Understanding PTSD
Download or send
Choose your language
Professional version
Offers theory, guidance, and prompts for mental health professionals. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Client version
Includes client-friendly guidance. Downloads are in Fillable PDF format where appropriate.
Editable version (PPT)
An editable Microsoft PowerPoint version of the resource.
Translation Template
Are you a qualified therapist who would like to help with our translation project?
Tags
Languages this resource is available in
Techniques associated with this resource
Introduction & Theoretical Background
Understanding PTSD is a simple pictorial explanation of the causes and maintaining factors in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is adapted from the Ehler's & Clark (2000) cognitive model of PTSD, but uses language clients can more easily understand.
Clients with PTSD often find this simplified formulation helpful for understanding critical mechanisms which operate in PTSD. These include: 'unprocessed' memories which lead to re-experiencing; negative beliefs, assumptions, and attributions which increase the sense of threat, and avoidance which results in memories remaining unprocessed and that beliefs remaining unchallenged.
References And Further Reading
- Ehlers, A., Clark, D. M. (2000). A cognitive model of posttraumatic stress disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 38, 319-345.