From Blind Spots to Insight: Effects of the Retinal Psychotherapy Model on PTSD Symptoms and Emotion Regulation

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of the Retinal Psychotherapy Model in reducing posttraumatic stress symptoms and improving emotion regulation among trauma-exposed adults.

Methods and Materials: This quasi-experimental controlled repeated-measures study included adults with probable posttraumatic stress disorder. Participants were assigned to a Retinal Psychotherapy Model group (n = 46) or a waitlist control group (n = 44). The intervention consisted of 12 weekly 60–90-minute sessions integrating mindfulness-based attentional stabilization, cognitive restructuring, Gestalt part-dialogues, and narrative re-authoring. Outcomes were assessed at pretest, mid-treatment, posttest, and 4-week follow-up using the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 and Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale-16. Data were analyzed using mixed repeated-measures ANOVA with Greenhouse–Geisser correction and Bonferroni-adjusted comparisons.

Findings: Significant group × time interactions were found for posttraumatic stress symptoms (F = 56.92, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.39) and emotion regulation difficulties (F = 48.07, p < 0.001, partial η² = 0.35). In the intervention group, PCL-5 scores decreased from 52.63 ± 10.12 at pretest to 34.41 ± 8.95 at posttest and 33.02 ± 9.11 at follow-up. DERS-16 scores decreased from 46.28 ± 8.64 to 32.35 ± 7.54 and 31.42 ± 7.80, respectively. Posttest between-group effects were large for PCL-5 (d = 1.52) and DERS-16 (d = 1.49). Improvements were maintained at follow-up.

Conclusion: The Retinal Psychotherapy Model significantly reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms and emotion regulation difficulties. This culturally adaptable integrative intervention may be useful for trauma-focused psychotherapy.