Brief Therapy and Complex Trauma through a clinical case in The Brief Therapy Center of Mental Research Institute

Abstract

This article describes the approach in a case of complex trauma, using the Problem Solving Brief Therapy (PSBT) developed at the Mental Research Institute´s (MRI) Brief Therapy Center in Palto Alto, California. The author aims to demonstrate the implementation of the model using a clinical case. Starting with the basic premises, moving into concepts of complex trauma according to Judith Herman and the implications for therapy and finally a complex trauma clinical case in which significant changes occurred in seven sessions. These sessions were conducted in a setting with a one-way mirror, with direct supervision by a team of therapists. Consistent with Brief Therapy, most interventions for the family were done during sessions with the expectation that change would occur as a result, outside of the therapy room. All therapy was recorded on video, with the written consent of the family.