NARRATIVE EXPOSURE THERAPY (NET): AN EVIDENCE BASED

NARRATIVE EXPOSURE THERAPY (NET): AN EVIDENCE BASED TREATMENT FOR MULTIPLE AND COMPLEX
TRAUMA
Dr. Ruud Jongedijk, dr. Gerdie Eiting, dr. Tobias Hecker, dr. Katharin Hermenau
Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET) is an evidence-based approach for the treatment of trauma-related mental
disorders. Given its focus on the autobiographical elaboration of traumatic experiences, NET is particularly
suited for populations affected by multiple traumatic experiences like sexual, familial or organized violence.
To date, there is good evidence that NET is an effective treatment approach with support from 18 RCT’s
(N=950) with proven efficacy both, in resource poor contexts and in Western clinical settings. NET is welltolerated and straightforward. It can be taught to non-expert practitioners, which makes NET an asset in lowincome countries.
Working through the person’s biography in NET facilitates the recognition of interrelated emotional networks
of events in cases of multiple and complex trauma. This helps to build episodic memory, fosters a sense of
identity and gives deep personal understanding of schemas and social emotions that have evolved across the
lifespan. Narrative Exposure allows meaning making, testifying to human rights violations and regaining
dignity.
In this workshop the principles of NET and its practical application will be explained and demonstrated by
scholarly NET expert trainers. There will be special attention to the recently developed FORNET, which
addresses both fearful traumatic experiences and perpetrated violence and aggression.