Client and therapist experiences with the Processing of Positive Memories Technique (PPMT) in a randomized controlled trial: insights for protocol refinement.

TL;DR

PPMT is a brief memory-based intervention showing strong feasibility and acceptability in a pilot RCT with PTSD clients; therapists endorsed it as a valuable adjunct to trauma-focused treatment. Protocol refinement is needed around memory retrieval support, rationale clarification, and session flexibility.

Key findings

• 52.3% of PPMT clients reported improved ease with practice; 38.1% described the technique as helpful overall
• 100% of therapists endorsed PPMT as valuable; 66.7% rated it as feasible to implement due to structured format
• Clients reported emotional and cognitive benefits including increased access to positive emotions, improved self-reflection, and greater present-oriented awareness
• Protocol refinement needed: additional support for positive memory retrieval, clearer rationale for protocol elements, and greater session flexibility

Why this matters at the bedside

Findings inform potential implementation of PPMT as a brief adjunctive intervention in trauma-focused treatment pathways; qualitative feedback identifies specific areas for protocol optimization before wider clinical adoption.