NCJ Number
240812
Journal
Child Abuse & Neglect Volume: 36 Issue: 6 Dated: June 2012 Pages: 528-541
Date Published
June 2012
Length
14 pages
Annotation
This paper describes a variety of practical strategies for applying Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for youth with complex trauma.
Abstract
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a phase-based treatment developed for working with youth with complex trauma. Complex trauma in youth often includes regulation problems in the domains of affect, attachment, behavior, biology, cognition, and perception. The TF-CBT treatment consists of three phases, or progressive components, that parallel the recommended phases for youth with complex trauma. These phases are the stabilization phase - an initial coping skills-building phase; the trauma processing phase - a second trauma narrative and processing phase; and the integration phase - a final treatment consolidation and closure phase. This paper discusses a variety of practical strategies for applying TF-CBT for youth who develop complex trauma. These strategies include "(a) dedicating proportionally more of the model to the TF-CBT coping skills phase; (b) implementing the TF-CBT Safety component early and often as needed throughout treatment; (c) titrating gradual exposure more slowly as needed by individual youth; (d) incorporating unifying trauma themes throughout treatment; and (e) when indicated, extending the TF-CBT treatment consolidation and closure phase to include traumatic grief components and to generalize ongoing safety and trust." Case examples showing the successful use of TF-CBT strategies are included in the paper. Figures and references