Glossary // Glossary term Clinical
Trauma-focused therapy
Psychological treatments for post-traumatic stress disorder that work directly with memories of the traumatic event and their meaning, such as cognitive processing therapy, cognitive therapy for PTSD, prolonged exposure and EMDR. A systematic review of 114 randomised trials with 8,171 participants found robust evidence of clinically important effects for trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapies and EMDR. These are structured treatments delivered by trained clinicians over several sessions, unlike single-session debriefing shortly after an event, which trials did not support. What clinical psychology learned about emotional release: emotional processing theory and exposure, the Cochrane evidence against single-session psychological debriefing, and meta-analyses of regulation strategies across psychopathology. Single-session psychological debriefing did not prevent post-traumatic stress disorder in a Cochrane review. Effective trauma treatments are structured and combine emotional activation with new learning. When and how to look for help. The works the definition rests on, with the level of evidence each was appraised at. (2020). Psychological therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder in adults: Systematic review and meta-analysis. doi:10.1080/20008198.2020.1729633 Supports the claim of robust evidence for clinically important effects of trauma-focused CBT and EMDR, with cognitive processing therapy, cognitive therapy and prolonged exposure having the strongest evidence. Trial populations and comparators vary, and effects are for adults with diagnosed PTSD. (2002). Psychological debriefing for preventing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). doi:10.1002/14651858.CD000560 Supports the claim that single-session individual debriefing did not reduce distress or prevent PTSD, with one trial showing increased risk at one year. Trial quality was generally poor, and the review concerns one specific format.Where the site uses it
Studies behind it