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Present-centred therapy

What is present-centred therapy for PTSD?

Present-centred therapy is a non-trauma-based treatment that may appeal to patients reluctant to engage in trauma-focussed treatments. Present-centred therapy aims to establish positive interpersonal connections through the therapeutic relationship, normalisation of symptoms, validation of experiences, provision of emotional support, and increased sense of mastery and self-confidence in dealing with problems. Patients gain insight into how behaviours are influenced by symptoms, they explore adaptive solutions to these problems, and are encouraged to implement their chosen solutions. Through the application and practice of more effective solutions to daily stressors, patients experience enhanced psychosocial functioning and decreased symptoms.

What is the evidence for present-centred therapy?

Moderate quality evidence found a large improvement in PTSD symptoms with present-centred therapy compared to waitlist controls. However, present-centred therapy was associated with less improvement in PTSD symptoms when compared to trauma-focussed cognitive behavioural therapy. Fewer people dropped out of treatment with present-centred therapy than with trauma-focussed cognitive behavioural therapy.

August 2021

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Last updated at: 3:47 am, 12th October 2021
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