This book is the first practical manual describing a new and successful short-term treatment for traumatic stress and PTSD called Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET).

The manual provides both experienced clinicians and trainees with all the knowledge and skills needed to treat trauma survivors using this approach, which is especially useful in crisis regions where longer-term interventions are not possible. NET has proved successful in projects in areas such as Kosova, Sri Lanka, Uganda, and Nigeria, as well as in controlled trials in Gainesville, FL and Louvain, Belgium.

Three to six sessions can be sufficient to afford considerable relief. Part I of the manual describes the theoretical background. Part II covers the therapeutic approach in detail, with practical advice and tools. Part III then focuses on special issues such as dealing with challenging moments during therapy, defense mechanisms for the therapist, and ethical issues.

A series of appendices include further practical aides such as a handout on depression, a drug-dependency questionnaire, and an informed consent form. A practical manual describing a new and successful short-term intervention for stress disorders.