Many current treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) emphasize processing and engaging with trauma memories as the key mechanism of therapeutic change. However, promising emerging research indicates links between PTSD symptoms and positive memories. Processing positive memories, to therapeutically impact health outcomes for trauma-exposed individuals, may have several benefits, including (a) increasing access to positive coping mechanisms via activating positive affect and thoughts; (b) addressing avoidance of positive affect and thoughts; and (c) honing skills that will aid in the eventual processing of trauma memories. The present article demonstrates the utility and effects of a novel Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) with three clients who reported a history of traumatic experiences. We outline the procedures of a 5-session PPMT, that incorporates symptom assessment, detailed imaginal experiencing of positive memories, and processing of associated positive values, affect, strengths, and thoughts. We utilize longitudinal assessment data to demonstrate the clinical benefits of PPMT, such as less PTSD severity, improved mood (e.g., less negative affect), and greater self-esteem. Finally, we discuss treatment considerations based on unique client factors and treatment modalities (i.e., in-person vs. video telehealth).
Abstract. Collaborative/Therapeutic Assessment (CTA; Finn, 2007 ) offers a person-centered approach to understanding clients’ problems through mutual engagement with the client’s experience of the data-gathering process. Key tenets of CTA include empowering the client to shape their own assessment questions and goals and connecting with the client in an empathic and meaningful manner. These tenets map onto the core domains of interpersonal theory – that is, agency and communion ( Wiggins, 1996 ). Interpersonal theory can be utilized to conceptualize several different concerns that may arise through the client’s questions during CTA, such as their interpersonal traits, problems, sensitivities, and so on. The present article provides a case conceptualization that utilizes contemporary integrative interpersonal theory (CIIT; Pincus, 2005 ) to conceptualize an assessment client who presented with symptoms of depression, anxiety, and gastrointestinal problems. Through a multimethod assessment approach grounded in the CTA and CIIT frameworks, the assessor gained a deeper understanding of how the client’s presenting problems are tied to her interpersonal patterns. Finally, the present article explores how interpersonal processes that unfolded during the assessment sessions informed case conceptualization and treatment planning. The synthesis of CTA and CIIT offers promising avenues for new methods of understanding clients’ questions through the lens of interpersonal relationships.
Although the majority of research and clinical interventions focused on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) centers on traumatic memories, recent literature suggests the importance of considering emotionally laden memories more broadly among trauma-exposed individuals. Specifically, trauma-exposed individuals have difficulties retrieving positive and negative memories, and interventions focused on enhancing the retrieval of both traumatic and positive memories benefit overall well-being. These findings led to the development of a novel Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) for PTSD. As the next step in treatment development, PPMT was piloted among 12 trauma-exposed community members seeking therapeutic or assessment services at a university psychology clinic. In this study, we summarize participants' quantitative and qualitative feedback on the content, format, and feasibility of PPMT. Next, we outline proposed formative changes that are critical to the iterative refinement of PPMT, based on the obtained feedback to enhance its scalability, feasibility, and effectiveness. Within clinical practice, PPMT, as implemented in this study, may be feasible, and there may be potential benefits to incorporating positive memory processing using PPMT.
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