Evidence Based Treatment for PTSD: Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)

Description:

This intensive 2-day module provides training in PE, an evidence-based treatment of PTSD described in the manual, Prolonged Exposure Therapy for PTSD – Therapist Guide, by Foa et al., 2007. It covers the theoretical underpinnings and research behind PE and reviews the main clinical techniques used in this structured protocol. Step-by-step instructions for conducting PE therapy sessions, including in-vivo and imaginal exposure, along with strategies for working with over- and under-engaged patients and other difficult cases, are shared. Videotaped examples of PE cases are used to demonstrate therapist skills. Participants are expected to do role-plays in class to practice PE techniques, and they must attend both days.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Review evidence-based treatments for PTSD.
  2. Increase awareness of the empirical support for PE in treating PTSD.
  3. Illustrate the theoretical basis for using PE to treat PTSD.
  4. Examine the role maladaptive fear structures play in non-recovery from trauma.
  5. Recall the PE protocol and its four main techniques.
  6. Review homework assignments used in PE.
  7. Increase awareness of the mechanisms underlying in-vivo and imaginal exposure.
  8. Discuss the overall rationale of PE.
  9. Develop an in-vivo hierarchy.
  10. Administer imaginal exposure.
  11. Identify strategies to modify PE for certain kinds of patients.
  12. Discuss strategies for assessing the outcome of PE.
  13. Examine organizational barriers to implementing PE.
  14. Apply PE to deployment-related PTSD clinical cases.

Outline:

  1. DAY ONE

    1. Theory & Research behind PE
    2. Show DVD of with Patient Testimony of PE Treatment, Overview of Sessions 1-10, Establishing the Therapeutic Alliance, Session #1 - Overall Rationale
    3. Show DVD of Overall Rationale to Demonstrate Key Points, Break into Dyads/Triads  to Practice Giving Overall Rationale; Breathing Training Exercise, Introduce Session #2 - Discuss Common Reactions to Trauma
    4. Continue with Session #2 - Review In-Vivo Exposure: Rationale, Use of SUDS, Construction of Hierarchy, Safety Guidelines, Assignment of Homework, Show DVD of In Vivo Exposure to Demonstrate Key Points
  2. DAY TWO
    1. Break into Dyads/Triads to Practice Constructing In-Vivo Hierarchy, Introduce Session #3 - Imaginal Exposure: Rationale, Procedures, Assignment of Homework
    2. Show DVD of Imaginal Exposure to Demonstrate Key Points, Break into Dyads/Triads to Practice Doing Imaginal Exposure
    3. Hotspot Procedures and Final Session, Show DVD of Final Session, Difficult Patient Issues and Practical Barriers: Modifications to PE
    4. Continue with Difficult Patient Issues and Practical Barriers, Provider Self-Care, Wrap-Up

Duration: 840 minutes (10 minute break required every 90 mins). Course covers two days.

Notes:

This module includes DVD / video clips that may be distressing to some audience members.  Speaker will disclose this to the audience prior to the presentation. This module requires breakout sessions for participants to do role-plays, so room should be large enough to allow a minimum of 8 inch separation between breakout groups of two or three participants each.

*Continuing education credits are available for this course. Fees may apply.