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Table 2 Spring PTSD Steps

From: Pragmatic RAndomised controlled trial of a trauma-focused guided self-help Programme versus InDividual trauma-focused cognitive Behavioural therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (RAPID): trial protocol

Step 1: Learning About My PTSD – Psychoeducation about PTSD illustrated by four actors describing their experience of PTSD to different types of traumatic event.

Step 2: Grounding Myself - Explanation of grounding and its uses along with descriptions and demonstrations of grounding exercises.

Step 3: Managing My Anxiety – Education about relaxation techniques with learning through videos of a controlled breathing technique, deep muscular relaxation and relaxation through imagery.

Step 4: Reclaiming My Life – Behavioural re-activation to help individuals return to previously undertaken/new activities.

Step 5: Coming to Terms with My Trauma – Provides rationale for imaginal exposure, narratives of the four video characters. The therapist helps the participant to begin writing a narrative, which they complete remotely and read every day for at least 30 min.

Step 6: Changing My Thoughts – Cognitive techniques to address PTSD symptoms.

Step 7: Overcoming My Avoidance – Graded real life exposure work.

Step 8: Keeping Myself Well – This session reinforces what has been learnt during the programme, provides relapse prevention measures and guidance on what to do if symptoms return.