Written Exposure Therapy (WET) for PTSD: A Brief Evidence-Based Treatment for Reduced Dropouts and Improved Outcomes in Fewer Sessions

CPD

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Faculty

Denise Sloan, PhD Related seminars and products

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Denise M. Sloan, Ph.D., serves as the associate director, Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD and a professor of psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine. She is an expert on psychosocial interventions for traumatic stress disorders and has a specific interest in efficient treatment approaches for PTSD. Dr. Sloan conducted a series of studies that lead to the development of Written Exposure Therapy and has conducted multiple large-scale treatment studies examining the effectiveness of this treatment. She has published over 100 scientific articles and has received funding for her work from several organizations, including the Department of Veterans Affairs, National Institute for Mental Health, Department of Defense. Dr. Sloan is editor of Behavior Therapy and editor elect of Journal of Traumatic Stress and a consulting editor for six scientific journals. Dr. Sloan has over 25 years’ experience treating individuals with PTSD, and she has extensive experience training mental health providers in the delivery of trauma-focused treatments. Dr. Sloan obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from Case Western Reserve University in 1998.
 

Speaker Disclosure:
Financial: Denise M. Sloan is the Associate Director at the National Center for PTSD. She is a professor at Boston University. She receives royalties from the APA. Ms. Sloan receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: Denise M. Sloan is a member in the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, and American Psychological Association.

Brian Marx, PhD Related seminars and products

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Brian P. Marx, Ph.D., is deputy director, Behavioral Science Division, National Center for PTSD and a professor of psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine. He is an expert in the assessment and treatment of PTSD. With Dr. Denise Sloan, he is the co-developer of Written Exposure Therapy (WET) and has spent the last 20 years conducting a systematic line of research which supports the development and efficacy of this treatment. Dr. Marx has published over 200 scientific articles and has received external funding for his work from numerous organizations including the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, United States Department of Defense, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dr. Marx is on the editorial board of several professional journals. He is a previous winner of the Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Science of Trauma Psychology from Division 56 of the American Psychological Association. Dr. Marx obtained his doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Mississippi.
 

Speaker Disclosure:
Financial: Brian P. Marx is the Deputy Director and Staff Psychologist at the National Center for PTSD. He is a professor at Boston University. Mr. Marx receives royalties from Guilford Press and the APA. He receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc.
Non-financial: Brian P. Marx is a member in the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, Anxiety and Depression Association, and American Psychological Association.

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Objectives

1. Investigate the clinical implications of barriers to employing first-line PTSD treatment approaches.
2. Assess clients to identify traumatic events and current PTSD symptom severity.
3. Assess clients for the appropriateness of using written exposure therapy for PTSD treatment.
4. Evaluate the research, efficacy data and research limitations for written exposure therapy.
5. Analyze how WET compares to other evidence-based practices for PTSD treatment.
6. Determine when modifications to the scripted approach of WET are needed.

Outline

• Necessary and sufficient components for PTSD treatment
• How WET was developed
• Examination of the treatment dose needed for successful PTSD treatment outcome
• Research - efficacy and effectiveness data supporting WET
• Research limitations
• Who are good candidates for WET and who are not

• Review of PTSD diagnostic criteria, including definition of trauma event
• Description of prevalence of PTSD
• Deciding on measures to assess for PTSD
• Monitor symptom severity during course of treatment

• Psychoeducation
• Treatment rationale
• Instructions on how to conduct the first writing exercise
• Check-in and concluding the session

• Feedback on previous sessions writings
• Instructions for current session
• Check-in
• Conclusion
• When modifications are needed

• How to provide feedback when clients do not include emotions in their narrative
• What to do when clients avoid writing about the most distressing part of the event
• How to provide positive and constructive feedback to move the client forward

• The use of videoconferencing
• Getting materials to and from clients when using telehealth
• Solutions to common issues that arise

• How to manage when clients do not follow writing instructions
• What to do when clients have an increase in PTSD symptoms
• Managing situations in which clients stop writing or refuse to start writing
• Managing comorbid issues, such as substance abuse and suicidal ideation
• Assessing whether additional treatment is needed

Target Audience

• Counselors
• Social Workers
• Psychologists
• Marriage and Family Therapists
• Physicians
• Addiction Counselors
• Psychiatrists
• Nurses
• Other Mental Health Professionals