The “HEALTH” model – Part 1: treatment program guidelines for Complex PTSD

Abstract

This paper outlines the development and piloting of the “HEALTH” model for treatment of Complex PTSD in clients who have experienced multiple traumas across childhood and adulthood – particularly child sexual abuse and sexual assault in adulthood. As a guideline-based treatment model, HEALTH outlines six stages of intervention: (1) having a supportive therapist; (2) ensuring personal safety; (3) assisting with daily functioning; (4) self-regulation – learning to manage core PTSD symptoms; (5) treating Complex PTSD symptoms; and, finally, (6) having patience and persistence to enable “ego strengthening”. Using a case study approach, we provide both qualitative and quantitative assessment data for the individuals in the study, all of whom displayed numerous pre-treatment symptoms of Complex PTSD. Such programs are different to standard PTSD treatment programs that focus predominantly on core PTSD symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance and arousal. The results of this study provided support for the use of guideline-based treatment programs that cater specifically for the needs of those who have suffered long-term/multiple trauma experiences by targeting Complex PTSD symptoms.

Keywords:

• Complex PTSD
• therapy
• treatment guidelines
• multiple traumas

Notes

1. A sample of the type of client information that could be distributed to clients is available on request from the first author ([email protected]).