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People with psychosis, including those in Early Intervention Psychosis (EIP) services, experience high rates of trauma exposure and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which are linked to poorer clinical outcomes. Clinicians often have concerns about using trauma-focused therapies in this population, particularly regarding the risk of iatrogenic harm. The complexity of psychosis and trauma, along with diagnostic uncertainty in early phases of care, can make it difficult to determine how and when to intervene.
This training provides an overview of the current evidence base for trauma-focused therapies in psychosis and introduces the therapeutic model and therapy guide used in the STAR (Study of Trauma and Recovery) trial (Peters et al., 2025)—the largest randomized controlled trial of trauma therapy for psychosis to date. The STAR trial included individuals across the psychosis spectrum, with a significant proportion (30%) from EIP services, reflecting real-world clinical diversity. Grounded in models that highlight the interaction between PTSD and psychosis, the approach targets key mechanisms relevant to both conditions.
The training will include case examples and lived-experience perspectives spanning early and more chronic presentations, along with opportunities for clinical practice through tasks and role-plays.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Apply a trauma-informed care approach when supporting people with psychosis
- Assess traumatic experiences and their impact on individuals with psychosis
- Understand the relationship between PTSD and psychosis, including the underlying evidence base
- Collaboratively develop shared formulations with individuals experiencing PTSD and psychosis
- Apply the STAR Trauma-Focused CBT for Psychosis (TF-CBTp) therapy guide, including assessment, formulation, and key intervention strategies (e.g., promoting control, memory work, rebuilding life)
