The PTSD treatments provided at the Center are evidence-based, effective, short-term therapies supported by research and in practice.
PTSD is a complex disorder that impacts numerous facets of a person's life, including relationships, work performance, and personal satisfaction. Many therapists who offer therapy for trauma do not have expertise in working with traumatized populations and are not formally trained in treatments shown to be effective for PTSD. By contrast, Dr. Moses is trained and certified in multiple treatment models for PTSD and related disorders and has years of experience working with individuals and families living with PTSD.
Offered individual PTSD THERAPIES:
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Focus: CPT acknowledges that going through a trauma changes how you think about and view yourself, others, and the world. This, in turn, changes how you feel emotionally and act. It involves education, awareness of the thoughts and feelings you are experiencing and what triggers them, building skills to challenge these thoughts and experience your emotions in a way that is more consistent with the present context, and examining different areas of your life that have been changed by the trauma and altered beliefs. It does not involve an in-depth review of the details of the trauma but rather exploring how you are thinking about the trauma and its impact on you.
Commitment: Approximately 12-15 weekly sessions, 60 minutes each, ≈1 hour of daily at-home practice.
For More Information: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/therapy-med/cognitive_processing_therapy.asp
Prolonged Exposure (PE)
Focus: PE acknowledges that individuals with PTSD avoid thoughts, feelings, and situations associated with the trauma. PE helps individuals to contact these avoided areas through a process of exposure. It involves education, breathing retraining to reduce physical distress, engaging in real-world situations that are being avoided, and openly revisiting the traumatic memory. Exposure causes these avoided situations and memories to lose their power to evoke distress and helps individuals reengage and feel control in their lives.
Commitment: Approximately 10-15 sessions (typically weekly), 90 minutes each. ≈1-2 hours of daily at-home practice.
For More Information: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/therapy-med/prolonged-exposure-therapy.asp
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Focus: ACT is a cognitive-behavioral approach that emphasizes mindfulness of one’s experience, acceptance of one’s current situation, and commitment to moving toward value-based goals. It involves education, experiential mindfulness practice, changing one’s relationship with one’s thoughts, determining the importance of different domains in one’s life, and encouraging action in these valued directions.
Commitment: Approximately 12 sessions, 60 minutes each. ≈ 1 hour of daily at-home practice.
For More Information: http://ptsd.about.com/od/treatment/a/PTSD_ACT.htm
Cognitive-Behavioral Conjoint Therapy for PTSD (CBCT for PTSD)
Focus: CBCT for PTSD is a newer treatment for PTSD that is provided conjointly, meaning with both the individual with PTSD and a loved one in the room. It does not have to be a romantic couple. This therapy is first and foremost a PTSD treatment but additionally builds skills in the relationship and uses strengths in the relationship to work towards PTSD recovery. It is an excellent way to work on reducing the impact of PTSD in a family's life and on improving relationship satisfaction at the same time.
Commitment: A conjoint assessment period of about 3-4 sessions, followed by approximately 15-20 treatment sessions (typically weekly), 90 minutes each. ≈1 hour of daily at-home practice.
For more information: http://www.coupletherapyforptsd.com/
Traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Sometimes individuals have specific needs or special circumstances (e.g., physical disabilities, health concerns) that make the above options for treatment less than ideal. Dr. Moses can tailor a therapy plan for you that incorporates the cognitive-behavioral components known to be effective for PTSD treatment in a way that fits your needs.
Post-traumatic Growth
Following a successful course of PTSD treatment, some individuals may have reduced symptoms and increased engagement in their lives but may have difficulty determining how best to integrate learned skills into their daily lives, rebuild relationships, and to work toward future goals and their "bigger picture." These individuals may choose to remain in treatment with new objectives or return for some "booster sessions." Short-term therapy tailored to your specific needs and goals can help get you on the right track and help maintain the momentum of your PTSD recovery.
To hear from individuals what their experiences have been like in evidence-based PTSD treatments, check out the National Center for PTSD's About Face website: http://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/AboutFace/