Introduction
Cognitive therapy is rooted in the idea that while individuals may encounter profoundly challenging circumstances, it is the meaning they construct from these experiences that shape their responses. Cognitive Therapy for PTSD (CT-PTSD) is grounded in Ehlers and Clark’s cognitive model, which identifies three core maintaining processes: inadequately elaborated and poorly integrated trauma memories, negative appraisals of the trauma and its sequelae, and maladaptive cognitive and behavioural strategies. When addressing complicated or Complex PTSD presentations - characterised by multiple traumatic events, including early trauma or adversity, prolonged threat exposure, or prominent dissociative symptoms - clinicians must adapt the treatment approach while preserving fidelity to core mechanisms of change. These complex presentations frequently feature emotion dysregulation, engagement and relationship difficulties, and challenging cognitive themes, such as betrayal, humiliation, and profound loss. Treatment targets the fundamental maintaining processes while simultaneously addressing complexities through interventions focused on negative self-beliefs, unhelpful behaviours, dissociative responses, trauma memories, and trauma triggers.
The event will be equivalent to 5.1/2 hrs of CPD.
Content
This workshop demonstrates evidence-based approaches for adapting CT-PTSD principles and techniques for complicated and Complex PTSD presentations. Participants will learn practical strategies for assessment and formulation, including specialised techniques for addressing emotion dysregulation, dissociative symptoms, persistent negative self-beliefs, and complex trauma-related themes.
Learning Objectives
By the end of the session, attendees will be able to:
1. Apply the Ehlers and Clark cognitive model to formulate complicated and Complex PTSD presentations
2. Implement evidence-based strategies for updating negative self-beliefs
3. Identify and address core cognitive themes, including betrayal, injustice, humiliation, and loss
4. Demonstrate techniques for integrating updated meanings into trauma memories
5. Apply specific interventions for transforming images associated with loss
6. Address triggers of re-experiencing and severe dissociative responses
7. Facilitate clients’ transition from emotion-driven responses to data-informed, self-compassionate responses
Training Modalities
The presenter will use a range of teaching methods: slides, videos and experiential exercises.
Key References
1. Murray, H. and El-Leithy, S. (2022) Working with Complexity in PTSD: A Cognitive Therapy Approach: Routledge
2. Ehlers, A. and Murray, H., (2020), Treating Complex Traumatic Stress Disorders in Adults, Second Edition Scientific Foundations and Therapeutic Models: Guilford Press
3. Arntz, A. (2012) Imagery Rescripting as a therapeutic technique: Review of clinical trials, basic studies and research agenda. Journal of Experiemental Psychopathology, 3(2), 189-208
4. De Jongh, A., Resick, P.A. et al. (2016). Critical analysis of the current treatment guidelines for Complex PTSD in Adult. Depression and Anxiety, 00, 1-11
5. Harald Bækkelund, Mathilde Endsjø, Nadina Peters, Aida Babaii & Karina Egeland (2022) Implementation of evidence-based treatment for PTSD in Norway: clinical outcomes and impact of probable complex PTSD, European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 13:2, 2116827, DOI: 10.1080/20008066.2022.2116827
6. Wild J, McKinnon A, Wilkins A, Browne H. Post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression among frontline healthcare staff working during the COVID-19 pandemic. Br J Clin Psychol. 2022 Sep;61(3):859-866. doi: 10.1111/bjc.12340. Epub 2021 Oct 29. PMID: 34713436; PMCID: PMC8646304.
About the presenter
Jennifer Wild is a Visiting Professor of Experimental Psychology at the University of Oxford. She specialises in developing and evaluating evidence-based interventions to prevent and treat PTSD and depression among high risk occupations, including healthcare workers, first responders and military members. She has developed a brief evidence-based coaching intervention to support hospital and paramedic employees (SHAPE) with PTSD, including Complex PTSD (www.shaperecovery.com). Prof Wild has advised the UK’s Cabinet Office on best practices for preventing PTSD and depression in high-risk occupations. She has authored over 100 publications and two books, including Be Extraordinary: 7 Key Skills to Transform Your Life from Ordinary to Extraordinary. Committed to translating research into practice, she has co-disseminated first-line interventions through the UK’s NHS Talking Therapies programme. Prof Wild regularly appears in the media giving evidence-based advice for trauma-related mental health problems.
Who should attend
CBT practitioners who treat people with Complex PTSD, including IAPT High Intensity Therapists.