Present-Centered Group Therapy for PTSD: Embracing Today

Present-Centered Group Therapy for PTSD integrates theory, research, and practical perspectives on the manifestations of trauma, to provide an accessible, evidence-informed group treatment that validates survivors’ experiences while restoring present-day focus. An alternative to exposure-based therapies, present-centered group therapy provides practitioners with a highly implementable modality through which survivors of trauma can begin to reclaim and invest in their ongoing lives. Chapters describe the treatment’s background, utility, relevant research, implementation, applications, and implications. Special attention is given to the intersection of group treatment and PTSD symptoms, including the advantages and challenges of group treatment for traumatized populations, and the importance of member-driven processes and solutions in trauma recovery. Compatible with a broad range of theoretical orientations, this book offers clinicians, supervisors, mentors, and students a way to expand their clinical repertoire for effectively and flexibly addressing the impact of psychological trauma.

About the Author

Melissa S. Wattenberg, PhD , is a clinical psychologist, co-developed PCGT, and supervises the Psychosocial Rehabilitation & Recovery Center at VA Boston Healthcare. She is assistant professor of psychiatry, Boston University.

Daniel Lee Gross, LICSW , is a clinical social worker at the Veterans Administration Hospital and in private practice in Seattle. He is associate professor at Seattle University’s Master of Social Work program.

Barbara L. Niles, PhD , is a psychologist at VA Boston National Center for PTSD and assistant professor of psychiatry, Boston University, investigates impact of psychotherapy and health enhancement for veterans with PTSD.

William S. Unger, PhD , is a psychologist in the Trauma Recovery Services at Providence VA Medical Center and associate clinical professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University. He served as the chief of the PTSD Program for 16 years.

M. Tracie Shea, PhD , is a psychologist, Trauma Recovery Services, Providence VA, and professor, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, developed PCGT, and has played a key role in many clinical trials of PTSD psychosocial treatments.