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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Addressing the Mental Health of Sexually Abused Children
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Series: Issue Briefs |
Author(s):
Child Welfare Information Gateway
|
Year Published: 2007 |
Introduction
Issue briefs include a review and synthesis of recent published research and selected program examples that demonstrate evidence-based practices.
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach shown to help children, adolescents, and their caretakers overcome trauma-related difficulties. It is designed to reduce negative emotional and behavioral responses following child sexual abuse and other traumatic events.1 The treatment—based on learning and cognitive theories—addresses distorted beliefs and attributions related to the abuse and provides a supportive environment in which children are encouraged to talk about their traumatic experience. TF-CBT also helps parents who were not abusive to cope effectively with their own emotional distress and develop skills that support their children.
This issue brief is intended to build a better understanding of the characteristics and benefits of TF-CBT. It was written primarily to help child welfare caseworkers and other professionals who work with at-risk families make more informed decisions about when to refer children and their parents and caregivers to TF-CBT programs. This information also may help biological parents, foster parents, and other caregivers understand what they and their children can gain from TF-CBT and what to expect during treatment. In addition, this issue brief may be useful to others with an interest in implementing or participating in effective strategies for the treatment of children who have suffered from sexual abuse or other childhood traumas.
Table of Contents
5. What to Look for in a Therapist
6. Conclusion
7. Resources
8. References
This issue brief was developed by Child Welfare Information Gateway, in partnership with the Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady Children's Hospital San Diego. Contributing authors include Judith Cohen, M.D., Esther Deblinger, Ph.D., Anthony P. Mannarino, Ph.D., Charles Wilson, M.S.S.W., Nicole Taylor, Ph.D., and Robyn Igelman, Ph.D.
This document is made possible by the Children's Bureau, Administration on Children, Youth and Families, Administration for Children and Families, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The conclusions discussed here are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official views or policies of the funding agency. The Children's Bureau does not endorse any specific treatment or therapy.
Suggested citation: Child Welfare Information Gateway (2007). Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy: Addressing the mental health of sexually abused children. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
1 While TF-CBT is effective in addressing the effects of traumatic events (e.g., the loss of a loved one, domestic or community violence, accidents, hurricanes, terrorist attacks, etc.), the focus of this issue brief is the treatment of sexual abuse. Another issue brief in this series addresses abuse-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (AF-CBT) for the treatment of physical child abuse. Back
This material may be freely reproduced and distributed. However, when doing so, please credit Child Welfare Information Gateway.