WHAT IS EC-PST? 

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• EC-PST is the most recent update of a psychosocial treatment program co-developed by Drs. Art and Chris Maguth Nezu originally known as Problem-Solving Therapy (PST)

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• PST is recognized as an evidenced-based therapy by various organizations, including the American Psychological Association, the Society of Clinical Psychology, the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the U.S. Air Force

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• EC-PST trains people in various skills aimed at increasing their ability to cope effectively with a variety of life stressors that often lead to negative emotional outcomes

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• Such life stressors can include:

  • Major negative life events (death of a loved one, chronic illness, loss of a job)

  • Continuous daily problems (difficulties with co-workers/boss, readjustment difficulties after leaving the military, limited finances)

  • Traumatic events (sexual assault, car accident, combat)

 

• PST-based programs have been found to be helpful for a wide range of psychological and emotiona​l difficulties experienced by adolescents, young adults, adults, and older adults, including:

  • depression​

  • general anxiety

  • posttraumatic stress symptoms

  • suicide

  • substance use

  • problems experienced by a wide range of medical patients (cancer, heart disease, diabetes, COPD, renal disease, HIV/AIDS, infertility, insomnia, chronic pain, stroke, traumatic brain injury, macular degeneration)​​

  • difficulties experienced by caregivers

 

• EC-PST is effective because it:​

  • Fosters hope
  • Improves coping skills
  • Builds resilience
  • Enhances flexibility
  • Improves stress management skills​ 
  • Improves decision-making ability

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• EC-PST is comprised of four major toolkits:​
  • Planful Problem Solving: teaches a systemic approach to managing and coping with stressful life problems​
  • Problem-Solving Multi-Tasking: helps to minimize "brain overload"
  • Motivation for Action: provides tools to help persist trying when one feels like giving up hope
  • Stop, Slow Down, Think, and Act: teaches tools to decrease negative emotional arousal in order to think more rationally when dealing with stressful problems

 

• Moving Forward is a major PST-based program we helped the VA and DoD develop for U.S. Veterans and active service members; it has been found to be effective in reducing depression and general distress among such individuals, as well as improving their coping skills, resilience, and interpersonal functioning

  • Click here to access the award-winning web-based version of Moving Forward​

  • Click here to access a copy of a scientific journal article describing the program   

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• For mental health professionals, click here for a list of publications by Drs. Nezu about problem solving, Problem-Solving Therapy, and Emotion-Centered Problem-Solving Therapy

    

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