Categories: Learning, Student Development, Professional Development
On Monday, July 15th, Assumption University of Thailand hosted a highly engaging workshop on the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) using Prolonged Exposure Therapy, conducted by Dr. Jon Blaw. Held at the Hua Mak Campus, the event took place in D Building, Room D41.
Dr. Blaw introduced participants to the concept of exposure therapy, emphasizing its effectiveness in treating trauma. He began by differentiating between trauma and acute stress to highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing trauma, given its profound impact on an individual’s life.
The core of the workshop revolved around the principles of exposure therapy, particularly prolonged exposure therapy. Dr. Blaw explained two major approaches used to alleviate trauma in a safe environment: in vivo exposure, which involves facing real-life anxiety-inducing situations, and imaginal exposure, where clients are guided to imagine their traumatic experiences.
A key component of the therapy, as discussed by Dr. Blaw, is regularly assessing the client’s distress levels using the Subjective Units of Distress Scale (SUDS) to monitor their progress. He emphasized the importance of a stepped approach in therapy, gradually increasing the severity of anxiety-inducing situations to empower clients in overcoming their trauma.
The workshop concluded with Dr. Blaw sharing the successful outcomes of the therapy for his clients, demonstrating the effectiveness of prolonged exposure therapy. The session was highly informative and well-received, with a significant turnout from students, underscoring the value and impact of the workshop.
Overall, the workshop provided students with valuable insights into the practical application of exposure therapy in treating PTSD, enriching their learning and professional development in the field of psychology.
