Participants’ experiences of a counsellor-supported PTSD Coach intervention in a resource-constrained setting

Bibliographic Data

ID15700651
AuthorsErine Bröcker (0000-0002-9861-9527, Stellenbosch University, corresponding author), Freda Scheffler (0000-0002-8898-8599, University of Cape Town), Sharain Suliman (0000-0001-5510-3128, Stellenbosch University), Miranda Olff (0000-0003-1016-9515, Stellenbosch University), Soraya Seedat (0000-0002-5118-786X, Stellenbosch University)
Year2024
Volume11
Pagese36-e36
Publication date2024-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueCambridge Prisms Global Mental Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2054-4251 • E-ISSN: 2054-4251
PublisherCambridge University Press (CUP) (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1017/gmh.2024.34
PMID38572257
OpenAlexW4392655487
LanguageEN
References cited59

We explored participants' experiences of a counsellor-supported PTSD Coach mobile application intervention (PTSD Coach-CS) in a randomised controlled trial. PTSD Coach-CS participants, who received the intervention and self-completed a custom-designed questionnaire at intervention completion were included ( n = 25; female = 20; ages 19-59; isiXhosa = 22). This questionnaire comprised questions regarding the feasibility, acceptability and potential impact of the PTSD Coach-CS intervention, and general psychological support in our setting. Data were analysed using Braun and Clarke's thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged. (i) Participants' largely positive experiences of treatment procedures included the safe space created by the counsellor support in combination with the PTSD Coach application, allowing them to learn about and understand their lived experiences, and to accept their PTSD diagnoses. (ii) Positive perceptions of the PTSD Coach application, yet raising important concerns (e.g., lack of family involvement) for future consideration. (iii) Intervention-specific and systemic treatment barriers (e.g., stigma) providing important information to inform and increase the usefulness of the PTSD Coach-CS intervention. The findings suggest that the PTSD Coach-CS intervention may help address the need for access to suitable care for South African adults with PTSD. Some contextual barriers must be considered in further intervention implementation

Intervention (counseling · Medical education · Psychiatry · Psychotherapist · Resource (disambiguation · Applied Psychology · Child Therapy and Development · Clinical Psychology · Computer Science · Counseling Practices and Supervision · Medicine · Psychology · Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications

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