Narrative Exposure Therapy With Parents Who Have Been Traumatized in Pediatric Settings: A Case Series

Abstract

There is increasing evidence that a significant number of parents are affected by symptoms of posttraumatic stress and anxiety for many months after their children’s serious illnesses or accidents. It is important, therefore, that psychological treatments for use with this population are tried and evaluated for effectiveness with this population. The application of a new brief treatment, narrative exposure therapy (NET), is described here in relation to a case series of 4 parents who met criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder following their children’s intensive care treatment. This approach, which has shown promise with other samples of people who have suffered repeated traumas, was associated with significant symptom relief (Cohen’s ds = 1.01–2.37). The main themes that emerged in therapy are discussed, along with other treatment considerations.