Transcending self therapy: Four-session individual integrative cognitive-behavioral treatment: A case report

Effective treatments for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) are of critical importance, particularly among veterans. We present a successful application of Transcending Self Therapy: Four-Session Individual Integrative Cognitive Behavioral Treatment (Individual TST-I-CBT), that helped a male combat veteran with Alcohol Use Disorder, Severe, and PTSD enter recovery and reduce depressive symptoms. Session 1 focused on problem solving and behaviors; Session 2 centered on checking and changing thoughts; Session 3 emphasized behaviors, thoughts, and coping; and Session 4 consisted of review and finalizing the recovery plan. After the second Individual TST-I-CBT session, he was abstinent from alcohol use and remained abstinent throughout the remainder of treatment. At the end of treatment, his depressive symptoms declined substantially from pretreatment (from severe to low), his desire to stop using alcohol was 10/10, and his confidence in his ability to stop using alcohol was 10/10. He demonstrated personal growth and accomplishments throughout the course of treatment, such as improving his self-concept and relationships; living in accordance with his values; developing the passionate pursuit of being a productive member of society by holding a job; looking for a job; and taking steps to continue his education. Accordingly, he accomplished all of his identified treatment goals. This case suggests Individual TST-I-CBT is a potentially effective adjunctive treatment for SUD. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).