Evidence-based Interventions
In Chapter 5, Perry and Szalavitz (2017) address evidence-based treatments for trauma. The chapter discusses features of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for trauma and notably mentions trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), an organized, research-based program created to address the needs of traumatized children and adolescents. It is the procedures that support people in processing traumatic experiences, coping with upsetting ideas and emotions, and building resilience. Second, prolonged exposure treatment (PE), according to Perry and Szalavitz (2017), is a cognitive behavioral therapy approach to trauma that takes memories, thoughts, and situations into consideration. It is implemented and managed gradually and methodically with attempts to lessen avoidance and promote the traumatic experience’s emotional integration and processing. Narrative therapy (NET), a trauma-focused therapy in which grief experiences are thoroughly explored, is another evidence-based strategy for trauma covered in this chapter. To process their trauma, the individual works with the therapist. It can aid in the processing and integration of related feelings and memories.
In addition, Perry and Szalavitz (2017) assert that strategies like therapeutic contact and child-parent psychotherapy (CPP) emphasize parent-child connections and their development as a means of assisting children in recovering from trauma. These therapies place a strong emphasis on fostering adjustment and emotional control, improving a safe atmosphere, and healing connection wounds caused by trauma. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a psychotherapy approach that incorporates aspects of exposure therapy, bilateral stimulation, and psychotherapy. Providing eyes or other bilateral stimulation focuses on healing from unpleasant memories and lessens discomfort. The goal of EMDR is to resolve traumatic experiences effectively.
Importance of Trauma-Informed Care
According to Perry and Szalavitz (2017), trauma-focused care stresses fostering an environment that encourages safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment for those who have suffered trauma. It also acknowledges the pervasive impact of trauma. It entails being aware of the particular requirements and difficulties that impacted people confront and incorporating the information into every facet of the provision of services. For instance, care reported for trauma in educational settings acknowledges that a child’s capacity for learning and emotional regulation may be profoundly impacted by trauma. The needs of students with trauma are met by teachers who adopt trauma-related practices. They also create safe and nurturing classroom environments, support emotional regulation and self-care, foster healthy relationships, and use instructional strategies that lead students in these directions.
According to the chapter, in clinical settings, such as mental health clinics, trauma approaches acknowledge the incidence and effects of trauma in their clientele. To treat patients, doctors work to create a trusting and cooperative relationship. They also design therapies specifically to address the symptoms and requirements associated with trauma. Incorporating trauma-specific therapies backed by empirical data into care is another aspect of trauma-informed care. According to Perry and Szalavitz (2017), clinicians working in various settings must consider the ethical ramifications of implementing a trauma-focused approach to care. It entails being aware of the possible effects of trauma, accepting one’s autonomy and resiliency, maintaining one’s moral boundaries to prevent problems or re-traumatization, growing in security and confidence, and participating in ongoing professional development. The chapter emphasizes the significant and long-lasting consequences that trauma, particularly in youngsters, may have on people. It demonstrates how trauma can affect a person’s behavior, growth, and general well-being. The significance of secure and supportive relationships is emphasized as the secret to trauma recovery. Furthermore, Perry and Szalavitz (2017) emphasize the importance of using a care strategy for trauma in various contexts, including community, educational, and clinical settings. It talks about how this kind of approach could enhance the standard of treatment, lessen the likelihood of trauma reoccurring, and promote the recovery and well-being of trauma survivors.
References
Perry, B. D., & Szalavitz, M. (2017). The Boy Raised as a Dog: Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist’s Notebook: What Traumatized Children Can teach Us about Loss, love, and healing. Basic Books.
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