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Guided imagery as a therapeutic tool in post-traumatic stress disorder

Publication ,  Journal Article
Strauss, JL; Calhoun, PS; Marx, CE
December 1, 2009

Guided imagery is a behavioral technique used to direct individuals to effectively create and manipulate mental representations to produce therapeutic changes. A growing empirical literature supports the use of these techniques in a variety of physical and emotional conditions. The focus of our research program is on applying these techniques to the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We have developed and piloted a clinician-facilitated, self-management intervention for PTSD called guided imagery for trauma (GIFT). We describe the rationale for this approach, its conceptual framework, and the treatment protocol. We present preliminary findings in a sample of women with PTSD related to military sexual trauma, which demonstrate feasibility, tolerability, and a large effect on PTSD symptoms. We also describe our current research efforts, including a randomized controlled trial of the GIFT intervention in women survivors of military sexual trauma, and the extension of this intervention to the treatment of combat-related PTSD. © 2009 Humana Press.

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December 1, 2009

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363 / 373
 

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Strauss, J. L., Calhoun, P. S., & Marx, C. E. (2009). Guided imagery as a therapeutic tool in post-traumatic stress disorder, 363–373. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-329-9_17
Strauss, J. L., P. S. Calhoun, and C. E. Marx. “Guided imagery as a therapeutic tool in post-traumatic stress disorder,” December 1, 2009, 363–73. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-60327-329-9_17.
Strauss JL, Calhoun PS, Marx CE. Guided imagery as a therapeutic tool in post-traumatic stress disorder. 2009 Dec 1;363–73.
Strauss, J. L., et al. Guided imagery as a therapeutic tool in post-traumatic stress disorder. Dec. 2009, pp. 363–73. Scopus, doi:10.1007/978-1-60327-329-9_17.
Strauss JL, Calhoun PS, Marx CE. Guided imagery as a therapeutic tool in post-traumatic stress disorder. 2009 Dec 1;363–373.

DOI

Publication Date

December 1, 2009

Start / End Page

363 / 373