Outcomes from a pilot study to evaluate Phase 1 of a two-phase approach to treat women with complex trauma histories

ABSTRACT Objective Despite few studies assessing the effectiveness of phase-based interventions for treating complex trauma symptoms, such approaches have been endorsed by experts as a first-line intervention. The aim of this study was to evaluate Phase 1 of the Women’s Trauma Recovery Program, a phase-based intervention for women who have experienced complex trauma. Methods Quantitative assessments of posttraumatic stress, depression, anxiety and stress (baseline and Week 10) are reported for 11 participants. Six women also participated in qualitative interviews regarding their experience of the program. Descriptive statistics and interpretive phenomenological analysis were used to analyse quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Results Four of nine participants with probable PTSD at baseline were asymptomatic at Week 10. Three superordinate themes were generated from the interview data: (1) Empowerment: the experience in Phase 1, (2) Recovery: an ongoing process, and (3) “Hey, I’m human”: connection through shared experience. Conclusion Phase 1 of the program demonstrated promising findings in terms of symptom improvement. Furthermore, participants perceived it as an empowering experience. The group modality enabled women to create connections that validated and normalised their experiences. Future studies of phase-based interventions with larger, well-powered samples are needed. Key Points What is already known about this topic: (1) Phase-based approaches are a recommended treatment option for individuals with complex trauma histories. Despite this, little research has examined such treatments for women who have experienced complex trauma. (2) Phase-based approaches assume that individuals who have experienced complex trauma may benefit from a period of safety and stabilisation, to develop the required coping skills to engage in trauma memory processing. (3) Capitalising on the Australian Medicare Rebate Scheme, combining a group phase and individual phase may reduce the cost burden for clients and enable clients to experience benefits unique to group and individual modalities. What this topic adds: (1) This paper presents Australian-first findings regarding the outcomes of the initial phase of a phase-based approach to treat women with complex trauma. (2) Phase 1 of the Women’s Trauma Recovery Program, delivered in a group format, was associated with decreases in mental health symptoms for most participants and was perceived as empowering experience that facilitated interpersonal connections. (3) Using a group intervention as phase 1 of phase-based approaches may be an acceptable, effective, and cost-effective option for women with complex trauma histories.