Premium
Obstacles in Implementing Exposure Therapy for PTSD: Case Discussions and Practical Solutions
Author(s) -
Jaycox Lisa H.,
Foa Edna B.
Publication year - 1996
Publication title -
clinical psychology and psychotherapy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.315
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1099-0879
pISSN - 1063-3995
DOI - 10.1002/(sici)1099-0879(199609)3:3<176::aid-cpp100>3.0.co;2-1
Subject(s) - exposure therapy , psychology , psychotherapist , anger , anxiety , clinical psychology , cognitive therapy , cognition , psychiatry
Despite the proven efficacy of exposure techniques for the treatment of Post‐Traumatic Stress Disorder, some obstacles can arise that interfere with successful implementation of exposure‐based therapy. In this paper, the theory behind exposure therapy for PTSD is reviewed and basic implementation procedures are detailed. The ways in which three obstacles to treatment (extreme anger, emotional numbing, and overwhelming anxiety) can impede progress in therapy are discussed in terms of theory and case examples. Specific suggestions for circumventing these obstacles are offered, including modifying the exposure techniques and augmenting exposure by using stress inoculation techniques or cognitive therapy.