This study compares three established, manual based psychotherapies for Complex Post-traumatic Stress disorder (CPTSD) in patients with childhood trauma (e.g. sexual abuse, violence). The primary aim of the study is to compare phase-oriented treatment (Stabilization + Exposure) with two non-phased treatments, Exposure and Stabilization.

Available treatment procedures for PTSD are largely developed within the context of adult trauma (e.g. accidents, natural disasters, rape or combat). The need for additional treatment options targeting dysfunctional affect regulation and interpersonal problems in patients suffering after childhood trauma is debated in research and clinical settings.

96 patients will be recruited from referrals to an in-patient clinic in Norway called Modum Bad. After assessment, patients will be randomly assigned to one of three treatment arms. One-third will receive 10 weeks of Prolonged Exposure, one-third 10 weeks of Skills Training in Affect and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR), and the last third a phase-based treatment lasting 16 weeks (STAIR + Narrative Therapy).

Inclusion Criteria:

• childhood trauma (e.g. sexual abuse, violence prior to age 18),
• a diagnosis of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder PTSD according to DSM-5
• a diagnosis of Complex PTSD according to the suggested additional criteria for complex PTSD in International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11)

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe psychotic disorder
• dissociative identity disorder (DID)
• active phase substance dependence
• acute suicidality
• major current life crisis
• severely disturbed group functioning
• mental disability

Outcome is assessed with CAPS-V by research assistants blind to the patients allocation to treatment arms