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01-12-2015 | Original Paper

The Enhancement of Natural Resilience in Trauma Interventions

Authors: Mark S. Burton, Andrew A. Cooper, Norah C. Feeny, Lori A. Zoellner

Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy | Issue 4/2015

Abstract

Resilience following trauma is the rule, not the exception. The minority of individuals who go on to suffer chronic pathology such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) will likely benefit from a number of evidence-based treatments. The study of resilience provides a new framework to examine and build upon these existing therapies. This article outlines an evidence-based theoretical model for understanding psychotherapy for PTSD through the lens of resilience. Specifically, we explore three broad factors thought to underlie resilience: social support, returning to daily routine, and meaning making. We review the literature regarding the impact of these factors on natural recovery after a trauma as well as treatment response. We connect these processes to interventions and techniques used in several empirically supported therapies, highlighting compatibility and synergy with therapeutic goals. With this review, we aim to map our existing knowledge about resilience onto theoretical models of treatment efficacy to broaden our conceptualization of treatment mechanisms and spur new ideas to improve clinical outcomes for those suffering due to trauma.

This vignette represents a mixture of various clients whom we have seen in our clinical work who have experienced PTSD. Any resemblance to a specific individual is purely coincidental.

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Title: The Enhancement of Natural Resilience in Trauma Interventions
Authors: Mark S. Burton
Andrew A. Cooper
Norah C. Feeny
Lori A. Zoellner
Publication date: 01-12-2015
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy / Issue 4/2015
Print ISSN: 0022-0116
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3564
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-015-9302-7

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The Enhancement of Natural Resilience in Trauma Interventions

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