Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET)
NET is a type of exposure therapy, and thus potentially dangerous for people with complex trauma or dissociative disorders, and should be approached with caution. In this case, the therapy is specifically created for complex trauma and to prevent flooding/retraumatization. Regardless be aware that this is always a risk for DID systems where we may not always be able to get full system consent for deep exposure practices.
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is a form of trauma-focused therapy that is designed to help individuals who have experienced complex trauma to process and make sense of their experiences. The therapy is based on the idea that individuals who have experienced trauma need to tell their story in a safe and supportive environment in order to process and integrate the experience, and to reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety.
NET is typically a short-term therapy, with sessions typically lasting between 8 and 20 sessions. During the therapy, the therapist guides the client through the process of telling their story, beginning with their earliest memories and continuing through to the present day. The therapist helps the client to identify and describe traumatic events, and to explore their thoughts, feelings, and reactions to those events. The therapist also helps the client to develop a more coherent and empowering narrative of their experiences.
NET has been used to treat individuals with complex trauma, including those who have experienced multiple traumatic events over a prolonged period of time, such as refugees, victims of war and torture, and individuals with dissociative identity disorder (DID). The therapy is based on an integrative theoretical model that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and narrative therapy.
Research has shown that NET can be effective in reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression and anxiety in individuals with complex trauma, including those with DID. It's important to note that as with other modalities, NET is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, and it's important to match the therapy to the needs of the individual client. It's also important to note that NET is not recommended for individuals who have acute trauma symptoms or in a severe dissociative state.