Learning objectives

Although various clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exist, many aspects of work-related PTSD have not been adequately researched or translated into practice, and clinicians often lack clear guidance on how to support these individuals to facilitate both mental health recovery and return to work. In this presentation, we will review evidence-based PTSD therapy protocols, and share clinical experiences and practical recommendations for the interdisciplinary collaboration between occupational therapists (OTs) and psychotherapists working with individuals who have experienced work-related trauma. We will address some common barriers that might prevent clinicians from collaborating with each other or from providing trauma-focused exposure-based treatment components. We will also highlight how OTs and psychotherapists can support each other while making unique contributions to the clients’ recovery and return to work.