NCJ Number
248072
Journal
Child Abuse and Neglect Volume: 38 Issue: 7 Dated: July 2014 Pages: 1221-1230
Date Published
July 2014
Length
10 pages
Annotation
This study explored traumatized youths' experiences of receiving trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and whether this therapy was superior to therapy as usual.
Abstract
This study on traumatized youths' experiences with trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) found that youths' initial fear of talking about traumatic events and not knowing what to expect from therapy decreased when the youth experienced the therapist as empathetic and knowledgeable. The youth revealed their experiences with the therapist as being positive because of the therapist's expertise, neutrality, empathy, and confidentiality. In addition, the youth revealed that while talking about the trauma was difficult, it was also most helpful, as were learning skills for reducing stress. Data for this study were obtained from 30 youth (11 to 17) who were interviewed after receiving TF-CBT as part of an effectiveness trial. Responses from the youths' interviews were grouped into four themes: 1) expectations; 2) experiences of talking to the therapist and sharing information; 3) experiences of trauma narrative work; and 4) experiences of change and change processes. The findings from the study suggest that youths' view working with their trauma stories and talking about traumatic events as one of the most helpful parts of therapy sessions, and that their positive perceptions about the therapists improves their experiences and outcomes from the therapy. Strengths and limitations of the study are discussed. Table and references