Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT): clinical practice review
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(Published version)
Date
2021
Authors
Edgeworth, P.
Paton, A.
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Report
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Abstract
Trauma-Focussed Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents who have experienced one or more traumatic events and are presenting with significant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptomatology (although do not require diagnosis). This report is a critical review of a TF-CBT online training developed by the Medical University of South Carolina, with special attention to the use of the model for treating complex trauma among children/young people. The critical review was undertaken by five clinical psychologists with experience in treating children with trauma for child abuse and neglect, drawing on direct experience in implementing the model in Western Australia and some of the challenges that would be associated with implementing a full fidelity version of the model. Overall, TF-CBT is considered a sound framework for working with children who have experienced trauma, however flexibility and adaptions were considered necessary by the group, specifically when working with children who have experienced trauma from complex and ongoing abuse in which their attachment template is disrupted and they may continue to experience situational instability. Adaptions were also considered necessary in the cultural considerations to make the model viable and relevant for Aboriginal populations.