Present-Centered Therapy for PTSD
Present-Centered Therapy (PCT) for PTSD
The treatments that work best for PTSD are trauma-focused talk therapies, where you work through the trauma and what it means to you. You may prefer a treatment that does not have this focus. Learn about Present-Centered Therapy (PCT), a non-trauma-focused talk therapy that helps you learn how to problem-solve and respond to current life problems related to your trauma.
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What type of treatment is this?
Present-Centered Therapy (PCT) is an individual or group therapy for PTSD in which you will discuss current life problems that may be related to PTSD. You will not discuss the trauma itself.
How does it work?
PTSD symptoms can affect how you feel about and react to relationships and problems in your daily life. PCT teaches you to identify how PTSD symptoms are affecting your daily life and learn to come up with better solutions for managing your symptoms. Learning to problem solve can help you feel more in control and to have confidence in your ability to face problems in your daily life.
Video
How does PCT work?
Hear from providers as they explain how PCT may help by managing daily problems.
What can I expect?
In PCT, you will start by learning about PTSD symptoms and common reactions to trauma. Then you will learn problem-solving skills that help you to feel more in control and to have more confidence in your ability to face problems in your daily life, including in your relationships . PCT has homework: You will be asked to use a daily log to keep track of issues or problems that concern you between sessions. Over time, you will learn to identify problems that come up in daily life and learn to respond to them in ways that create hope and draw upon your strengths.
Video
What can I expect? ?
Hear providers describe what you can expect during PCT sessions.
Is it effective?
Yes, PCT is one of the most effective types of treatment for PTSD.
Video
Is it effective?
Listen to providers describe the effectiveness of PCT.
How long does treatment last?
In PCT, you will complete about 12 weekly sessions, so treatment lasts about 3 months. Sessions are 1 hour each. The benefits of PCT often last long after your final session.
What are the risks?
The risks of doing PCT are minimal, other than the general discomfort you may feel talking to a provider about problems in your daily life.
Group or individual?
PCT can either individual or group therapy.
Will I need to talk about my trauma?
PCT is not a trauma-focused psychotherapy, which means the therapy does not focus on your traumatic event. You will have the opportunity to talk about your trauma in the first session if you want to, but this is not required. PCT will help you to better understand how your PTSD symptoms may be related to current problems you are dealing with, and to develop ways of responding that work better for you.
Video
Will I need to talk about my trauma?
Hear more about the focus of your therapy sessions.
Will I have homework?
In PCT, you will be encouraged to use a daily log to note issues and problems that concern you between sessions.
How available is this in VA?
Some VA medical centers offer PCT in their specialized PTSD programs. PCT is not likely to be widely available in the community. Some therapists use elements of a present-centered approach to dealing with current problems, but this is not exactly the same as PCT.
Does VA have an app for that?
No, currently VA has not developed an app for PCT.
How do you choose the best treatment?
Are you trying to figure out which PTSD treatment is best for you? The PTSD Treatment Decision Aid is an online tool with more videos and information about Present-Centered Therapy and other treatments that work. You can use the decision aid to compare treatment options and make a summary of your treatment goals and preferences to share with your provider. Together, you can work to choose the treatment option that is best for you.
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