Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapy
Volume 30, Issue 2, 2002, Pages 205-209

A narrative exposure treatment as intervention in a refugee camp: A case report (Article)

Neuner F.* , Schauer M. , Roth W.T. , Elbert T.
  • a University of Konstanz, Germany, Department of Psychology, Fach D25, University of Konstanz, D-78457 Konstanz, Germany
  • b University of Konstanz, Germany
  • c Stanford University, United States
  • d University of Konstanz, Germany

Abstract

We applied Narrative Exposure Treatment (NET) to a severely traumatized Kosovar refugee living in a Macedonian refugee camp during the Balkan War. NET is a pragmatic short-term approach that integrates effective therapeutic components deriving from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and Testimony Therapy. Outcome was evaluated by clinical examination and the Posttraumatic Stress Diagnostic Scale (PDS). Three sessions of NET were enough to afford considerable relief, although some PTSD symptoms remained. Our experience indicates that Narrative Exposure is a promising and realistic approach for the treatment of even severely traumatized refugees living in camps. In addition, it can prove valid testimonies about human rights violations without humiliating the witness.

Author Keywords

Narrative exposure therapy Refugee camp Kosovo War Emergency psychological trauma aid PTSD

Index Keywords

male Treatment Outcome case report priority journal refugee mental health service cognitive therapy posttraumatic stress disorder narrative exposure treatment Article emergency health service human rights psychotherapy behavior therapy human adult Macedonia (republic) war
Link
https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-0036255519&doi=10.1017%2fS1352465802002072&partnerID=40&md5=683d535aa9048d519b9c43c930190295
DOI: 10.1017/S1352465802002072
ISSN: 13524658
Cited by: 58
Original Language: English