Brief Narrative Exposure Therapy for Perinatal Trauma: A Case Study

Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) during pregnancy and postpartum (i.e., perinatal PTSD) negatively affects maternal and neonatal health. Gold-standard PTSD interventions often overlook the unique features of complex trauma exposure during the perinatal period. Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), a manualized, evidence-based treatment for trauma disorders, shows promise in addressing PTSD among perinatal populations but warrants further real-world, clinical investigation. This case study demonstrates how NET can be used to address multiple traumatic events that may occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. "Sophia" sought treatment following multiple perinatal traumatic events. Treatment occurred at an urban academic medical center in the Midwestern United States. Patient completed the Life Events Checklist, Perinatal Life Events Measure at baseline, and PCL-5, GAD-7, PHQ-2 across treatment. A clinical psychology intern and licensed clinical psychologist conducted NET. NET treatment included psychoeducation, laying the lifeline, nine exposures, and a final testimony reading.. Patient demonstrated a substantial reduction in symptoms and subjective improvement across several life domains after completion of NET. At termination, patient no longer met criteria for PTSD. In conclusion, NET may offer a valuable treatment option for patients who experience multiple traumatic events during the perinatal period and endorse PTSD symptoms.