In our trauma care and peace building programs, we use the KReST model (body-, resource-, and systemic approach to trauma care) developed by Lutz-Ulrich Besser. He is a psychiatrist specialized in psychotherapy as well as a trauma therapist and the founder of the Center for Psychotraumatology and Trauma Therapy Lower Saxony (zptn). Since 2003, we have been running trauma training courses in Germany and abroad in cooperation with the zptn.
KReST is an integrative method based on the latest findings in neurobiology, stress, attachment and trauma research. Its focus is on the conscious involvement of the body, the activation of individual resources and a systemic perspective. The latter includes both external systems such as family, society and the social environment as well as internal systems, such as working with inner parts and inner dynamics.
The KReST model is divided into four phases:
- Phase 1: Joining and building a therapeutic alliance, anamnesis, diagnostics and psychoeducation
- Phase 2: Stabilization, resource mobilization, potential development and stress regulation
- Phase 3: Trauma confrontation with trauma integration and trauma synthesis
- Phase 4: Saying goodbye, mourning the past and reorientation
In addition to various methods of trauma therapy, such as imagination exercises, working with the inner child or stabilization exercises with the body, we use a special form of screen technique, both to anchor positive resources and to confront trauma.
When working with positive life events, a past experience of joy, pride or happiness is viewed on an imaginary screen. This activates positive feelings and body reactions in the here and now. During trauma confrontation, traumatic experiences are also viewed from the observer’s perspective on the screen. The feelings, body reactions, thoughts and beliefs that arise are processed, modulated and thus integrated in a resource-oriented way.
The trauma training according to the KReST model is certified by the German Society for Psychotraumatology (DeGPT).
Read More (in German)
Besser, L.-U. (2019). Screentechnik KReST (Körper-, Ressourcen- und systemorientierte Traumatherapie): Eine sanfte Methode der Traumakonfrontation, -synthese und -integration.
In H. Rießbeck & G. Müller (Hrsg.), Traumakonfrontation – Traumaintegration. Therapiemethoden im Vergleich. Stuttgart: Kohlhammer.
zptn (o. J.). KReST-Modell – Körper-, Ressourcen- und systemorientierte Traumakonfrontation. Zentrum für Psychotraumatologie und Traumatherapie Niedersachsen (Link)
