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Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Case Study

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Due to Matt’s diagnosis of PTSD and depression symptoms, it was imperative to utilize an approach that if possible, could decrease all symptomology. Empirically, research shows that with the successful treatment of PTSD, comorbid symptoms of depression and anxiety are also greatly reduced (Blachard et al., 2003; National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (UK, 2005). Thus so it seemed utilizing an empirically supported treatment for PTSD will assist in decreasing Matt’s depression PTSD symptomatology.
Due to Matt’s PTSD symptomatology and presentation, Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) was used as the treatment approach. TF-CBT is an evidenced-based treatment approach that is designed to reduce negative emotional …show more content…

Cognitive coping teaches the cognitive triangle and teaches skills on how to challenge unhelpful or inaccurate cognitions. Trauma narrative and processing involves both emotional and cognitive processing of the trauma as the child creates a detailed account of the trauma including thoughts, feelings, and sensory cues. In vivo mastery is engaged by the use of a fear hierarchy and use of approach activities to reduce anxiety and avoidance. Conjoint session is when the child shares with the caregiver the trauma narrative in order to increase communication between the child and caregiver. The role of the caregiver is to provide support, praise, and encouragement to the child. Enhancing safety is the final component where teaching strategies are utilized to reduce risk of re-victimization by creating a plan for the future with the use of assertiveness skills, development of a safety plan, and body ownership (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2012).
TF-CBT has strong support as a trauma treatment for children (Sargent, Hanson, Reece, 2014). Studies listed by the 2012 Child Welfare Information Gateway consistently demonstrate that TF-CBT is useful in reducing symptoms of PTSD in children who have experienced sexual abuse. In a 2005 study conducted by Cohen, Deblinger, Mannarino and Steer, 229 8-14 year old children who met criteria for PTSD in regards to sexual abuse were randomly

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