Stronger Than My Ghosts: Narrative Exposure Therapy and Cognitive Recovery in Later Life

Abstract

Background: To explore cognitive recovery during and after Narrative Exposure Therapy from the patient’s perspective, autobiographical material and interview responses were qualitatively analyzed. Method: Using a framework of cognitive development, patient-reported outcomes from four senior Dutch citizens (57–81 years of age) were examined. All participants reported multiple traumatic experiences, including adverse childhood experiences. Results: During and after treatment, the participants reported gradual changes in posttraumatic feelings, cognitions, and treatment-related perceptions toward increased self-awareness and self-esteem. Conclusions: A framework of cognitive development provides a comprehensive understanding of how older adults deal with childhood trauma and its consequences.

Keywords:

• PTSD
• trauma
• narrative exposure therapy
• older adults
• qualitative research

Acknowledgments

The authors wish to thank the patients, colleagues at Centrum ’45 and the Sinai Center, junior researchers, research assistants, and library staff who contributed to this study.

Additional information

Funding

Fonds Nuts Ohra, a Dutch research and support foundation on behalf of vulnerable groups in society, and Foundation Centrum ’45, partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, jointly funded this study.

Notes on contributors

J. C. G. Lely

Jeannette C. G. Lely is a psychotherapist and researcher at Foundation Centrum ’45, partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, the Netherlands.

S. M. De la Rie

Simone M. De la Rie is a psychotherapist and senior researcher at Foundation Centrum ’45, partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, the Netherlands.

J. W. Knipscheer

Jeroen W. Knipscheer is a psychotherapist at Foundation Centrum ’45, partner in Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, the Netherlands. In addition, he is an assistant professor at the Department for Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands.

R. J. Kleber

Rolf J. Kleber is professor emeritus in psychotraumatology, Department for Clinical and Health Psychology, Utrecht University, the Netherlands; also, former Director of Research, Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, the Netherlands.