RESET post-traumatic stress disorder: clinical protocol integrating reconsolidation, exposure, short-term emotional transformation

Abstract

Background: The RESET (Reconsolidation, Exposure, and Short-term Emotional Transformation) clinical protocol is an intensive, structured trauma-focused intervention designed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) within six daily sessions. While Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy remains a leading evidence-based treatment, challenges such as high dropout rates and relapses highlight the need for innovative approaches. Objective: This paper outlines RESET's theoretical foundations, session structure, and clinical implementation, offering a detailed framework for its integration into psychotrauma practice. Method: RESET integrates principles of memory reconsolidation, exposure therapy, and psychodynamic case formulation to facilitate the rapid processing and integration of traumatic memories. The protocol includes psychoeducation, targeted exposure, dynamic case formulation, and guided trauma processing, providing a comprehensive yet time-efficient intervention. Results: By leveraging memory reconsolidation mechanisms within an intensive treatment format, RESET has the potential to enhance therapeutic engagement, reduce dropout, optimize PTSD symptom reduction, and foster sustained emotional processing. Its structured design ensures feasibility and adherence while maintaining the efficacy of traditional PTSD treatments. Conclusions: Ongoing clinical trials are evaluating RESET's effectiveness across diverse populations, positioning it as both a scalable stand-alone intervention and a valuable adjunct to long-term psychotherapies.