TY - JOUR
T1 - Utilizing Cognitive Processing Therapy to Treat Sexual Trauma with a Pakistani-American
T2 - A Case Report
AU - Glowacki, Christopher R.
AU - Glowacki, Zachary R.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© The Author(s) 2021.
PY - 2021/12
Y1 - 2021/12
N2 - There is a paucity of research of traditional psychotherapy approaches with individuals of South Asian descent, specifically Pakistani-Americans. In particular, there are very few cases in existing literature highlighting the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with Pakistani-Americans who have experienced sexual abuse. Due to cultural values, individuals of South Asian descent are less likely to pursue traditional psychotherapy and even far less likely to complete and/or benefit from it. The current case study focused on depression and trauma-related symptoms (e.g., guilt, shame, embarrassment) in the context of repeated sexual abuse for over 20 years. The PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) confirmed qualitative reports and therapist observations of improvement. This case suggests a westernized and protocol-driven treatment can be a viable intervention for individuals of SA descent with a history of sexual trauma. A strong therapeutic relationship and open discussion of diversity considerations were necessary for this treatment to work. This case reflects potential support for CPT as a treatment utilized across cultures for trauma-related symptoms.
AB - There is a paucity of research of traditional psychotherapy approaches with individuals of South Asian descent, specifically Pakistani-Americans. In particular, there are very few cases in existing literature highlighting the effectiveness of Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) with Pakistani-Americans who have experienced sexual abuse. Due to cultural values, individuals of South Asian descent are less likely to pursue traditional psychotherapy and even far less likely to complete and/or benefit from it. The current case study focused on depression and trauma-related symptoms (e.g., guilt, shame, embarrassment) in the context of repeated sexual abuse for over 20 years. The PTSD Checklist (PCL-5) and Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) confirmed qualitative reports and therapist observations of improvement. This case suggests a westernized and protocol-driven treatment can be a viable intervention for individuals of SA descent with a history of sexual trauma. A strong therapeutic relationship and open discussion of diversity considerations were necessary for this treatment to work. This case reflects potential support for CPT as a treatment utilized across cultures for trauma-related symptoms.
KW - Pakistani-American
KW - cognitive processing therapy
KW - diversity
KW - sexual trauma
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85105066968&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1177/15346501211011255
DO - 10.1177/15346501211011255
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85105066968
SN - 1534-6501
VL - 20
SP - 435
EP - 451
JO - Clinical Case Studies
JF - Clinical Case Studies
IS - 6
ER -