Session Ten: Posttraumatic Growth

Abstract

Following trauma, some individuals develop posttraumatic stress disorder, a serious condition requiring serious treatment. However, following trauma, most people also develop what is called posttraumatic growth (PTG). PTG entails a change of insight into the meaning of life and the importance of relationships. Session Ten invites clients to explore their deep feelings and thoughts about a traumatic experience that continues to bother them. The central positive psychotherapy practice covered in this session is Expressive Writing. The chapter provides a list of readings, videos, and websites that relate to Expressive Writing and offers a worksheet to practice the concepts learned in the chapter. The chapter also includes a real-life case study that illustrates how to engage in Expressive Writing.