Narrative Exposure Therapy
What is Narrative Exposure Therapy?
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is an evidenced-based treatment for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is specifically designed for individuals with complex trauma histories who continue to suffer from the impact of having multiple and prolonged threats to their life or their social/physical integrity.
NET is a robust, culturally universal intervention that is flexible enough to work with children and adults across contexts and is effective in low-resources settings. A key component of NET is the construction of a chronological narrative of the client’s life story with a focus on traumatic events. The process involves exposure to traumatic events in a way that contextualizes trauma by weaving together previously fragmented memory into a coherent narrative.
NET is a short-term treatment that allows clients to experience symptom relief quickly and effectively. Research has demonstrated significant relief with a few as 3-6 sessions. Narrative Exposure Therapy is not part of Narrative Therapy. Instead it is guided by the principles of testimony therapy and behavioral exposure and rooted in the neuroscience of traumatic stress.
Broadly, NET consists of:
Psychoeducation
Documentation of biography
Use of narration for human rights work and client’s personal use
For more information, see Vivo International or the NET Manual.
