Trauma focused CBT for children with co-occurring trauma and behavior problems
Date
2010
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Child Abuse & Neglect
Abstract
Objective: Childhood trauma impacts multiple domains of functioning including behavior.
Traumatized children commonly have behavioral problems that therapists must effectively
evaluate and manage in the context of providing trauma-focused treatment. This
manuscript describes practical strategies for managing behavior problems in the context of
trauma-focused evidence-based treatment (EBT) using a commonly implemented EBT for
traumatized children.
Methods: The empirical literature is reviewed and practical strategies are described for
conducting trauma- and behavioral-focused assessments; engaging families in trauma- and
behavioral-focused treatment; treatment-planning that includes a balance of both trauma
and behavioral foci; managing ongoing behavioral problems in the context of providing
trauma-focused treatment; managing behavioral crises (“crises of the week”); addressing
overwhelming family or social problems; and steps for knowledge transfer.
Results: Trauma-focused EBT that integrate behavioral management strategies can effectively
manage the behavioral regulation problems that commonly occur in traumatized
children.
Conclusions: Addressing trauma-related behavioral problems is an important part of
trauma-focused treatment and is feasible to do in the context of using common traumafocused
EBT.
Practice implications: Integrating effective behavioral interventions into trauma-focused
EBT is essential due to the common nature of behavioral regulation difficulties in traumatized
children.
© 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved
Description
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Article
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Keywords
TF-CBT, complex trauma, Evidence-based practice, Evidence-based treatment, Behavior problems, treatment
Citation
Cohen, J. A., Berliner, L., & Mannarino, A. (2010). Trauma focused CBT for children with co-occurring trauma and behavior problems. Child Abuse & Neglect, 34(4), 215-224.