Interapy is a standardized, Internet-based writing therapy. It is standardized because treatment is designed according to a scientifically tested model with a defined fixed sequence of interventions. All communication during the treatment occurs exclusively via E-mails.

The Interapy treatment takes place five weeks. During that time-frame, participants write ten texts for app. 45 minutes, twice a week. The participants decide when they want to write. Each time after having received two texts, the therapists provide feedback and further instructions.

The therapists are all trained psychologists, who have received additional training in the interpretation of texts and for the application of the treatment protocol.

When questions arise during treatment or when technical problems occur, participants can contact us by E-mail or telephone.

Criteria to participate
First, questionnaires will be administered to examine whether Internet therapy is appropriate. People who are either severely depressed or suicidal, and those who often go through dissociative states or use anti-psychotic medication cannot apply for treatment. Also, people under 18 years and those with an alcohol or drug dependency cannot apply as well as people who currently are already in treatment.

Because the study will be exclusively via the Internet, participants will need access to an Internet-connected PC and must have a personal E-mail account. If Internet access is interrupted for more than a week, it is also not possible to participate in the treatment.

Phases
The Treatment consists of three phases.

Research has shown that the effects of writing are amplified when it is performed in a certain way and in a certain sequence. Therefore, the treatment is divided in three phases: self-confrontation, restructuring and parting.

• Phase 1 (self-confrontation)
  In the self-confrontation phase participants write four times about their emotionally most painful memories. Here, every detail of the trauma is described. This confrontation alone already has a therapeutic effect.
• Phase 2 (cognitive restructuring)
  In the second phase, also four texts are written. However, here the participants go beyond mere descriptions and use their experiences to give advice to another (fictional) victim. Thus, the victim turns into an adviser.
• Phase 3 (parting)
  In the third phase, two texts are written in the form of a letter. This letter can be sent after treatment (not obligatory though). The reason for this letter is to document the past in a worthy document. Composing this letter will also close with part of the past. This does not mean that the past is has been forgotten or put aside. Instead it is given a place of its own and therefore has less influence on the present.