The guidelines presented by the New York State Workers Compensation Board provide general principles for Non-Trauma Focused Psychotherapy. These directives aim to assist healthcare professionals in determining appropriate strategies for implementing psychotherapeutic approaches that do not primarily focus on trauma, as part of a comprehensive mental health care plan.
Healthcare practitioners specializing in Non-Trauma Focused Psychotherapy can rely on the guidance from the Workers Compensation Board to make well-informed decisions about the most suitable approaches for addressing mental health concerns in their patients without a primary focus on trauma.
It is crucial to emphasize that these guidelines are not intended to replace clinical judgment or professional expertise. The ultimate decision regarding the use of Non-Trauma Focused Psychotherapy should involve collaboration between the patient and their healthcare provider.
Non-Trauma Focused Psychotherapy
While there’s evidence supporting the effectiveness of trauma-focused psychotherapies for treating PTSD, not all patients are comfortable participating in treatments that delve deeply into their traumatic experiences. Consequently, some practitioners opt for non-trauma-focused therapies. Examples of such therapies for patients diagnosed with PTSD include Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), Stress Inoculation Training (SIT), and Present-Centered Therapy (PCT).
Interpersonal Psychotherapy
Suggested – for addressing the needs of patients dealing with chronic PTSD. Indications include having chronic PTSD with symptoms significant enough to warrant treatment. The recommended frequency involves weekly interpersonal psychotherapy sessions lasting 50 minutes each, spanning 14 weeks.
Reevaluation is advised every four weeks, with documented efficacy demonstrated in terms of improved PTSD symptoms and functional enhancement. Reasons to discontinue treatment may include completing the prescribed course, sufficient resolution of symptoms, or non-compliance.
In terms of evidence for the use of Interpersonal Therapy, Stress Inoculation Training is recommended, while Seeking Safety and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy are not recommended for this purpose.
