The use of individual goal-setting and ongoing evaluation in the treatment of combat-related chronic PTSD

The Koach project included not only assessments before and after the residential phase, but also an ongoing evaluation of the therapeutic process. A systematic self-evaluation of achievement by the Koach trainees, and a concurrent evaluation by the commander/therapists was built into the Koach project as one of its key elements. Each trainee formulated with his commander/therapist a broad outcome area in which he wished to gain therapeutic improvement, and then broke it down into specific target behaviors which they contracted to work on during the project. Progress on each target behavior was monitored every two days. Results indicate a linear pattern of improvement and a high degree of agreement between the ratings of the trainees and those of the therapists/commanders. These findings are congruent with the subsequent impressions of both the participants and the therapists regarding the overall effects of the project.