CBT for PTSD

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can be effectively treating using a variety of cognitive behavioral therapies. This chapter reviews the evidence base for cognitive behavioral therapies for PTSD, including prolonged exposure (PE), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), and others. Strategies for gold-standard diagnosis and ongoing progress monitoring of PTSD are described, as are considerations for determining readiness for CBT for PTSD. A case formulation of a fictitious patient is presented using emotional processing theory to illustrate one approach to treatment using PE, including therapist scripts for additional guidance. This case formulation includes a focus on socializing patients to PE, which is intended to assist therapists who are new to the model. An overview of the progress of this fictitious but realistic case is presented for demonstrative purposes.