COMPLEX PTSD
COMPLEX PTSD
Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for PTSD (BEPP) is one of the evidence-based, effective trauma-focused treatments. The central tenet of BEPP is that feeling and accepting emotions is essential for coping with negative events. "BEPP focuses on the expression of strong emotions like sorrow and anger which stem from the traumatic event and on learning from the way the event has changed someone’s life. In BEPP, however, it is hypothesized that the irrational fear of repetition of the traumatic event is in fact a subconscious anxiety for the suppressed intense emotions" (Gersons, et. al., 2015, p. 255).
Brief Eclectic Psychotherapy for PTSD (BEPP) is done in three phases:
Phase 1 begins with psychoeducation where the connection between PTSD systems and the traumatic events is explained and processed. Psychoeducation can help restore a sense of control for the client. This usually takes about four sessions with a counselor.
Phase 2 in BEPP is called imaginal exposure, a very slow and detailed process in which the client begins with relaxation exercises and then focuses on the the time period before, during, and after the traumatic events. focusing on the emotions felt at certain key moments called "hot spots." The clinician helps the patient to return to the traumatic events with eyes closed for a detailed and vivid mode. This results in feeling tense and frightened. Just bringing a person back to such a nasty memory is not helpful. In BEPP, we therefore focus on feelings of sorrow about what happened" (Gersons, et. al., 2015, p. 261). One issue for clinicians to note is that involuntary re-experiencing symptoms, flashbacks, may need specific intervention. The second step generally lasts for four-six sessions.
Phase 3, usually about nine sessions, are focused on giving mean to and learning from the traumatic event(s) in order heal and "to give the traumatic experiences meaning by looking at the consequences and by integrating a changed view of oneself and the world" (Gersons, et. al., 2015, p. 266).
In order to be successful, Schnyder, el. al, (2015) note three important elements in the BEPP model:
Trust in the therapeutic relationship. The clinician must be a non-judgmental, empathic listener.
A safe environment. The client must feel that the therapeutic environment must be a safe place for the client to relive the intense emotions stemming from the trauma.
Experiential Learning. The client must be able to learn from the traumatic experience that though life may be dangerous, it can also be enjoyable and worthwhile.