Acceptance and commitment therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder

Behav Modif. 2005 Jan;29(1):95-129. doi: 10.1177/0145445504270876.

Abstract

The current article describes the application of a behavioral psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is argued that PTSD can be conceptualized as a disorder that is developed and maintained in traumatized individuals as a result of excessive, ineffective attempts to control unwanted thoughts, feelings, and memories, especially those related to the traumatic event(s). As ACT is a therapeutic method designed specifically to reduce experiential avoidance, it may be a treatment that is particularly suited for individuals with PTSD. The application of ACT to PTSD is described, and a case example is used to demonstrate how this therapy can be successfully used with individuals presenting for life problems related to a traumatic event.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adaptation, Psychological*
  • Attitude to Health*
  • Escape Reaction
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Psychotherapy / methods*
  • Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / therapy*