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INTEGRATION MAKES SENSE: GETTING TO KNOW BRIEF ECLECTIC
PSYCHOTHERAPY FOR PTSD (BEPP)
Dr. Mirjam Nijdam, dr Mariel Meewisse, dr Migle Dovydaitiene, prof Berthold Gersons
BEPP is a comprehensive treatment for PTSD that integrates effective interventions from various
psychotherapy schools in a logical sequence. Several randomized controlled trials have proven its
efficacy. The difference between BEPP and other evidence-based PTSD treatments is that BEPP
focuses on healthy expression of avoided emotions like sorrow and anger and that its aim is to learn
from the trauma. The losses of trauma bring forth a lasting change, and the message in BEPP is that
one becomes ‘sadder and wiser’ and finds a new equilibrium with the world.
BEPP consists of 16 weekly sessions. Psychoeducation helps patients understand the relationship
between the traumatic event(s) and their PTSD symptoms. The following five sessions are aimed at
expressing emotions to process the trauma using imaginal exposure, mementos of the trauma and
letter writing. Traumatic events also challenge trust in oneself, others, institutions, or society.
Therefore, the following sessions are meant to give meaning to the traumatic experiences by looking
at the consequences and by integrating a changed view of oneself and the world. BEPP ends with a
farewell ritual.
This workshop presents an overview of BEPP alternated with Lithuanian and Dutch case examples
and includes practising elements of the protocol.