<p>Highly stressful events are occurrences that potentially create negative consequences for the affected people, such as post-traumatic and depressive symptoms. This study presents a preventive intervention protocol, based on Brief Systemic Therapy, aimed at people who have experienced a recent highly stressful event. Four therapists applied the protocol to four clients These eight persons were interviewed about their experience in relation to the application and reception of the intervention. Using reliable and valid scales, pre and post levels of posttraumatic symptomatology, depressive symptomatology, posttraumatic growth and satisfaction with life were assessed; the therapeutic relation was also measured. The results show positive appraisals of the protocol by therapists and clients, the development of a proper therapeutic relation and progress in three out of four quantitative change indicators. It is concluded that the protocol is suitable to be used in controlled studies.</p>