Abstract:
This pilot study evaluated the efectiveness of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) training programs
augmented with a systematic “PRACTICE What You Preach” (PWYP) self-care focus, which has trainees personally utilize
the coping skills they teach their clients. Participants were 115 clinicians/supervisors who completed a PWYP TF-CBT
training program. Pre- to post-training analyses documented signifcant increases in participants’ competency and fdelity
in implementing TF-CBT (ps < .001), signifcantly more frequent use of coping skills including instrumental social support (p < .01), active coping (p < .001), humor (p < .01), and restraint (p < .01), and signifcant decreases in secondary
traumatic stress (STS; p < .001). Children’s symptoms of PTSD (ps < .001) and behavior problems (p < .05) also decreased
signifcantly. This preliminary evidence suggests that training augmented with PWYP may enhance clinicians’/supervisors’
personal coping and reduce their levels of STS without compromising treatment implementation eforts and client outcomes.