NET is an individualised evidence-based intervention designed to treat people with PTSD and trauma disorders associated with multiple and complex trauma histories. It has been a NICE recommended treatment for PTSD since 2018.

 

NET aims to alleviate the emotional, cognitive, and behavioural symptoms associated with trauma(s) by creating a chronological life history in order to integrate fragmented trauma memories into a coherent narrative.

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NET consists of four parts:

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1) Diagnostic interview and psychoeducation

2) Laying out the Lifeline

3) Memory processing

4) Reading through the complete narrative.

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Symbols are usually used to guide the individual through a step-by-step account of what happened to them (laying the lifeline). This is often stones to mark a particularly negative time, and flowers to donate happier experiences. The size of each can be representative of the level of emotion.

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One of the reasons NET is used for people who have experienced multiple or complex traumas is that it enables them to explore their entire lived experience and the impact that has on their identity. In some cases, the client is given a written copy of their narration, to help them to continue to process and contextualise the trauma, reducing the negative associations and reactions.