Spring for complex PTSD (CPTSD)

Spring CPTSD is a sixteen-step guided digital therapy designed for the treatment of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).

Based on a psychological therapy called Enhanced Skills Training for Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (ESTAIR), Spring CPTSD was developed and refined in collaboration with people with lived experience of CPTSD 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 sixteen steps cover:            

Step 1: Understanding complex PTSD

This introductory step provides an overview of CPTSD, featuring five actors who portray characters sharing their personal experiences related to different types of traumatic events.

Step 2-5: Emotional awareness

Participants learn about emotional awareness, focusing on identifying and recognising emotions. They explore strategies for managing emotions through the body, thoughts, and behaviour.

Step 6-9: Relationships

These steps involve examining interpersonal dynamics across various relationships, including friendships, family connections, professional interactions, and romantic partnerships. Participants assess their relationship patterns and develop skills to create and maintain healthy connections.

Step 10-13: Self-concept

Here, participants explore beliefs about themselves and how these beliefs have been shaped by traumatic experiences. They practice techniques for reshaping these beliefs to establish a balanced and realistic self-view.

Step 14-15: Telling your story

Participants engage in making sense of their traumatic experiences by re-evaluating their meanings. These steps support the participant to write and of their stories as a means of understanding and healing.

Step 16: Looking ahead

The final step focuses on reflecting on the programme as a whole, identifying which skills have been most useful. Participants create a plan for applying these skills as they move forward into the next chapter of their lives.

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 five characters, each portrayed by actors, representing characters with PTSD after different traumatic events. Video content tracks their progress through each step, providing relatable examples of how individuals might navigate Spring CPTSD.
• Toolkit: A dedicated area provides easy access to key programme components and information input by users. The tools support engagement with techniques based on ESTAIR.
• 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 CPTSD and an overview of the Spring CPTSD 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: 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 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 CPTSD consistently and effectively.

Accessibility

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