Systematic outpatient treatment of sexual trauma in women: Application of cognitive and behavioral protocols

Effective therapies for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been described in the literature, particularly cognitive and behavioral interventions, and have consistently demonstrated a reduction in PTSD symptoms. However, the applied versions of cognitive and behavioral treatments offered in most programs diverge from the forms of therapy investigated in research protocols. These differences are elucidated and a model incorporating cognitive and behavioral interventions is presented, minimizing the discrepancy, yet accommodating most patient, institutional, and therapist needs. The therapies are offered in a program designed to treat women experiencing PTSD as a result of sexual trauma. The program is flexible and can be adapted to populations of either gender or nonveterans, and can be modified to meet specific program needs without compromising treatment approaches.