This in-person therapy is for veterans who have symptoms of psychological trauma (i.e. posttraumatic stress symptoms). The therapy is confidential and is not diagnosis-based. Enrollees undergo between 1-5 sessions of psychotherapy that use a combination of sets of lateral left/right eye movements and talk therapy. The study aims to reduce symptoms of PTSD and related difficulties, including depression, anxiety, and sleep dysfunction.
If you are a veteran and interested in participating in the study,please call (813) 974-9310 to enroll.
More info:
Summary of research design: This is a randomized controlled prospective study whereby consenting veterans with symptoms of PTSD will be allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either ART by a trained clinician or 2 week waitlisted control condition. Those assigned to the waitlist control group will receive ART after the two week waitlist period during which time they will be offered 2 sessions of either Fitness Assessment and Planning OR 2 sessions of Career Assessment and Planning while they wait for ART treatment to begin in two weeks.
Self-report measures will be obtained before and after completion of ART. Because ART is designed for rapid resolution of psychological distress, subjects will undergo a minimum of two and a maximum of five ART sessions. Participants will be paid $50 cash at each assessment interval to encourage continued participation in the study.
Inclusion criteria: 1) Veteran (not active duty); 2) above the age of 18 yrs 3) symptoms indicative of PTSD, as determined from the PDSQ and/or PTSD checklist; 4) ability to read and speak English at the 8th grade level or beyond to respond to survey questions; 5) denial of suicidal and/or homicidal ideation or intent, and no evidence of psychotic behavior ,being in psychological crisis, or actively using substances at time of assessment.
Exclusion criteria: 1) brain injury prohibiting speech, writing, purposeful actions; 2) identified to have current suicidal/homicidal intent (appropriate referral will occur); 3) major psychiatric disorder primary to PTSD; 4) currently undergoing substance abuse treatment.
Sample size: 80 veterans with 40 initially assigned to ART and the remaining 40 assigned to the waitlisted control condition.
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Contacts:
Executive Director of Research & Principle Investigator Dr. Kevin Kip (813) 974-9266Military Liaison & Co Investigator Dr. Carrie Elk at (813) 396-9200