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When to Consider an Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for PTSD: An Introduction and Practical Guide

CE Hours 1

About this course

This continuing education course provides mental health professionals with comprehensive knowledge of the evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD, enabling clinicians to make informed treatment recommendations for their clients. Clinicians will learn the diagnostic criteria for PTSD, understand how avoidance and negative beliefs maintain symptoms, and gain familiarity with first-line treatments including Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Processing Therapy, and EMDR, as well as emerging approaches such as Written Exposure Therapy, Narrative Exposure Therapy, STAIR, and DBT-based trauma treatments. Participants will understand how different evidence-based treatments work, their unique mechanisms of change, and how to help clients select appropriate trauma-focused interventions. The course equips therapists with practical knowledge about treatment structures, target populations, and resources for locating certified providers in each modality. Presented in an accessible, client-facing format, this course allows clinicians to experience psychoeducational content as their clients would, deepening therapeutic empathy while building clinical expertise.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD and common symptoms that maintain the disorder.
  • Describe how first-line evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD work to reduce symptoms.
  • Explain the key differences between various trauma-focused treatment approaches to support client treatment selection.

Learning Levels

  • Beginner

Target Audience

This course is designed for licensed mental health professionals including psychologists, LCSWs, LPCs, LMFTs, and psychiatric nurses who work with trauma survivors. It is particularly valuable for clinicians who conduct trauma assessments, provide psychoeducation about treatment options, or work with clients who are uncertain about pursuing trauma therapy. Through this experiential learning format, clinicians will gain insight into how to effectively communicate about trauma and normalize trauma responses in ways that support client autonomy and informed decision-making.

Course Instructor(s)

  • Emily Livermore, PsyD

    Dr. Livermore is a licensed clinical psychologist in California (PSY 32910) and Wyoming (872) specializing in evidence-based treatments for PTSD, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), and anxiety. Her approach blends acceptance and emotional insight with action, helping people live more meaningful, values-driven lives. She is certified in Prolonged Exposure and Cognitive Processing Therapy, and trained in several other evidence-based modalities including DBT-PE, DBT for Complex PTSD, Written Exposure Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. In addition to her roles as Co-Founder and Clinical Psychologist at a trauma-focused group private practice called Summit Psychotherapy Center, she serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Stanford Department of Psychiatry, where she helps lead trauma-focused programs in the DBT and PTSD clinics and contributes to ongoing research on PTSD and BPD.

Disclosure

DISCLOSURE OF RELEVANT FINANCIAL RELATIONSHIPS CE Learning Systems adheres to the ACCME’s Standards for Integrity and Independence in Accredited Continuing Medical Education. Any individuals in a position to control the content of a CE activity ― including faculty, planners, reviewers, or others ― are required to disclose all relevant financial relationships with ineligible entities (formerly known as commercial interests). The following relevant financial relationships have been disclosed by this activity’s planners, faculty, and the reviewer: PLANNERS AND REVIEWER The planners of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships. FACULTY The faculty of this activity have reported that they have no relevant financial relationships.

References

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2022). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed., text rev.). American Psychiatric Publishing.
  • American Psychological Association. (2025). Clinical practice guideline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in adults. American Psychological Association.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs. (2019). Department of Defense.(2017). VA/DoD clinical practice guideline for the management of posttraumatic stress disorder and acute stress disorder. US Army Medical Command. Retrieved from https://www.healthquality.va.gov/guidelines/mh/ptsd/
  • World Health Organization. (2019). International classification of diseases for mortality and morbidity statistics (11th ed.). World Health Organization.
  • Bohus, M. (2023). Trauma-focused dialectical behavior therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder. Guilford Press.
  • Bohus, M., Dyer, A. S., Priebe, K., Krüger, A., Kleindienst, N., Schmahl, C., & Steil, R. (2013). Dialectical behaviour therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder after childhood sexual abuse in patients with and without borderline personality disorder: A randomised controlled trial. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 4(1), Article 21896. https://doi.org/10.1159/000348451
  • Bohus, M., Kleindienst, N., Hahn, C., Müller-Engelmann, M., Ludäscher, P., Steil, R., Fydrich, T., Kuehner, C., Resick, P. A., Stiglmayr, C., Schmahl, C., & Priebe, K. (2020). Dialectical behavior therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder (DBT-PTSD) compared with cognitive processing therapy (CPT) in complex presentations of PTSD in women survivors of childhood abuse: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Psychiatry, 77(12), 1235–1245. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2020.2148
  • Harned, M. S. (2022). Treating trauma in dialectical behavior therapy: The DBT prolonged exposure protocol for PTSD. Guilford Press.
  • Harned, M. S., Korslund, K. E., Foa, E. B., & Linehan, M. M. (2012). Treating PTSD in suicidal and self-injuring women with borderline personality disorder: Development and preliminary evaluation of a dialectical behavior therapy prolonged exposure protocol. Behaviour research and therapy, 50(6), 381-386. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2012.02.011
  • Harned, M. S., Korslund, K. E., & Linehan, M. M. (2014). A pilot randomized controlled trial of dialectical behavior therapy with and without the dialectical behavior therapy prolonged exposure protocol for suicidal and self-injuring women with borderline personality disorder and PTSD. Behaviour research and therapy, 55, 7-17. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2014.01.008
  • Harned, M. S., Schmidt, S. C., Korslund, K. E., & Gallop, R. J. (2021). Does adding the dialectical behavior therapy prolonged exposure (DBT PE) protocol for PTSD to DBT improve outcomes in public mental health settings? A pilot nonrandomized effectiveness trial with benchmarking. Behavior Therapy, 52(3), 639-655. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.beth.2020.08.003
  • Gallagher, M. W., & Resick, P. A. (2012). Mechanisms of change in cognitive processing therapy and prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: Preliminary evidence for the differential effects of hopelessness and habituation. Cognitive therapy and research, 36(6), 750-755. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10608-011-9423-6
  • Gradus, J. L., Suvak, M. K., Wisco, B. E., Marx, B. P., & Resick, P. A. (2013). Treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder reduces suicidal ideation. Depression and Anxiety, 30(10), 1046-1053. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22117
  • Resick, P. A., Monson, C. M., & Chard, K. M. (2016). Cognitive processing therapy for PTSD: A comprehensive manual. Guilford Publications.
  • Resick, P. A., Nishith, P., Weaver, T. L., Astin, M. C., & Feuer, C. A. (2002). A comparison of cognitive-processing therapy with prolonged exposure and a waiting condition for the treatment of chronic posttraumatic stress disorder in female rape victims. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 70(4), 867. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-006X.70.4.867
  • Resick, P. A., Williams, L. F., Suvak, M. K., Monson, C. M., & Gradus, J. L. (2012). Long-term outcomes of cognitive–behavioral treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder among female rape survivors. Journal of consulting and clinical psychology, 80(2), 201. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0026602
  • Foa, E. B., Hembree, E. A., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2019). Prolonged exposure therapy for PTSD: Therapist guide (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
  • Sloan, D. M., Marx, B. P., Acierno, R., Messina, M., Wachen, J. S., Yount, R. A., Tuerk, P. W., Difede, J., Nagy, L. M., Galovski, T. E., Vasterling, J. J., & Resick, P. A. (2023). Written exposure therapy vs prolonged exposure therapy in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA psychiatry, 80(11), 1093-1100. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2023.2810
  • Sloan, D. M., & Marx, B. P. (2012). Written exposure therapy for PTSD: A brief treatment approach for mental health professionals. American Psychological Association.
  • Sloan, D. M., & Marx, B. P. (2019). Written exposure therapy for PTSD: A brief treatment approach for mental health professionals. American Psychological Association.
  • Sloan, D. M., Marx, B. P., & Greenberg, E. M. (2011). A test of written emotional disclosure as an intervention for posttraumatic stress disorder. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 49(4), 299-304. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2011.02.001
  • Sloan, D. M., Marx, B. P., Lee, D. J., & Resick, P. A. (2018). A brief exposure-based treatment vs cognitive processing therapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: A randomized noninferiority clinical trial. JAMA psychiatry, 75(3), 233-239. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2017.4249
  • Thompson‐Hollands, J., Marx, B. P., Lee, D. J., Resick, P. A., & Sloan, D. M. (2018). Long‐term treatment gains of a brief exposure‐based treatment for PTSD. Depression and anxiety, 35(10), 985-991. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22825
  • Bichescu, D., Neuner, F., Schauer, M., & Elbert, T. (2007). Narrative exposure therapy for political imprisonment-related chronic posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Behaviour research and therapy, 45(9), 2212-2220. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brat.2006.12.006
  • Schauer, M., Neuner, F., & Elbert, T. (2011). Narrative exposure therapy: A short-term treatment for traumatic stress disorders (2nd ed.). Hogrefe & Huber.
  • Schauer, M., Neuner, F., & Elbert, T. (2025). Narrative exposure therapy: A short-term intervention (3rd ed.). Hogrefe & Huber.
  • Cloitre, M., Cohen, L. R., & Koenen, K. C. (2002). Treating survivors of childhood abuse: Psychotherapy for the interrupted life. Guilford Press.
  • Cloitre, M., Jackson, C., & Schmidt, J. (2020). Treating PTSD with STAIR narrative therapy: Skills training in affective and interpersonal regulation combined with narrative therapy. Guilford Press.
  • Cloitre, M., Petkova, E., Wang, J., & Lu, F. (2012). An examination of the influence of a sequential treatment on the course and impact of dissociation among women with PTSD related to childhood abuse. Depression and anxiety, 29(8), 709-717. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.21920
  • Cloitre, M., Stovall-McClough, K. C., Nooner, K., Zorbas, P., Cherry, S., Jackson, C. L., Gan, W., & Petkova, E. (2010). Treatment for PTSD related to childhood abuse: A randomized controlled trial. American journal of psychiatry, 167(8), 915-924. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2010.09081247
  • Karatzias, T., Murphy, P., Cloitre, M., Bisson, J., Roberts, N., Shevlin, M., Hyland, P., & Bradley, A. (2019). Psychological interventions for ICD-11 complex PTSD symptoms: Systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychological medicine, 49(11), 1761-1775. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291719000436
  • Hase, M. (2021). The structure of EMDR therapy: A guide for the therapist. Frontiers in psychology, 12, 660753. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.660753
  • Landin-Romero, R., Moreno-Alcazar, A., Pagani, M., & Amann, B. L. (2018). How does eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy work? A systematic review on suggested mechanisms of action. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 1395. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.01395
  • Seok, J. W., & Kim, J. I. (2024). The efficacy of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing treatment for depression: A meta-analysis and meta-regression of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 13(18), 5633. doi: 10.3390/jcm13185633
  • Shapiro, F. (1989). Eye movement desensitization: A new treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder. Journal of behavior therapy and experimental psychiatry, 20(3), 211-217. https://doi.org/10.1016/0005-7916(89)90025-6
  • Shapiro, F. (1995). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (1st ed.). Guilford Press.
  • Shapiro, F. (2001). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR): Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
  • Shapiro, F. (2018). Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy: Basic principles, protocols, and procedures (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
  • Yan, S., Shan, Y., Zhong, S., Miao, H., Luo, Y., Ran, H., & Jia, Y. (2021). The effectiveness of eye movement desensitization and reprocessing toward adults with major depressive disorder: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 700458. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.700458
  • Cusack, K., Jonas, D. E., Forneris, C. A., Wines, C., Sonis, J., Middleton, J. C., Feltner, C., Brownley, K. A., Olmsted, K. R., Greenblatt, A., Weil, A., & Gaynes, B. N. (2016). Psychological treatments for adults with posttraumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical psychology review, 43, 128-141. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2015.10.003
  • Haagen, J. F., Smid, G. E., Knipscheer, J. W., & Kleber, R. J. (2015). The efficacy of recommended treatments for veterans with PTSD: A metaregression analysis. Clinical psychology review, 40, 184-194. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2015.06.008
  • Lee, D. J., Schnitzlein, C. W., Wolf, J. P., Vythilingam, M., Rasmusson, A. M., & Hoge, C. W. (2016). Psychotherapy versus pharmacotherapy for posttraumatic stress disorder: Systemic review and meta‐analyses to determine first‐line treatments. Depression and anxiety, 33(9), 792-806. https://doi.org/10.1002/da.22511
  • Watts, B. V., Schnurr, P. P., Mayo, L., Young-Xu, Y., Weeks, W. B., & Friedman, M. J. (2013). Meta-analysis of the efficacy of treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder. The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 74(6), 11710. https://doi.org/10.4088/JCP.12r08225

CE Process Info

Content

  • Introduction
    2 parts
    • Introduction to Course
    • Introduction to PTSD & Evidence-Based Therapy
  • Prolonged Exposure
    1 parts
    • Prolonged Exposure
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy
    1 parts
    • Cognitive Processing Therapy
  • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
    1 parts
    • Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Written Exposure Therapy
    1 parts
    • Written Exposure Therapy
  • Narrative Exposure Therapy
    1 parts
    • Narrative Exposure Therapy
  • Skills Training in Affective & Interpersonal Regulation
    1 parts
    • Skills Training in Affective & Interpersonal Regulation
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Prolonged Exposure
    1 parts
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Prolonged Exposure
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Complex PTSD
    1 parts
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy - Complex PTSD
  • Conclusion
    5 parts
    • Conclusion
    • APA Clinical Practice Guide for PTSD
    • References
    • Powerpoint
    • VA DOD PTSD Quick Reference Guide
  • Joint Accreditation

    Joint Accreditation (JA)

    In support of improving patient care, CE Learning Systems is jointly accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE), and the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC), to provide continuing education for the healthcare team.

  • American Psychological Association (APA)

    Continuing Education (CE) credits for psychologists are provided through the co-sponsorship of the American Psychological Association (APA) Office of Continuing Education in Psychology (CEP). The APA CEP office maintains responsibility for the content of the programs.

  • New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work (NYSEDSW)

    CE Learning Systems SW CPE is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #0060.

  • New York Education Department Board of Creative Arts Therapy (NYSEDCAT)

    CE Learning Systems (d/b/a CE-credit.com), is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0008

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When to Consider an Evidence-Based Psychotherapy for PTSD: An Introduction and Practical Guide
You Have Completed This course
$99
You are enrolled
  • CE Hours
    1
  • Type
    Self-Paced
  • Publication Date
    Jan 7th, 2026

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