Episode 11, Season 5: A Visit to Dr. Ruzek's PTSD Group Laboratory
Guest: Dr. Joe Ruzek
Today we are joined by Dr. Joe Ruzek, a clinical psychologist and former Director of the National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division.
Dr. Ruzek recently published a book on group therapies for PTSD and shares his findings and innovations with Jenna and Carin. We discussed the unique benefits of group therapies, more flexible ways of measuring progress, and future directions.
As always, we wrap up with Actionable Intel; Dr. Ruzek provides listeners with numerous tips and resources to hone skills in group therapy.
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Show Notes:
Dr. Joe Ruzek retired as Director of the VA National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division in April 2018, after helping improve PTSD services in VA for over 26 years. Dr. Ruzek is an Adjunct Professor at Stanford University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Professor of Psychology at University of Colorado, Colorado State, and Distinguished Professor in Residence at Palo Alto University. Dr. Ruzek specializes in early intervention to prevent the development of PTSD, dissemination of evidence-based treatments for PTSD, and development and evaluation of Internet- and smartphone-based interventions for trauma survivors.
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Ruzek, JI., Yalch, MM., & Burkman, KM. (2023) Group Approaches to Treating Traumatic Stress: A Clinical Handbook. Guilford Press.
- National Center for PTSD. www.ptsd.va.gov
- Medical University of South Carolina www.musc.edu
- Resick, PA., Monson, CM, Chard, KM. (2024). Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Calls-to-action:
- Get busy running groups! Find a trusted colleague who wants to run a group on any topic. It will help you develop your skills in structuring groups, setting an agenda, and managing group dynamics, regardless of the topic.
- Visit the National Center for PTSD website to access many free resources on trauma-focused care, including group treatments. www.ptsd.va.gov
- Learn an evidence-based treatment for PTSD. Once you have developed competence and familiarity with the approach, consider implementing it in group format.
- Subscribe to the Practical for Your Practice Podcast
- Subscribe to the Center for Deployment Psychology's Monthly Email
This podcast is produced by the Center for Deployment Psychology at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Uniformed Services University, the Department of Defense, or the US Government. In addition, reference to any specific company, products, processes, or services does not necessarily constitute or imply endorsement by the Uniformed Services University, the Department of Defense, or the US Government.