HANDOUT #1

The EMDR Recent Traumatic Episode Protocol (EMDR R-

TEP) for Early EMDR Intervention (EEI)
Overview & protocol instructions
Elan Shapiro & Brurit Laub (revised Sept. 2014)
elanshapiro@gmail.com; bruritlaub7@gmail.com

EMDR R-TEP is a comprehensive current trauma focused protocol for EEI that
incorporates and extends the existing EMD and Recent Event protocols together with
additional measures for containment and safety. The EMDR R-TEP usually requires 2-4
sessions, which can optionally be conducted on successive days.

GLOSSARY of KEY TERMS

1- Traumatic Episode (T-Episode)

The original traumatic incident together with its aftermath is viewed as an on-going trauma continuum while the
experiences are not yet adaptively processed. The T-Episode comprises multiple targets of disturbance. These
Target fragments are referred to as Points of Disturbance (PoDs), from the original incident until today.

2- Episode Narrative + continuous BLS (Bi-Lateral Stimulation)

The Episode Narrative is telling the story of the traumatic episode out loud with continuous BLS which helps to
ground and contain affect. This initial processing begins to integrate the gaps of the fragmented traumatic story. In
phases I & II recounting the details of the trauma is discouraged to avoid premature activation
Option: Using a distancing metaphor, e.g. T.V screen, gives additional containment if needed.

3- Google Search (G-Search) or Scan

The G-Search is a mechanism to identify the various Points of Disturbance (PoD) by non- sequential scanning of
the T-Episode, without talking, together with BLS.

4- Focused Processing1: A two strategies approach EMD <! EMDr

EMD strategy: Narrow focused processing of the PoD by limiting the range of associations to the PoD . This is a
brief strategy, particularly effective with intrusive image/sensation fragments.

EMDr2 strategy: Wider focused processing of the PoD, by going with the AIP chains of
associations relating to the T-Episode. This is usually the main strategy.

E Shapiro & Laub 2014 ©

1
Previously called Telescopic Processing
2
Term after Roy Kiessling.
1
 Overview: Adapted 8 Phases

Phase I: HISTORY /INTAKE, brief history taking, evaluate readiness

Phase II: PREPARATION, attention to safety & containment

Points of Disturbance (PoD) level:

Identification, assessment and Focused Processing of target fragments
(PoDs) within the Traumatic Episode

1. Traumatic Episode Narrative + continuous BLS (Bi-Lateral Stimulation) -telling the story of
the traumatic episode out loud with BLS.
2. Episode Google- Search + BLS (identifying Points of Disturbance (PoD) relating to the T-
Episode from the original incident until today)
3. Assessment (phase III) of each PoD (Point of Disturbance) identified from G-Search

4. Focused Processing (Desensitization- phase IV):

2 strategies approach (EMD <!EMDr)
5. Installation (phase V) if SUD is ecological
(no BODY SCAN (phase VI) yet)
6. Repeat steps 2-5 to identify & process remaining PoDs, until none found
7. A strong Closure (phase VII) at end of each session

Episode level
Check Episode SUD
INSTALLATION of Episode PC (phase V)
Episode BODY SCAN (phase VI)
CLOSURE of Episode (VII)
FOLLOW – UP (VIII)

E Shapiro & Laub 2014 ©

2
 Focused Strategy Approach
EMD <-> EMDr (….. EMDR)

Point of

EMD strategy EMDr strategy EMDR strategy

PoD Narrow focus Wider focus Broad focus
(only going with associations (only going with associations (going with associations relating
relating to PoD) relating to T-Episode) to whole of life)
Disturbance

E Shapiro & Laub 2011 © 65

EMDR R-TEP Flow chart

P P P
T-EPISODE O No more
O O
D Points of
G-SEARCH 1 D new G-S 2
D
new G-S 3 G-S 4 Disturbance
(PoDs)
Focused
P
R EMDr EMDr
O EMDr EMD EMD
C EMD SUD
E SUD
SUD
ecological
ecological New G-Search
S New G-Search
ecological
New G-Search
S
I
N
G If Episode SUD not ecological

EMDR%
Episode SUD
Proceed'to'work'with'the'EMDR'
ecological
Protocol'with'client'consent'
'
Episode level
INSTALLATION Episode-PC
BODY SCAN
CLOSURE
FOLLOW UP
E Shapiro & Laub 2011 © 37

3
EMDr strategy T- Episode Focused processing

Point of Disturbance

PoD
(Target Fragment)

PoD
Association relates to
T- Episode
A1 (or is adaptive/positive)

T-Episode A2 A3
When association departs
from T- Episode
Associations relate to
(Opens other clinical
T- Episode issues), or after 2 -3
A4 positive/adaptive ones, go
PoD Back to Target (BTT) &
check SUD
E Shapiro & Laub 2011 © 68

E Shapiro & Laub 2011 ©

EMD strategy (Zoom In)

Point of Disturbance (PoD) Focused processing

Return to PoD
& check SUD
frequently
T-Episode
Point of Disturbance

PoD
(Target Fragment)

PoD
Association directly
A1 relates to PoD PoD
A3
A2 Association directly
When association departs from relates to PoD.
PoD, go Back to Target
(BTT) & check SUD

PoD E Shapiro & Laub 2011 © 53

4
 COMPARISON TABLE Standard EMDR Protocol vs. R-TEP
Standard EMDR R-TEP
EMDR
Protocol
Phase I Full Intake Briefer Intake history: to assess
History 3 Pronged SMS
orientation (Severity/Motivation/Strengths),
Past Present Therapy contract has current
Future. Trauma Focused priority.
Targets Concept of
identified for T-Episode
treatment plan Only general information about
the T initially (details only
requested later during Episode
Narrative + BLS)
Phase II Safe Place Extended preparation
Preparation: (More if e.g. 4 Elements (includes Safe
needed) Place), Resource Connection.

Phase III a) Episode Narrative + BLS

Assessment Target: Event b) G-Search with BLS
Image; NC; to identify Target fragments
PC; VoC; /Points of Disturbance (PoD).
Emotion; c) FOR EACH PoD: Image; NC;
SUD; Body PC; VoC; Emotion; SUD; Body

Phase IV Processing Focused Processing : EMD EMDr

Desensitization with BLS 2 main strategies of expanding strategy strategy
No limitations focus of associations, Narrow Wider focus
of association EMD<!EMDr focus going allowing
as long as EMD – processing of intrusive only with associative
there is fragments associations chains
change relating to relating to
EMDr- the main strategy the PoD but the
returning to T-Episode
Target If SUD stuck
(PoD) & consider
checking narrower
SUD when it EMD
departs from strategy
PoD. If SUD focus &
stuck after 6 interweaves
sets expand
naturally
into EMDr
strategy !
Phase V Install PC Install PC (for each Target when
Installation when SUD 0/1 SUD is ecological)
Phase VI Body Scan No Body Scan until all the
Body Scan targets of the T-Episode
processed
Phase VII Closure Strong closure at the end of
Closure each session (usually
requires several sessions)
Phase VIII next session Check for remaining PoDs
Reevaluation using G-Search at next
session. Follow-up at end.
5
EMDR R-TEP PROTOCOL INSTRUCTIONS

The special circumstances of early interventions requires sensitivity and flexible

application of the protocol guidelines.

Phase I: INTAKE (evaluate readiness)

“SMS” ratings
Obtain as much client history as is reasonable in the circumstances to get an idea from the client or
from others, of previous functioning, prior trauma history, observe response to Phase II calming
exercises etc., sufficient information to estimate SMS ratings on a 5 point scale 1-5 Lo to Hi
(S=Severity, M=Motivation, S=Strengths). In addition to the nature of the trauma, gauge risk factors
& decide whether it is appropriate to proceed with EMDR processing with this client at this time.
If possible administer the PCL 5 as part of the evaluation.

Summary of SMS ratings based on all information obtained & clinical impression

S=Severity (Lo) 1 2 3 4 5 (Hi)

M=Motivation (Lo) 1 2 3 4 5 (Hi)

S=Strengths (Lo) 1 2 3 4 5 (Hi)

Phase II: PREPARATION (attention to safety & containment)

In Early EMDR Intervention, clients are likely to be easily flooded with states of high arousal and
distress. Therefore phase II preparation is particularly important for establishing sufficient safety and
containment to enable starting to work on the protocol.
In all cases start with teaching self stabilisation and resource exercises such as: The 4 Elements,
Safe place, and Resource Connection, for calming and enhancing control.
Therapy contract: priority will be given to maintaining a recent trauma focus. Consent will be
requested if it is found necessary to broaden the intervention to regular EMDR.

E Shapiro & Laub 2014 ©

6
 Explanation EXPLANATION: “The work we will do here is designed to focus on your
recent difficult experiences with the aim to help your natural system digest the parts that are
still disturbing so that you can regain your balance. Let whatever comes to mind come
up. Sometimes I will ask you to go back to a certain part of the memory, to let your system
process and digest that piece. It is like Zooming In, or Out, which can help you focus
observe and process your memories and experiences, so that past and present are not
confused and you can begin feeling calmer, safer and more in control.”

Focused Processing at Points of Disturbance (PoDs) level

Identification, assessment & processing of each PoD within the Traumatic Episode one at
a time. (Phases III, IV, V & VII -no VI)

1. T-Episode Narrative + continuous BLS (Bi-Lateral Stimulation)

Telling the story of the Traumatic Episode (T-Episode) out loud with BLS, from the original
incident until today, including disturbing thoughts about the future, which need to be processed.

Option: Using a distancing metaphor, e.g. T.V screen, gives additional containment.

"I am going to ask you to view the whole disturbing episode, beginning some time before it started until
today. Feel your feet on the ground, the safety of this room, and tell the story out loud”.
[OPTION "and watch the whole episode as on T.V. Imagine that you are watching it on a screen with a
remote control that can make the screen smaller, further away, lower the volume or even stop it" ]

2. Episode G- Search with BLS - to identify Points of Disturbance (PoDs) relating to the T-
Episode from the original incident until today
"Now, without talking out loud, scan the whole episode, like "Google Search" in the computer, for
anything that is still disturbing now, in no particular order. Just notice what comes up as you search
the whole episode from the original event until today and stop at what is still disturbing you."
Use continuous BLS during the G-Search

3. Phase III: Assessment of PoD

ASSESSMENT of each Point of Disturbance (PoD), which becomes the target fragment.
Use as much of the Standard Protocol assessment as appropriate (use clinical judgement)
NOTE: When there is high arousal or activation and/or the PoD is an intrusion, flexibility is
advised and a partial Assessment may be conducted.

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 Phase III: ASSESSMENT of PoD

1.TARGET (PoD): "Describe what is disturbing you" ( PoD)

___________________________________________________________________________
2. Image:
If the PoD is not a visual image ask:
"Is there a picture which goes with this PoD?"
__________________________________________________________________________________

3. NC (Negative Cognition):
“What negative words go with that PoD…,or about yourself, now?"
....................................................................................................................................................................

If high arousal &/or difficulty in rapidly finding an NC, suggest a suitable NC

"A lot of people who have gone through situations similar to what you went through often report afterwards that
they are left with negative thoughts or judgments about themselves, like: 'I can't believe it happened' ;I’m not
safe’ ; ‘I'm helpless; 'I didn't do enough', and so on. What kind of thought occurs for you?
___________________________________________________________________________
4. PC (Positive Cognition) "When you bring up that PoD … how would you like to think about it, or about
your self, now ?"
...................................................................................................................................

If it is difficult to find a PC while the level of disturbance is high, offer a tentative PC which is appropriate to the
NC: e.g. “Would you like to believe that…"it happened & it's over, I survived, I am safe now from THAT event…I
can cope, I did the best I could”. Is that what you would like to believe or is there something else you prefer?

5. VOC “On a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 is completely not true and 7 is completely true, how true do these words
feel to you, now?” 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
______________________________________________________________________

6. Emotions: “When you bring up that PoD … and those words (NC above), what emotion(s) do you feel
now?”

7. SUD: “On a scale of 0 to 10, where 0 is no disturbance or neutral and 10 is the highest disturbance you can
imagine, how disturbing does the (PoD)……………….…. feel to you now?”

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
(no disturbance/neutral) (highest disturbance)
___________________________________________________________________________
8. Location of Body Sensation:
“Where do you feel it in your body?”

4. Phase IV: FOCUSED PROCESSING (Desensitization)

5. Phase V: INSTALLATION
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 EMDr strategy - This is the main strategy of the Telescopic Processing. In this
strategy the associative span of the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP)
system relates to the current traumatic episode. If an association comes up
which is not related to the traumatic episode the client is asked to re-focus by
going Back To Target (BTT) to the Pod (Point of Disturbance) and checking
the SUD.

The EMD strategy – This is a narrow focused strategy which allows only
associations related to the PoD. If the association is not directly related to the
PoD the client is asked to re-focus by going BTT and checking the SUD
frequently.

The EMD strategy is advocated:

a) When the target/ PoD (Point of Disturbance) is an intrusive
fragment (frequently recurring disturbing Image, sensation, thought, feeling). But if
the SUD is not reducing significantly after about half a dozen sets then expand
naturally into an EMDr strategy.
b) When there is still an intrusive/painful fragment which blocks the AIP
system, or when the SUD level is not reducing with the EMDr strategy,
consider narrowing to an EMD strategy as one procedure which can be attempted
to get the processing moving (in addition to interweaves).
c) In very early interventions, and possibly when working with children,
the narrow focus EMD strategy may be preferred.

THIS IS THE MAIN STRATEGY of the FOCUSED PROCESSING

EMDr Strategy – Traumatic Episode Focused processing

INSTRUCTIONS
“I’d like you to Zoom In to the Point of Disturbance (PoD) …think of those negative words (repeat
the (NC), and notice where you are feeling it in your body”… Then do a set of BLS (Bi-Lateral
Stimulation) After set: say “Take a deep breath..…What do you get
now?".........................................…………………………………………………
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 a) If the association is about the Traumatic Episode
say “Go with that” … and continue with sets of BLS, and chains of association as long as the
association is related to the episode

b) If the association departs from the Traumatic Episode - go back to Target (PoD)
say “we can note that but as we have agreed to focus on the recent episode I will ask you now to
go back to the Point of Disturbance ....( PoD: image/sensation/feeling/or thought etc.), What do you
notice now?...................How much disturbance do you feel now from 0 to 10?"
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Then do another set of BLS

Continue the processing in this way until the SUD level drops to an ecological level or PoD can be

viewed calmly.

Go on to do the Phase V: INSTALLATION for this PoD (Do the Installation in the usual way

checking the PC & the VoC [1…..7] and installing it as close to 7 as it will go)

If the SUD level is not reducing or processing gets stuck then, consider using the EMD
strategy for more focused processing and/or use interweaves.

Continue by repeating the "Episode G-Search" as before to check if there are any other PoDs
left within the T-Episode to be processed similarly with Focused Processing

"Now, again without talking out loud, return to scan the whole episode, like "Google Search" in the computer,
for anything else which is disturbing, in no particular order. Just notice what comes up as you search the
whole episode from the original event until today and stop at what is still disturbing you now and we will
process it."
Use continuous BLS during the G-Search

EMD Strategy: Point of Disturbance (PoD) narrow focused processing

Use this strategy primarily:

When the Point of Disturbance (PoD) is an intrusive image/sensation, feeling or thought
When the EMDr processing is arrested (stuck)
When the intervention is very early (first week or two)

The EMD strategy limits associations. If associations relate directly to the PoD the processing
is continued. If associations depart from the PoD then there is a return to Target (the PoD) and
the SUD level is checked frequently.
The distancing metaphor can be suggested to help with high arousal if needed.

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It is usually a brief procedure, so if the SUD is not reducing after about 6-8 sets "Zoom Out"
smoothly to a wider EMDr strategy.

INSTRUCTIONS

“I’d like you to Zoom In to the Point of Disturbance (PoD: image/ /sensation/feeling/or thought etc.)…think
of those negative words (repeat the (NC), and notice where you are feeling it in your body”… ,

Then do a set of BLS (Bi-Lateral Stimulation)

After set: say “Take a deep breath. …What do you notice now?".........................................
……………………………………………………………………………………………………..

a) If the association is about the PoD,:

say “Go with that” … then do another set of BLS.

b) If the association departs from the PoD go back to Target (PoD)

say: “I would like you now to re-focus briefly on the Point of Disturbance (PoD: image/
/sensation/feeling/or thought etc.) to help your natural system digest it, "What do you notice now?"
........... /or, "Has anything changed?"......../ "How much disturbance do you feel now from 0 to 10?”

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 …then do another set of BLS.

And so on… continue for several more sets.

When SUD level reduces to ecological validity or the original PoD can be viewed relatively calmly
proceed directly to do the Phase V INSTALLATION for this PoD. (Do the Installation in the usual
way checking the PC & VoC [1…7] and installing it as close to 7 as it will go)

If the SUD level is not reducing sufficiently, after about 6-8 sets, then "Zoom Out" smoothly to the
EMDr strategy (below) which permits wider associations relevant to the current Traumatic Episode
NOTES:
Since the T-Episode is comprised of several Target fragments (PoDs) the G- Search is usually used
over several sessions.
Ensure a strong closure at the end of each session!
Concerns about the future such as, "What if it happens again?", a disrupted sense of personal safety
and challenges to basic world assumptions, may arise during the G-Search. These Targets are
processed in the same way as other Targets. This may be helpful for strengthening resilience.
Rarely the current trauma focused processing is not sufficient for adaptive resolution
consider the option to suggest using the EMDR standard protocol, with client consent
establishing a new contract.

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EPISODE LEVEL

Checking Episode SUD (E-SUD)

When no more targets (PoD) emerge with G-Search

check the SUD level for the entire T-Episode.
“When you think of the entire episode now, how disturbing is it to you on a scale
from 0 to 10?”………

When the Episode SUD level is “ecological” (realistic) proceed to Installation of Episode PC

NOTE: Rarely, if the Episode SUD is not ecological, inquire what is preventing it or what
would be needed to reduce it. Consider using interweaves, doing an additional G-Search or it
may be necessary to work with the Standard EMDR Protocol for underlying issues, with client
consent.

Phase V: INSTALLATION of Episode Positive Cognition (E-PC)

"When you look at the original incident and all that has happened since, the entire episode, how
would you like to think about it now? What have you learned from it?"
…………………………………………………………………………..
Obtain an E- PC for the entire episode

Check the VOC. - “When you think of the entire episode again and say the words (repeat the E-PC), how
true does it feel to you on a scale from 1 to 7?”…..

Episode Installation with BLS

“Hold them together, the entire episode and these words…………………………. (E-PC)”

Install with sets of BLS checking VOC.

Continue installation until it no longer changes or VoC is 6 or 7 If

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Phase VI: EPISODE BODY SCAN

“When you think of the entire episode and your positive cognition… (state E-PC),
notice any body sensations.

Use sets of BLS focusing on the body as in the Standard Protocol

__________________________________________________________________

Phase VII: EPISODE CLOSURE (as in Standard Protocol)

Arrange for follow-up

Phase VIII: FOLLOW - UP

Obtain feedback from previous work and check Episode SUD Level (0………10)
If not ecological: use G-Search to identify any residual Targets (PoD) that may require additional
processing.
If ecological: confirm appropriateness of Episode-PC ………………………………………
Check & reinforce VOC (1……….7)

Administer the PCL 5 again at end of treatment & at follow-up (after about 3 months)

Check level of functioning again at post treatment & at follow-up

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(POST) Level of Functioning (compared to usual) [LO] 1.…2.…3.…4 [HI]

(FOLLOW-UP) Level of Functioning (compared to usual) [LO] 1.…2…3.…4 [HI]

PCL 5 Scoring

TOTAL SCORES: PRE__________POST_________

FOLLOW-UP__________

COMMENTS (continue on other side of page)

______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________

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 DATA COLLECTION
Phase I: History (INTAKE)

A. Date today: ________Date of trauma: _______Time since trauma:________

Clinician: __________Client's name / initials/ no:______________1. M / 2. F
Contact Phone no: ______________email:_______________________________
Age: ____Family status: ________Education (no. of years):________________
Employment: 1.working 2. not working _________________________________
________________________________________________________________

B. Type of intervention: 1. R-TEP_____2. Other (specify)___________________

Recent Traumatic incident or incidents _________________________________

Medication 1. No 2. Yes (specify + when started)_________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Physical injury: 1. No 2. Yes (specify type + severity)

___________________________________________________________________

Level of Functioning (compared to usual) [LO] 1..…2..…3..…4 [HI]

Previous psychological treatment: 1. No 2. Yes

(specify)___________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________

C. Previous trauma history

Event _______________________________________date (year)______

Event _______________________________________date (year)______

Event _______________________________________date (year)______

D. Preparation: (Poor) 1……………5 (Excellent)

E. "SMS" evaluations: [LO] 1....…..5 [HI]: Severity….Motivation….Strengths….

COMMENTS (continue on additional pages)

_________________________________________________________
___________________________________________

E Shapiro & Laub 2014 ©

15
 PCL-5
Instructions: Below is a list of problems that people sometimes have in response to a very stressful experience.
Please read each problem carefully and then circle one of the numbers to the right to indicate how much you
have been bothered by that problem in the past month.

Not A little Quite

In the past month, how much were you bothered by: at all bit Moderately a bit Extremely
1. Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the
0 1 2 3 4
stressful experience?
2. Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience? 0 1 2 3 4
3. Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were
actually happening again (as if you were actually back there 0 1 2 3 4
reliving it)?
4. Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the
0 1 2 3 4
stressful experience?
5. Having strong physical reactions when something reminded
you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, 0 1 2 3 4
trouble breathing, sweating)?
6. Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the
0 1 2 3 4
stressful experience?
7. Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for
example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or 0 1 2 3 4
situations)?
8. Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful
0 1 2 3 4
experience?
9. Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people,
or the world (for example, having thoughts such as: I am 0 1 2 3 4
bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can
be trusted, the world is completely dangerous)?
10. Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful
0 1 2 3 4
experience or what happened after it?
11. Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger,
0 1 2 3 4
guilt, or shame?
12. Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy? 0 1 2 3 4
13. Feeling distant or cut off from other people? 0 1 2 3 4
14. Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being
unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people 0 1 2 3 4
close to you)?
15. Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively? 0 1 2 3 4
16. Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you
0 1 2 3 4
harm?
17. Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard? 0 1 2 3 4
18. Feeling jumpy or easily startled? 0 1 2 3 4
19. Having difficulty concentrating? 0 1 2 3 4
20. Trouble falling or staying asleep? 0 1 2 3 4

PCL-5 (8/14/2013) Weathers, Litz, Keane, Palmieri, Marx, & Schnurr -- National Center for PTSD

16
 PCL-5
Instructions: Below is a list of problems that people sometimes have in response to a very stressful experience.
Please read each problem carefully and then circle one of the numbers to the right to indicate how much you
have been bothered by that problem in the past month.

Not A little Quite

In the past month, how much were you bothered by: at all bit Moderately a bit Extremely
1. Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the
0 1 2 3 4
stressful experience?
2. Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience? 0 1 2 3 4
3. Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were
actually happening again (as if you were actually back there 0 1 2 3 4
reliving it)?
4. Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the
0 1 2 3 4
stressful experience?
5. Having strong physical reactions when something reminded
you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, 0 1 2 3 4
trouble breathing, sweating)?
6. Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the
0 1 2 3 4
stressful experience?
7. Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for
example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or 0 1 2 3 4
situations)?
8. Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful
0 1 2 3 4
experience?
9. Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people,
or the world (for example, having thoughts such as: I am 0 1 2 3 4
bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can
be trusted, the world is completely dangerous)?
10. Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful
0 1 2 3 4
experience or what happened after it?
11. Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger,
0 1 2 3 4
guilt, or shame?
12. Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy? 0 1 2 3 4
13. Feeling distant or cut off from other people? 0 1 2 3 4
14. Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being
unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people 0 1 2 3 4
close to you)?
15. Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively? 0 1 2 3 4
16. Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you
0 1 2 3 4
harm?
17. Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard? 0 1 2 3 4
18. Feeling jumpy or easily startled? 0 1 2 3 4
19. Having difficulty concentrating? 0 1 2 3 4
20. Trouble falling or staying asleep? 0 1 2 3 4

PCL-5 (8/14/2013) Weathers, Litz, Keane, Palmieri, Marx, & Schnurr -- National Center for PTSD

17
 PCL-5
Instructions: Below is a list of problems that people sometimes have in response to a very stressful experience.
Please read each problem carefully and then circle one of the numbers to the right to indicate how much you
have been bothered by that problem in the past month.

Not A little Quite

In the past month, how much were you bothered by: at all bit Moderately a bit Extremely
1. Repeated, disturbing, and unwanted memories of the
0 1 2 3 4
stressful experience?
2. Repeated, disturbing dreams of the stressful experience? 0 1 2 3 4
3. Suddenly feeling or acting as if the stressful experience were
actually happening again (as if you were actually back there 0 1 2 3 4
reliving it)?
4. Feeling very upset when something reminded you of the
0 1 2 3 4
stressful experience?
5. Having strong physical reactions when something reminded
you of the stressful experience (for example, heart pounding, 0 1 2 3 4
trouble breathing, sweating)?
6. Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings related to the
0 1 2 3 4
stressful experience?
7. Avoiding external reminders of the stressful experience (for
example, people, places, conversations, activities, objects, or 0 1 2 3 4
situations)?
8. Trouble remembering important parts of the stressful
0 1 2 3 4
experience?
9. Having strong negative beliefs about yourself, other people,
or the world (for example, having thoughts such as: I am 0 1 2 3 4
bad, there is something seriously wrong with me, no one can
be trusted, the world is completely dangerous)?
10. Blaming yourself or someone else for the stressful
0 1 2 3 4
experience or what happened after it?
11. Having strong negative feelings such as fear, horror, anger,
0 1 2 3 4
guilt, or shame?
12. Loss of interest in activities that you used to enjoy? 0 1 2 3 4
13. Feeling distant or cut off from other people? 0 1 2 3 4
14. Trouble experiencing positive feelings (for example, being
unable to feel happiness or have loving feelings for people 0 1 2 3 4
close to you)?
15. Irritable behavior, angry outbursts, or acting aggressively? 0 1 2 3 4
16. Taking too many risks or doing things that could cause you
0 1 2 3 4
harm?
17. Being “superalert” or watchful or on guard? 0 1 2 3 4
18. Feeling jumpy or easily startled? 0 1 2 3 4
19. Having difficulty concentrating? 0 1 2 3 4
20. Trouble falling or staying asleep? 0 1 2 3 4

PCL-5 (8/14/2013) Weathers, Litz, Keane, Palmieri, Marx, & Schnurr -- National Center for PTSD

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