A qualitative study of therapists’ use of empirically supported techniques for PTSD
This study aims to contribute to the understanding of how practicing therapists implement and perceive PTSD treatments by exploring the experiences and attitudes of therapists who treat PTSD in clinical practice.
Article Abstract
“Introduction: Understanding how practicing therapists implement and perceive exposure techniques, as well as other empirically supported treatment components for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as those found in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), is essential for improving the delivery of effective interventions. This study aims to contribute to that effort by exploring the experiences and attitudes of therapists who treat PTSD in clinical practice.
Methods: As part of a broader mixed-methods inquiry, in-depth interviews were conducted.
Results: Findings aligned with several a priori themes, while additional themes also emerged from the data. The findings suggest that therapists often employ a client-centered integration of CBT and EMDR techniques. There was also a noted reluctance to use exposure sessions in CBT for PTSD, particularly when therapists interpreted exposure primarily as in vivo exposure. While many interviewees equated exposure techniques with in vivo sessions, some viewed EMDR as a form of imaginal exposure.
Discussion: These findings contribute to the growing body of qualitative research on therapist-related factors that influence the implementation of effective PTSD interventions. Additional themes are discussed, along with implications for improving intervention delivery and directions for future research.”
—Description from publisher
Article Access
Open Access
Neill, E., Zarling, A., & Weems, C. F. (2025). A qualitative study of therapists’ use of empirically supported techniques for PTSD. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16: 1542478. Open access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1542478
About the Journal
“Frontiers in Psychiatry is an interdisciplinary journal that focuses on translational and ‘bench-to-beside’ approaches to improve therapeutic options for mental illness and consequently to improve patient treatment outcomes.”
—Description from publisher
Date
August 1, 2025
Creator(s)
Erin Neill, Amie Zarling, Carl F. Weems
Topics
PTSD
Practice & Methods
Comparative Studies, Your EMDR Practice
Extent
12 pages
Publisher
Frontiers in Psychiatry
Rights
© 2025 Neill, Zarling and Weems. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY).
APA Citation
Neill, E., Zarling, A., & Weems, C. F. (2025). A qualitative study of therapists' use of empirically supported techniques for PTSD. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 16: 1542478. Open access: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1542478
Audience
EMDR Therapists, Other Mental Health Professionals
Content Type
Article, Peer-Reviewed
Access Type
External Resource, Open Access