High Intensity CBT for PTSD

[Bluebellsdaisy]

As subject says really, has anyone had High intensity CBT for PTSD?

I’ve recently been assessed and this is the result. Due to start soon, I can’t really find much info online?

If this is NHS, there are low intensity and high intensity therapists with varying levels of qualifications. That explains the high intensity part. If you search for CBT for PTSD, I imagine you'll get more info?

High intensity is a term used in IAPT services (increasing access to psychological therapies) to indicate that you will be working with a qualified cognitive behavioural therapist. Low intensity indicates that the treatment will be delivered by psychological well-being practitioners.

Clients with PTSD are usually seen by a “high intensity worker” if or when they are ready to work directly on the trauma. They sometimes can be seen by a “low intensity” worker first to help them gain some coping skills or at stabilisation skills to help them prepare for working directly with the trauma.

IAPT services offer CBT for PTSD which is the first line recommended treatment. What you do with your therapist will largely be decided between you and them in your assessment but it could likely include some aspect of “exposure” to the trauma memories in a structured and gradual manner.

It can help if you keep a diary of your symptoms and take that to assessment and think of what you would like to get out of the therapy.

Congrats on starting your journey.

I have had trauma-focussed CBT for PTSD. I'm not sure if that's the same? It was quite boring (which is a good thing!!) and probably cured me about 90%. At the time, I couldn't sleep, couldn't leave the house, had endless flashbacks and intrusive thoughts and quite quickly it got me through the really acute phase. Wishing you all the best.

@NutellaEllaElla thank you, I’ve googled lots and it seems quite vague

@Shininghope thats so helpful, thank you!

@mynameiscalypso thank you for sharing. What you describe is life right now, that’s given me hope.

Definitely have hope @Bluebellsdaisy. It saved my life for sure and while the trauma will never go away, my life is pretty much back to some level of normalcy and I have a good job, happy family life, wonderful DS, none of which I thought would ever be possible.

@mynameiscalypso ah that’s so amazing to hear! This is my fear, life is not the same right now and I can’t imagine it ever being anywhere near to before. I’ve really taken onboard what you’ve said and feel hopeful. Thank you so much x

My experience of the higher intensity CBT was that it made me much worse during and in the months after. But after time had passed and I had reprocessed everything I found things were much better. I now sleep with the lights off, and night terrors are a rarity instead of the norm. I hope that helps, and good luck.

@DRS1970 Thank you so much, yes it definitely does. Gosh so strange the similarities, currently sleep with all lights on and wake up frequently screaming, crying, sweating etc. x