The study will be conducted by Dr. Christine Knaevelsrud (Berlin Treatment Center for Torture Victims, bzfo) and Birgit Wagner (University of Zürich) in cooperation with the Kirkuk Center for Torture Victims (Kirkuk, Iraq).

The aim of this study is to asses the effect of Interapy- treatment on posttraumatic stress in the Arab-speaking community. Participants complete questionnaires before and after treatment (immediately after and twelve weeks later). The anonymous data is then compared and statistically analyzed to asses the effect of this therapy approach. In addition, the participants are asked to rate the treatment and the fact that it took place over the Internet, which enables us to adapt and improve the treatment.

Evidence base of Interapy

In the Netherlands, Interapy has been developed and validated by a team led by Prof. Dr. Alfred Lange and Prof. Dr. Paul Emmelkamp, both professors in Clinical Psychology at the University of Amsterdam. National and International popular media have given much attention to Interapy. In international scientific journals Interapy has given scientific evidence and the necessary data to prove the validity of this therapy approach. Until now, more than 100 publications on Interapy have been published. These publications also clearly show that Interapy is a very effective treatment.

Results

Until now, several hundreds of people followed treatment. Several studies were conducted with Dutch and German speaking participants who applied for treatment from all over the world.

Consistently, the results are positive:

·     Strong reduction of symptoms of posttraumatic stress symptoms: less intrusion, anxiety and avoidance.

·      Strong reduction in depressive and physical complaints.

·     Over 80% of the treated clients are free of complaints.The effects of Interapy treatment exceed those obtained in comparable face-to-face treatments.

·      Treatment is appropriate for severly traumatized clients.

·     The treatment is particularily effective for clients who never or rarely spoke about their trauma in the past.