According to a recent study published in the Journal of Anxiety Disorders, cognitive processing therapy (CPT) may have a greater effect on military-related PTSD than other usual treatments. CPT is a form of trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) that focuses on key themes such as safety, control, power, self-esteem, and intimacy. The present study examines the efficacy of CPT for PTSD among treatment seeking veterans (n=59) within a naturalistic setting compared to other treatments typically used for PTSD (a variety of non-trauma focused symptom management intervention, psycho-education, supportive counseling, and CBT with elements of exposure.) At post-treatment and 3 month follow up, participants in the CPT condition (n=30) showed significantly lower levels of PTSD symptoms than those who received other treatments (n=29) according to self -reporting and clinical ratings. Additionally, there were larger reductions in comorbid depression and anxiety for participants receiving CPT than treatment as usual. These results suggest that CPT is an effective, evidence based treatment for military-related PTSD in real world environments and situations.
Forbes, D., Llyod, D., Nixon, R. D. V., Elliot, P., Varker, T., Perry, D., Bryant, R. A., & Creamer, M. (2012). A multisite randomized controlled effectiveness trial of cognitive processing therapy for military-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 26(3), 442-452.
Please can you advise on any workshops in 2013 that I may attend within the field of psychological conflict in military personnel