Author(s)

Meike Müller-Engelmann^*, Kerstin Hadouch, Regina Steil

Department of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Institute of Psychology, Goethe University Frankfurt Main, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.

Background: Cognitive restructuring and imagery modification for posttraumatic stress disorder (CRIM-PTSD) is a new intervention that involves only three sessions and focuses on the self-concept. It combines cognitive restructuring of core trauma-related dysfunctional beliefs and mental imagery. The effectiveness of CRIM-PTSD has recently been demonstrated in a pilot study. Method: This article presents a step-by-step description of the administration of CRIM-PTSD in a female survivor of childhood sexual abuse (CSA) suffering from PTSD and major depressive disorder related to strong self-blame. Results: The intervention showed substantial reductions in PTSD symptoms and depression in the patient comparable to those observed in the pilot study. Conclusions: CRIM-PTSD might provide an economical tool for reducing PTSD symptoms when only a short time is available for intervention. Furthermore, this tool could be included in well-established PTSD treatments. In addition to the pilot study, a randomized controlled trial is needed to further explore the feasibility and effectiveness of this short intervention.

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Cognitive Restructuring, Imagery, Self-Concept

Müller-Engelmann, M. , Hadouch, K. and Steil, R. (2018) Addressing the Negative Self-Concept in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder by a Three-Session Programme of Cognitive Restructuring and Imagery Modification (CRIM-PTSD): A Case Study. Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science, 8, 319-327. doi: 10.4236/jbbs.2018.85020.