Abstract
Background: It is possible for people to have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) without memory of the trauma event, such as in drug-facilitated sexual assault. However, there is little evidence available on treatment provision for this population. Objective: This study aimed to address this gap by exploring the experiences of people who have had psychological intervention for PTSD without memories (PwM). Method: Interpretative phenomenological analysis was used to explore the lived experience of nine women with PwM, who had sought psychological assessment/therapy. Participants were recruited via social media and completed semi-structured interviews online/via telephone. Results: Identified themes concerned two broad areas: (i) the challenges of having therapy whilst lacking memories and (ii) what was helpful in therapy. Challenges included: delayed help-seeking; having emotional/sensory reactions in the absence of recognisable triggers; experiencing therapy as more applicable to remembered trauma (vs. unremembered); and difficulty discussing and processing unremembered trauma. However, participants also described helpful aspects of therapy including: feeling safe and supported; working with emotional and sensory forms of experience; having scientific explanations for trauma and memory; and having ‘permission’ from therapists not to remember. Conclusions: Recommendations for clinicians included: being aware that clients with PwM may have more difficulty accessing treatment and perceive it as less applicable to them; focussing on clients’ emotions and sensations (not cognitive memories) in therapy; and supporting clients to develop a more self-compassionate understanding of their experiences and lack of memory, thus supporting them to accept that not remembering is ‘permitted’. HIGHLIGHTS: • Having therapy for unremembered trauma involves unique challenges, but aspects of therapy can still be helpful. • Suggested ‘dos and don’ts’ for therapists include recognising the additional barriers to treatment, focussing on emotions (not memories), and normalising memory loss.
Translated title of the contribution | Having permission not to remember: perspectives on interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in the absence of trauma memory |
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Original language | Spanish |
Article number | 2055295 |
Journal | European Journal of Psychotraumatology |
Volume | 13 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 3 May 2022 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 31 May 2022 |
Keywords
- interpretive phenomenological analysis
- memory
- post-traumatic stress disorder
- PSTD
- therapy
- trauma
- trauma-informed care
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
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Dataset for "Having permission not to remember: Perspectives on interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder in the absence of trauma memory"
May, H. (Creator), Paskell, R. (Creator) & Hamilton-Giachritsis, C. (Creator), University of Bath, 23 Feb 2023
DOI: 10.15125/BATH-01079
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