Abstract
Writing about stressors has helped many nonclinical groups, but implementation with clinical groups has been less consistently successful. The introduction of a written exposure therapy component into an existing residential PTSD treatment program is described. Facilitative strategies and obstacles are discussed. Initial receptivity varied widely across patients, ranging from interested engagement to refusal. Protocol adjustments were followed by increased acceptance. Patient ratings of the value of the intervention increased from pre — to post-treatment. Perceived intervention value was unrelated to education, PTSD severity, concerns about writing, and prior writing experience, but was correlated with intent to continue writing in the future.