A multiple case study exploration of the implementation of the Wits Integrative Trauma Counselling Model.
Year: 2010
Type: dissertation
Abstract: The purpose of this research is to document and describe an exploration and appraisal of the \nimplementation of a brief-term integrative intervention model, known as the Wits Trauma \nModel, used widely in the Gauteng region of South Africa by both volunteer and professional \ncounsellors for the treatment of acute and post-traumatic stress in counselling victims of \nviolence. Literature is reviewed pertaining to psychotherapeutic treatment techniques for acute \nand post-traumatic stress, efficacy research and the premise that an integrative psychotherapy \napproach is ideally suited to the treatment of psychological trauma. The study adopted a \nqualitative approach, making use of a multiple, case-based design in which archival case-based \ndata served as the basis for extracting thematically selective case narratives that demonstrated \nthe application of the model and illustrated the operationalisation of its principles. In interaction \nwith the literature reviewed, six sets of case notes provided the basis for highlighting and \ndiscussing both the strengths and perceived lacunae within the model as well as how it appeared \nto work in practice. In all six cases, significant relief from traumatic stress symptoms was found \nto be achieved in a relatively limited time frame and sufficient qualitative evidence suggested a \ncausal relationship between the different clients’ initial symptom presentation, reported \nimprovements and the activities and changes in their lives that they undertook in response to the \ntreatment model. The model was also found to hold a degree of clinical flexibility in terms of \ntiming, emphasis and technique regarding its implementation by the different therapists. In \naddition, by investigating how the different therapists appeared to have implemented and \nunderstood the Wits Trauma Model, as well as the dilemmas and challenges they faced in \nworking with traumatised individuals, the study aimed to provide valuable insights into the \nclinical utility and implementation of the model, thereby informing best practice for practitioners \nwho might be utilising the model in the future.
Author: Miles Bean
Language: English
Subfield: Clinical Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W39711516