Treatment of complex PTSD with STAIR/narrative therapy

Patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) who have been subjected to sexual, physical or emotional violence in childhood often have a wide range of symptoms. These are often difficulties in interpersonal relationships and in the emotional sphere. They may find it difficult to build trust, to allow intimacy, to deal with criticism from others or to advocate for their own needs in an appropriate way. Often they tend to end professional or private relationships abruptly or avoid relationships altogether. Furthermore, those affected often have difficulty in perceiving and differentiating emotions appropriately. They frequently suffer from strong, negative emotional reactions and have difficulty finding emotional balance. The observation that these complaints contribute to the same extent to the stress of patients and lead to similar restrictions in their everyday life as the PTSD symptoms, formed the starting point for the multi-modular treatment programme presented here.