Written Exposure Therapy for PTSD: A Brief Treatment Approach for Mental Health Professionals

by Denise M Sloan, Brian P. Marx

This second edition provides readers with valuable tools and strategies to use in their clinical practice with trauma survivors with PTSD. 

Written exposure therapy (WET) is an effective, evidence-based treatment for PTSD that is easy to implement, affordable, and has lower dropout rates than other trauma interventions. In Denise Sloan and Brian Marx's unique approach, the client writes about a single traumatic event, and the therapist focuses on the client's experiences while writing about the trauma, rather than the event itself. This comprehensive manual provides step-by-step instructions for conducting WET with clients who suffer from PTSD. It contains a scripted protocol for WET, along with detailed guidance for conducting each session.

Since publication of the first edition, the authors have modified several important aspects of their protocol based on updated research and evidence. In this edition, the authors describe how to deliver WET over telehealth, in a group format, in primary care settings that typically only permit 30-minute sessions, and when using a language translator. New content shows how providers can manage difficult situations that sometimes arise when delivering WET, with valuable case examples that demonstrate key principles and potential outcomes of the WET protocol. This is an essential resource for trauma care providers, as well as graduate students in clinical psychology, counseling, and social work.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction

Kindle Edition

Published December 3, 2024

Reviews

[Melody · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am excited to learn such an effective, brief trauma therapy! I especially appreciated the authors suggestions of how it can be used before or after other treatment for cooccurring disorders. I look forward to being able to offer WET to clients.

[Kelly Fischer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really appreciated the straightforward approach to discussion of the research that went into developing this therapy and the simplicity of implementation. I would recommend that any therapists looking to implement this already have a strong background in understanding trauma and being able to offer trauma related coping skills to their clients, as there is minimal discussion of this in the book and may be necessary with more complicated cases. But I am excited to begin offering this to clients as an additional treatment option.

[James Atkison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very different approach to dealing with PTSD. I am looking forward to seeing how quickly clients can improve with brief therapy.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I completed this for continuing education credits. It covers the development and efficacy research and instruction on how to implement the intervention. It sounds like a very effective and straightforward treatment approach.

[Johanna]

Underbar i primärvårdskontext! Hade kanske känt mig osäker som behandlare om jag inte lärt mig PE först? Men nu fick jag i stället en boost av att slippa ge alla betungande hemuppgifter.

[Vijay Gopal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a relatively short book that describes a highly effective way to use writing as a way of resolving traumatic issues. It is a brief approach - in 5 sessions of 30 minutes each, clients can experience significant relief from PSTD symptoms. Therapists of any persuasion can use this approach.

It updates James Pennebaker’s work and is built on research the authors have conducted. The authors do a good job of presenting the research without making the text an onerous read. The technique itself is straightforward and there are clear, detailed and structured instructions (provided as handouts) for therapists to use.

Essentially, the technique requires you to write about one traumatic event repeatedly for 5 days. You are encouraged to explore your thoughts and emotions in detail. It finally asks you to look at how the event has shaped you and how you could move forward.

Overall, a clear and well-written book about a simple, effective and brief approach that can help people resolve trauma-related distress.

[Eduardo Lira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Una guía dedicada a alumnos que están por egresar y profesionales en el campo laboral sobre una dinámica a mí parecer no tan brusca por el último libro de terapia de exposición que leí jaja, sesiones guía, preguntas frecuentes, casos, posibles contratiempos y sus soluciones y además de que no fue difícil de terminar

[Obnubilación · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear, accurate, exact, scientific-based and good for young therapist and even old ones.

It was a recommendation from my teacher and it was amazing!

Totally recommended! I would like to know is there is a protocol like this in Spanish :) or translated, would be helpful.

[NikNack E · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not bad. I used this with a few of my clients.