Treatment

According to research from the Child Trauma Academy, treatment can have many positive effects on trauma victims; unfortunately many traumatized adolescents go untreated or only receive limited services. Early, sustained treatment has been shown to be effective in reducing long-term effects.

Treatment typically incorporates the following components:

1. Review and reconstruction of the traumatic experience
2. Information about the normal and expected processes of post-traumatic functioning and responses
3. Focus on specific symptoms
4. Empowerment exercises and safety skills
5. Help youth to find closure

There are two types of approaches used in treatment: individual therapy and group therapy.¹

Individual Therapy: This approach involves one-on-one contact with a clinician. Depending upon the training and the specific issues, the approach usually includes cognitive-behavioral therapy.

• Cognitive-behavioral Therapy was developed to treat sexual abuse in children and is designed to reduce negative emotional and behavioral responses, and correct maladaptive beliefs related to the abusive experiences. This type of therapy also offers support and skills to help non-offending parents cope with their own stress. Examples of cognitive-behavioral therapy are:
  • Education about trauma impact
  • Family sessions to help adolescents and parents re-establish a sense of safety
  • Strategies of dealing with emotional reactions

Group Therapy: In some cases, a traumatic event has been shared by several children (e.g., a school shooting or a hurricane). In these cases, group interventions have been used. In addition, individual trauma may be similar enough (e.g., victims of sexual abuse or domestic violence) that the clinician will recommend group treatments. The focus of the group approach includes a combination of the following interventions.

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy
• Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Experiencing Chronic Stress (SPARCS) – this is an adolescent group therapy designed for those exposed to present or past chronic trauma. It is based on cognitive-behavioral theory and is designed to help with coping, self-efficacy, and improves functioning in many areas. Examples of SPARCS are:
  • Psycho education
  • Relationship development
  • Coping strategies
• Problem-focused therapy

Other important factors in treatment include:

• Building a strong relationship
• Being knowledgeable about trauma responses
• Encouraging parental support
• Providing emotional support and regulation skills
• Providing skills to manage anxiety and teaching relaxation

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