Treating Complex Trauma in Children and Their Families
An Integrative Approach
- Cheryl B. Lanktree - University of Southern California, USA
- John N. Briere - University of Southern California, USA
Eliana Gil
Gil Institute for Trauma Recovery and Education
One of the few books on the treatment of psychological trauma in children that provides specific, in-depth individual, group, and family therapy interventions for complex psychological trauma, this practical book focuses on the treatment of 6-12 year-old children and their family members. The authors employ an evidence-based, yet flexible and individualized treatment model, Integrative Treatment of Complex Trauma for Children (ITCT-C), as they address the use of play therapy and other expressive approaches, attachment processing, multi-target titrated exposure, mindfulness techniques, psychoeducation, and affect regulation skill development, as well as interventions with family/caretaker and community systems. The authors emphasize a culturally sensitive and empowering perspective, one that addresses the effects of social marginalization and supports not only recovery, but also posttraumatic growth. Clinical examples and specific tools, such as the Assessment Treatment Flowchart (ATF-C), illustrate how assessment can be used to guide individualized and developmentally-appropriate interventions.
“This is a must-read for clinicians who help traumatized children and their families. Lanktree and Briere have developed and tested an accessible, integrated, assessment-driven model that recognizes the significant impact of trauma on young children in different social contexts. A valuable alternative to rigidly manualized treatments, this book relies on clinical judgment and customized planning.”
“Once again, the brilliance of the Lanktree and Briere team has been demonstrated. The comprehensive nature and depth of this challenging topic is thoughtfully and creatively illustrated. The cultural/marginalization perspective is unparalleled within the topic of complex trauma. This text is a must read for both my undergraduate and graduate trauma-focused courses.”
“An indispensable, practical guide for every therapist working with children and families who have been exposed to complex trauma. The treatment model is truly integrative in incorporating the authors’ extensive experience, sophisticated clinical sensitivity, and broad knowledge of the evidence-informed approaches to psychotherapy, and their deep understanding of the challenges facing children and families who are recovering from complex trauma.”
“Relevant, timely, and essential for all disciplines working to effectively and affectively help children. This book provides the theory underlining how to begin the healing process with children while demonstrating sensitivity and clarity as one proceeds with specific steps towards that healing.”
“A wonderful integrative approach for students to learn how to work with both child who have experience trauma as well as families.”
