Johnson, D. M., Zlotnick, C., & Perez, S. (2011). Cognitive behavioral treatment of PTSD in residents of battered women’s shelters: Results of a randomized clinical trial. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 79(4), 542-551.
Helping to Overcome PTSD through Empowerment (HOPE) is a 9-12 session manualized, cognitive-behavioral, empowerment-based individual treatment for survivors of intimate partner violence (IPV) residing in shelter. It incorporates many of the traditional components of CBT for PTSD (e.g., cognitive-restructuring, skill building) with a focus on helping women to realistically appraise the degree of threat they are under and to learn how to manage their PTSD symptoms in ways that do not put their safety at risk or further intensify their PTSD. Early sessions of HOPE involve psychoeducation about IPV, PTSD, and safety planning. HOPE also incorporates empowerment strategies, helping women to identify aspects of their situation that are under their control and teaching empowerment skills to help establish independence, make informed choices, and access resources. HOPE also emphasizes the need for collaboration with DV advocates/case managers and other resource providers.