Internet-based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Complicated Grief

During the last years research has shown that Internet-based psychotherapeutic interventions are effective in a number of areas. Based on a cognitive-behavioral treatment protocol for posttraumatic stress disorder (Interapy, Lange et al., 2000), an Internet-based treatment for complicated grief was developed and evaluated and a case study illustrates the treatment procedure. The study evaluated the efficacy of this multiphasic treatment model (self-confrontation, cognitive restructuring, social sharing) on grief-related symptoms, symptoms of general psychopathology and salutary outcome. Further, the online therapeutic alliance as a predictor of salutary treatment outcome was evaluated. Compared with the participants in the waiting control condition, the participants in the experimental group improved significantly on grief-related symptoms and general psychopathology. Overall, treatment effect sizes were large.

Autorentext
Wagner, Birgit Dr. phil. Birgit Wagner is a clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Zurich. She has been involved in treatment and research related to Complicated Grief. Her primary interests involve the development and implementation of treatment interventions for patients suffering of prolonged grief reactions.