A controlled study into the (cognitive) effects of exposure treatment on trauma therapists

Several researchers have reported on therapists' symptoms as a result of tr auma treatment, such as disruptions in cognitive schemata and symptoms rese mbling PTSD-symptoms. Thus far, however. no studies compared the symptoms o f trauma therapists and non-trauma therapists. In the present study. both t rauma therapists (n = 20) and non-trauma therapists (n = 19) were included. During semi-structured interviews. both therapist groups reported negative and positive effects of their work with patients on their personal and pro fessional functioning. Trauma therapists reported more often changes of cog nitions due to trauma work. Results from questionnaires. however, showed th at compared with norm-standards and compared with non-trauma therapists, tr auma therapists did not show enhanced psychopathology nor distorted cogniti ve schemata. It is concluded that although exposure treatments with trauma patients are associated with therapists' distress, therapists seem able to cope with it in a healthy way. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights re served.