The interviews were planned and executed in the following
way:
First interview
Patients were interviewed on their opinions, feelings and
beliefs on the traumatic experience and what it signifies to
him/her. The interviews were documented by the investi-
gator as short notes. During the interviews, questions about
the subject matter were directed to patients and the accu-
mulated information was evaluated by the investigator and
categorized under the headings of data collection forms.
Second interview
Information was provided to the patients on the reason,
nature, symptoms and treatment methods of PTSD and
their questions were answered. The first step in helping
these patients is to define key symptoms. The changes in
the lifestyle of patients, feelings, opinion and behavioural
reactions caused by the illness were discussed in this
session.
Third interview
Information about stress and coping with stress were pro-
vided by summarizing the previous interview. The coping
methods used by the patients before the trauma, the cur-
rent coping methods and how they perceived them were
discussed.
Fourth interview
The previous interview was summarized with the patient and
information about problem-solving concept and stages pro-
vided. The opinion and beliefs of the patient about the subject
matter were asked for afterwards. By asking the patient to
rank the currently perceived problematic situations (due to
disorder or other), the problems were redefined as resolvable
or concrete problems. Information about target determin-
ation and choosing attainable and realistic targets and alter-
natives was then given.
Fifth interview
The goals and alternatives chosen with the patient were
studied. What to pay attention to when determining targets
and alternatives was emphasized. The time to reach the target
was stressed and the patient asked to work on putting these
into practice.
Sixth interview
Information about evaluating results was provided and the
problems faced during the application and their reasons and
the developments were discussed. The process during the
1. Orientation phase:
Talked about patients’
perceptions (their
feelings, beliefs and the
meaning of event)
2. Identification phase:
Provided information
about PTSD (nature of the
disease, symptoms and
treatment methods) and
talked about patient’s
problems
3. Identification phase:
Provided a description of
related stress and coping
and talked about patient’s
coping strategies
4. Exploitation Phase:
Provided information about
problem-solving and talked
about how patient solves
problems
5. Exploitation Phase:
Problems, objectives and
alternative solutions, as
determined by each patient
were individually discussed.
6. Resolution Phase:
The patient was
encouraged to talk
about the whole process