Treatment for Postdisaster Distress: A Transdiagnostic Approach

Disasters can cause complex mental health issues, and cognitive behavior therapy for postdisaster distress (CBT-PD) is a transdiagnostic approach to treating these symptoms. CBT-PD provides psychoeducation about PTSD and other psychological responses to disasters, teaching core skills such as breathing retraining, activity scheduling, and cognitive restructuring. This research-based approach has been refined over 20 years of clinical practice and is associated with significant reductions in PTSD and other distressing symptoms. The book includes therapist scripts, client vignettes, and over two dozen worksheets, assessment tools, and other clinical handouts for mental health providers to use with their clients.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 217 pages
\n Publication date: 25 May 2021
\n Publisher: American Psychological Association
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Disasters are a complex and often urgent source of mental health issues that can persist over time. A mass casualty disaster occurs somewhere in the world on a near daily basis, and victims can experience a range of problematic symptoms that may not meet criteria for a specific disorder. Cognitive behavior therapy for postdisaster distress (CBT-PD) is a transdiagnostic approach to treating a range of problematic symptoms that may arise after a disaster. The CBT-PD program is designed to provide psychoeducation about posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the broad array of psychological responses to disasters. It consists of over 12 to 14 sessions, during which clients learn core skills such as breathing retraining, activity scheduling of pleasant and meaningful events, and cognitive restructuring. These skills empower clients to take charge of their recovery and reduce symptoms of PTSD and other distressing symptoms.

Refined over 20 years of clinical practice, CBT-PD has been associated with significant reductions in PTSD and other distressing symptoms. This practical guide includes therapist scripts, client vignettes, and over two dozen worksheets, assessment tools, and other clinical handouts that mental health providers can use with their clients. Online appendixes including worksheets, assessment tools, and handouts are available at the Clinician and Practitioner Resources section of the book's companion website (https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/treatment-for-postdisaster-distress).

In conclusion, disasters are a complex and often urgent source of mental health issues that can persist over time. CBT-PD is a research-based approach that provides psychoeducation, core skills, and resources to help individuals recover from the psychological effects of disasters. By implementing this approach, mental health providers can help their clients manage their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

\n Weight: 426g\n
Dimension: 154 x 230 x 20 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781433836138\n \n