A nurse is providing teaching to a group of clients with PTSD. Which of the following non-pharmacological therapies is considered a trauma-focused psychotherapy?

Choice A rationale:

Prolonged exposure (PE) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that involves confronting and processing traumatic memories. While it is effective for many individuals with PTSD, its effectiveness in reducing symptoms by 50% to 80% in most clients after 8 to 16 sessions is not as consistently reported as with EMDR.

Choice B rationale:

Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) focuses on addressing maladaptive beliefs related to the traumatic event. While it can be effective, its reported symptom reduction rates may vary, and it might not consistently achieve the 50% to 80% reduction mentioned.

Choice C rationale:

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a well-established therapy specifically designed for trauma-related disorders like PTSD. Research indicates that many individuals experience significant symptom reduction within 8 to 16 sessions, with reported rates often falling within the 50% to 80% range.

Choice D rationale:

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) are therapies often used for conditions like depression and anxiety but may not have as robust a body of evidence for PTSD treatment as EMDR or certain cognitive-behavioral therapies.

Choice A rationale:

Acupuncture (Choice A) is an alternative therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. While it may have benefits for pain management and relaxation, it is not considered a trauma-focused psychotherapy for PTSD.

Choice B rationale:

Yoga (Choice B) is a mind-body practice that can promote relaxation and stress reduction. While it can be a helpful component of a holistic approach to managing PTSD, it is not specifically classified as trauma-focused psychotherapy.

Choice C rationale:

Cognitive processing therapy (Choice C) is a well-established trauma-focused psychotherapy for PTSD. It involves helping clients process and reframe their traumatic experiences by challenging and modifying negative beliefs and thoughts associated with the trauma.

Choice D rationale:

Biofeedback (Choice D) is a technique that teaches individuals to control physiological functions, such as heart rate and muscle tension, through relaxation techniques. While it can aid in stress management, it is not a trauma-focused psychotherapy.

Choice E rationale:

Virtual reality therapy (Choice E) is a novel approach that uses virtual reality technology to expose individuals to controlled, virtual traumatic scenarios in a therapeutic setting. It can be effective in treating PTSD by allowing controlled exposure to triggers, but it's not a traditional trauma-focused psychotherapy method.