Time Perspective Therapy: A New Time-Based Metaphor Therapy for PTSD

Abstract

Time perspective therapy (TPT) is a new time-based therapy that focuses on clients' perceptions of their past, present, and future. Based on Zimbardo's temporal theory and the utilization of the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory, the authors have developed this new narrative therapy approach for the purpose of treating clients diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder. The goal of TPT is to identify clients' six time perspective factors and then work with and balance these perspectives to promote a more positive future orientation, replace their traumatic past negativity, and thereby create a more responsive and healthier individual.

KEYWORDS:

• PTSD
• time therapy
• ZTPI
• TPT
• time perspective

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Richard M. Sword

Richard M. Sword is a private practice clinical psychologist on the island of Maui. He is a lead psychologist for the National Disaster Medical System, Region IX, and has worked for over 20 years with veterans from World War II to Iraq and Afghanistan. He is nationally recognized as a leading expert in combat-related PTSD.

Rosemary K. M. Sword

Rosemary K. M. Sword is a counselor and time perspective therapist in private practice on the island of Maui. As part of her Hawaiian heritage, she was schooled in the Hawaiian psychology based on forgiveness known as ho'oponopono(literally “to make right”). She has practiced this art form for over two decades.

Sarah R. Brunskill

Sarah R. Brunskill is a co-investigator in time perspective therapy and the lead researcher for the project. She specializes in research, social psychology, the socialization of the military culture, mental health, community health, and rural health.

Philip G. Zimbardo

Philip G. Zimbardo is a world-renowned scholar, educator, researcher, and media personality. A professor emeritus at Stanford University, he is best known for his landmark Stanford prison study. His most recent endeavor has been transforming his temporal theory into an applied clinical therapy through time perspective therapy.