COGNITIVE-BEHAVIORAL THERAPY FOR PATIENTS WITH PTSD AFTER EXPERIENCES OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE - REVIEW OF THERAPY PROGRAMS

About 30% of women around the world experience violence, which is a violation of fundamental human rights and is a major public health problem. The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in those women varies between 45% and 84%. The aim of this article is to present various forms of psychological support for people experiencing violence, with particular emphasis on the work in the cognitive-behavioral current. The article discusses the theoretical assumptions, structure, and modules of the Cognitive Trauma Therapy for Battered Women (CTT-BW) by Kubany and presents modules on psycho-education about PTSD, strengthening stress management skills, assertive communication, coping with unwanted contacts with former partners, and identification of potential perpetrators. CTT-BW therapy is a short-term form of assistance, the effectiveness of which has been confirmed by research. In 94% of women participating in the 3-month programme according to its protocol, there was a reduction in anxiety, guilt, and shame and a significant increase in self-esteem.