Spring for military PTSD (M-PTSD)

Spring M-PTSD is a ten-step guided digital therapy designed for the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in military veterans.

It is based on cognitive behavioural therapy with a trauma focus (CBT-TF). It also includes steps to address the disturbances in self-organisation (DSO) symptoms of complex PTSD based on techniques from Enhanced Skills Training for Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (ESTAIR). Spring M-PTSD was developed and refined in collaboration with military veterans with lived experience of PTSD and leading experts in the field.

The approach aims to reduce the need for extensive therapist contact by delivering evidence-based therapeutic techniques and activities digitally, with regular guidance and support from a therapist.

Programme structure

 The eight steps cover:                                  

Step 1: Learning about PTSD

An introduction to PTSD, featuring four actors sharing their experiences of PTSD, each linked to a different type of traumatic event in the military.

Step 2: Grounding and relaxation

Participants learn about grounding and relaxation techniques and their benefits. This step includes practical demonstrations of exercises designed to help individuals stay connected to the present moment and manage anxiety.

Step 3: Exploring emotions

This step introduces skills to manage emotions through the body, thoughts, and behaviour.

Step 4: Navigating relationships

Participants develop skills to enhance assertiveness, flexibility, closeness, and boundary-setting in relationships.

Step 5: Understanding yourself

This step introduces techniques to explore self-concept and develop a balanced view of the self.

Step 6: Reconnecting with life

Structured goal setting is used to encourage participants to re-engage in pleasurable or meaningful activities.

Step 7: Telling your stories

This step introduces imaginal exposure therapy, demonstrated through the stories of the featured actors. The therapist guides participants in beginning their own trauma narratives, which they continue to develop on their own. Participants are encouraged to engage with these narratives by reading them for at least 30 minutes each day.

Step 8: Challenging unhelpful thinking

Cognitive techniques are introduced to help participants challenge and reframe unhelpful thoughts related to their trauma.

Step 9: Overcoming avoidance

A structured approach to gradually confront and reduce avoidance of real-life situations associated with trauma.

Step 10: Looking ahead

This final session reinforces lessons learned throughout the programme, offering relapse prevention strategies and guidance on managing any recurrence of symptoms.            

Features

• Interactive content: Each step is accompanied by audio narration, with key information and visuals displayed on screen. Participants’ input directly influences the feedback they receive, and branching screens allow for flexible navigation. A bookmarking feature ensures users can easily return to where they left off.
• Character case studies: The programme features four characters, each portrayed by actors, representing military veterans with PTSD after different traumatic events. Video content tracks their progress through each step, providing relatable examples of how individuals might navigate Spring PTSD.
• Toolkit: A dedicated area provides easy access to key programme components and information input by users. The tools support engagement with techniques based on CBT-TF and ESTAIR, such as building a fear-ladder and writing a detailed trauma narrative.
• Clinician dashboard: The clinician dashboard provides therapists with real-time data on participant engagement and progress through the programme. This data allows therapists to tailor their support during guidance sessions, addressing specific needs and ensuring participants stay on track with the digital materials.
• Information for family and friends: A helpful leaflet is available for family and friends, providing information on PTSD and an overview of the Spring M-PTSD programme. This resource helps loved ones better understand the condition and learn how to support the participant during treatment.

Therapist guidance

• Initial meeting: A one-hour introductory session with a therapist helps establish rapport, assess the participant’s trauma history, provide login details, and offer a full demonstration of the programme.
• Follow-up sessions: Five bi-weekly meetings, each lasting 30 minutes, offer continuous support to participants, helping them remain engaged and effectively tackle any challenges they may face.
• Ongoing support: In addition to the meetings, participants receive five brief check-ins by phone or email between sessions to discuss their progress, resolve issues, and set new goals.
• Therapist manual: A comprehensive therapist manual ensures the programme can be delivered in a standardised and structured way. It provides detailed instructions and guidelines, enabling therapists to deliver Spring M-PTSD consistently and effectively.

Accessibility

The Spring programme is designed for use on various devices, including PCs, laptops, tablets, and smart phones.