencing and expressing their feelings in a healthy way. STAIR is a therapy that teaches emotion regulation and relationship skills in 10-12 weekly sessions. It focuses on day-to-day problems instead of directly focusing on trauma. Cloitre says that STAIR can be useful to anyone, and that research shows it also reduces symptoms of PTSD and depression.

How to get STAIR therapy

If you receive care at VA, you can ask your provider if a STAIR therapist is available in your location. You can also search the clinician directory on the International Society for Traumatic Studies website.

At the time of this report, VA therapists who are trained in STAIR can give Veterans access to WebSTAIR, an online program version of STAIR. The website is self-guided, “So people can take their time and use it when convenient to them,” says Prins. The website is planned to be available to everyone by 2024.

Introduction to STAIR Coach app video: https://youtu.be/zlTcYUgHZBQ.

STAIR Coach mobile app

The STAIR Coach mobile app includes many of the same features that are part of STAIR therapy. It has a training plan which guides you through useful information, self-assessments and emotion regulation techniques. STAIR Coach is free, available to everyone, and works on both Apple and Android devices.

If you’re going to use STAIR Coach, it is recommended that you also receive STAIR therapy with a provider. However, the app can also be used on its own.

Additional links

• More information about PTSD and relationships on the National Center for PTSD website
• STAIR training information for clinicians
• More PTSD Bytes episodes

If you are a Veteran who is experiencing a crisis or supporting a loved one who is, dial 988 then press 1 for immediate assistance, or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/chat.