Session 9: Imaginal Exposure Continued and Seemingly Irrelevant Decisions (SIDs)

Chapter 11 discusses the ninth session of the COPE treatment sessions. This session introduces the concept of seemingly irrelevant decisions (SIDs),which may not involve making a direct choice of whether to use, but can move you one step at a time closer to using. Common SIDs are presented, as well as strategies for recognizing SIDs.

Session 4: Initial Imaginal Exposure

Chapter 6 outlines the fourth COPE treatment session. This session explored imaginal exposures, their purpose, and how they help overcome PTSD. The first imaginal exposure exercise takes place with the help of the therapist and the experience is discussed.

Session 3: Developing the In vivo Hierarchy and Craving Management

Chapter 5 discusses session three of the COPE treatment program, which details the development of the in vivo exposure hierarchy and craving management. The patient will construct a hierarchy of exposure exercises based on the discomfort that each exercise will cause them using a subjective units of distress scale (SUDS). Strategies for managing cravings are also presented, such as avoiding triggers, distraction, focusing on negative consequences, and challenging your thoughts.

Session 1: Introduction to COPE

Chapter 3 outlines the first treatment session of the COPE program. This includes a detailed outline of the program and the treatment procedures used, the development of treatment goals and the treatment contract. Breathing exercises designed to reduce stress are also explored.

Is This Program Right for You?

Chapter 2 aims to help the patient determine if the COPE program is right for them. This includes a discussion of the characteristics of people for whom COPE has been designed, and strategies to enhance a patient’s motivation for treatment.

Session 7: Imaginal Exposure Continued and Managing High-Risk Thoughts

Chapter 9 outlines session seven of the COPE treatment program, which involves an imaginal exposure exercise, and discusses strategies for managing high-risk thoughts (such as developing alternative ways of thinking, goal-directed thinking, and the use of perspective).

Session 12: Review and Termination

Chapter 14 explores the twelfth and final COPE program treatment session, which reviews the progress that has been made since the beginning of treatment on both PTSD symptoms and substance use. Steps for the patient to take to continue progress following the conclusion of the treatment sessions are also explored.

Session 10: Imaginal Exposure Continued and Anger Awareness

Chapter 12 outlines session ten of the COPE program. This session reviews the purpose of imaginal exposure, and explores anger (including the constructive and destructive effects of anger, triggers for anger, internal and external signs of anger, and activities to help minimise anger).

Session 8: Imaginal Exposure Continued and Refusal Skills

Chapter 10 outlines the eighth session of the COPE program. This session focuses on the development of skills to effectively refuse alcohol or drugs when they are presented (including nonverbal and verbal refusal behaviors).

Session 5: Imaginal Exposure Continued and Planning for Emergencies

Chapter 7 outlines session five of the COPE treatment program, which continues to focus on imaginal exposure techniques, reviews their purpose and benefits, and performs a second imaginal exposure exercise. Planning for emergencies is also explored, including the development of strategies to deal with triggers that can emerge from stressful life events.