Trauma Informed Treatment Algorithms for Novel Outcomes

The Stabilization Techniques intervention provides an opportunity to improve emotion/affect regulation and coping skills. The overarching goal of these sessions is to introduce different ways of managing emotional distress through imagery and stress reduction techniques. ST sessions focus on providing coping mechanisms for managing important symptoms of PTSD (i.e., hyperarousal, negative emotions, and physical symptoms).

The Stabilization Techniques with Behavioral Activation intervention includes stabilization techniques as well as sessions targeted at increasing time engaged in physical activities during times outside of the intervention session. Preferred activities are selected by the participant. Strategies to foster engagement in the selected activities will include self-monitoring, structuring and scheduling daily activities, rating the degree of pleasure and accomplishment experienced during engagement in specific daily activities, exploring alternative behaviors related to achieving goals, and using role-play to address specific barriers. Establishing/maintaining routines and behavioral strategies to reduce avoidance and mange negative emotions are emphasized.

EMDR is an exposure-based treatment that is the standard of care for PTSD delivered by the research team in Phnom Penh. EMDR utilizes sensory stimulation when participants are engaged in mental processing of traumatic material. EMDR follows a sequential framework targeting 1) past memories, 2) present symptoms, and 3) future actions.