As a trauma psychologist, Dr Kat Aguilera has witnessed firsthand the profound impact of trauma on frontline service professionals. Conditions such as PTSD and C-PTSD are prevalent in these groups, often accompanied by anxiety and depression. While traditional therapies are helpful, intensive trauma-focused therapy is proving to be a lifeline for those dealing with severe or prolonged trauma.
The Power of Intensive Trauma-Focused Therapy
Intensive trauma-focused therapies are designed to deliver substantial psychological interventions in a short period, often over a few days to weeks, compared to traditional weekly therapy sessions. These therapies can be conducted in-person or remotely and may incorporate various evidence-based methods, such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), and Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT).
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE): PE involves gradually confronting trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations in a controlled environment to reduce their impact over time.
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR facilitates processing traumatic memories by having patients recall distressing experiences while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus.
- Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET): NET helps individuals process traumatic memories by creating a chronological narrative of their life, integrating positive and traumatic experiences to reduce their emotional impact.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT focuses on reframing thoughts about traumatic events, challenging and changing unhelpful beliefs that sustain PTSD symptoms.
Research Supporting Intensive Therapy
Numerous studies support the effectiveness of intensive trauma-focused therapies. Research by Bongaerts et al. (2022, 2021) demonstrated the efficacy of fully remote intensive trauma-focused treatment for PTSD and C-PTSD, using PE and CPT. These studies found significant reductions in symptoms and improvements in related conditions.
In the realm of veteran care, Weinstein et al. (2023) highlighted the effectiveness of Intensive CPT in reducing PTSD treatment dropout rates and improving symptoms among veterans. Yasinski et al. (2022) demonstrated the long-term effectiveness of a prolonged exposure-based intensive outpatient program for veterans. Halvorsen et al. (2020) found that NET was effective in reducing PTSD symptoms in a short period. Auren et al. (2022) combined PE, EMDR, and physical activity in an intensive outpatient setting, resulting in significant reductions in PTSD symptoms and related conditions.
Success with Military Veterans & UK Police Forces
Intensive trauma-focused therapies have been particularly successful in military and police communities. UK Charities, such as Combat Stress and Police Care UK, have pioneered these programs for veterans and police officers diagnosed with C-PTSD.
These therapies have been instrumental in helping veterans readjust to civilian life and manage the complexities of their trauma. Police Care UK’s Intensive Trauma Service pilot program demonstrated remarkable outcomes, with 93% of participants returning to work and 87% seeing a significant reduction in C-PTSD symptoms.
Trauma Focused Therapy at Aguilera Psychology
Intensive trauma-focused therapy offers a beacon of hope for frontline service professionals struggling with PTSD, C-PTSD, anxiety, and depression. With growing evidence supporting its effectiveness, these therapies are transforming the lives of countless individuals who have dedicated their careers to serving others.
As a specialist trauma therapist, Dr Kat Aguilera can help you navigate the challenges of trauma and develop personalised treatment plans. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how intensive trauma-focused therapy can support your healing journey.
References
Auren, T. J. B., Klæth, J. R., Jensen, A. G., & Solem, S. (2022). Intensive outpatient treatment for PTSD: An open trial combining prolonged exposure therapy, EMDR, and physical activity. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(2), 2128048.
Bongaerts, H., Voorendonk, E. M., Van Minnen, A., Rozendaal, L., Telkamp, B. S. D., & de Jongh, A. (2022). Fully remote intensive trauma-focused treatment for PTSD and Complex PTSD. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13(2), 2103287.
Bongaerts, H., Voorendonk, E. M., van Minnen, A., & de Jongh, A. (2021). Safety and effectiveness of intensive treatment for complex PTSD delivered via home-based telehealth. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 12(1), 1860346.
Halvorsen, J. Ø., Stenmark, H., Neuner, F., & Nordahl, H. M. (2020). Narrative Exposure Therapy: A short-term treatment for PTSD in an intensive format. Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice, and Policy, 12(2), 177-185.
Police Care UK. Intensive Trauma Service. Retrieved August 12, 2024, from https://www.policecare.org.uk/help/intensive-trauma-service/
Weinstein, H. R., Roberge, E. M., & Parker, S. C. (2023). Intensive Cognitive Processing Therapy associated with reduced PTSD treatment dropout in a case-controlled study of treatment-seeking veterans. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 30(3), 314-325.
Yasinski, C. W., Watkins, L. E., Maples-Keller, J. L., Ragsdale, K. A., Sherrill, A. M., Burton, M. S., … & Rothbaum, B. O. (2022). Long-term effectiveness of a prolonged exposure-based intensive outpatient program for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 152, 313-320.