Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief in Children and Adolescents

by Judith A. Cohen, Anthony P. Mannarino, Esther Deblinger

This is the authoritative guide to conducting trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), a systematic, evidence-based treatment for traumatized children and their families. Provided is a comprehensive framework for assessing posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms; developing a flexible, individualized treatment plan; and working collaboratively with children and parents to build core skills in such areas as affect regulation and safety. Specific guidance is offered for responding to different types of traumatic events, with an entire section devoted to grief-focused components. Useful appendices feature resources, reproducible handouts, and information on obtaining additional training. TF-CBT has been nationally recognized as an exemplary evidence-based program. 

See also the edited volume Trauma-Focused CBT for Children and Treatment Applications for more information on tailoring TF-CBT to children's varying developmental levels and cultural backgrounds.

Genres: Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Nonfiction, Mental Health, Childrens, Psychiatry

256 pages, Hardcover

First published April 24, 2000

Reviews

[Fishface · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, useful guide to applying Trauma-Focused CBT in working with children. I wish the book had gone more into dealing with cases that don't have a suitable "witness" available for the trauma narrative, or preferably trauma breaking through the consciously-known, here-and-now issues. Other than that I highly recommend this book. Just be ready to skip past the tedious "first read all about our research results" stuff to get to the meat and potatoes of how to do the treatment. The back of the book is full of resources and handouts and so forth that would have been better placed in the text, where the clinician would be better able to use them. Otherwise this is a much-better-than-average example of the genre.

[Sofia Kreissl · Rating 2 out of 5]

I can't believe the statement that a symptom a girl had after rape was "questioning her gender identity".

No analysis or comment that the trauma of being born into the wrong body could affect resilience. Gender questioning was just seen as a severe symptom.

No reflecting on how this surfacing now was due to people listening and asking about sexuality, and how sexuality came into their life at the age of 13 in an abrupt way.

It's terrible that people dealing with and researching on trauma are this limited in their perspective on gender and lack ability to see more perspectives on what is traumatic. The book has overall quite a limited view on what trauma is. Simplified in what we see we deal with, but there is so much more to trauma than what the eye sees.

[Ishanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent tool for those of us just getting started in social work or mental health counseling. As I read through the book, I realized I use these tools constantly and it was nice to review that I’m doing what needs to be done.

[Kimmie]

*grad school

[Seth Kindel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the foundation of my education and professional career. It's hard to imagine where I might be right now if a professor did not recommend it to me in the first year of graduate school.

[Margo Taliväting · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book for specialists who work with children and adolescents. I recommend also the online course that the MUSC offers, it gives bit more detail and structure in addition to the book.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't care that its a textbook I still finished it

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book that describes in depth the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model (TF-CBT). I went through the online training, and I felt it was a great overview, but the book really goes more in depth. As one who has used TF-CBT components, I appreciated the troubleshooting sections at the end of each chapter for dealing with common struggles that arise. I also appreciated that the author admitted mistakes that she made in the process that everyone can learn from. This book is also easy to read unlike some professional counseling writings.

[Amanda Michelle Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

i highly recommend that social workers & therapists who are interested in working with young people read this book. also: if you have the degree (or are working on it), see their online training, TF-CBTWeb.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very practical and easy to read- makes sense!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent - practical and clearly written with great exercises for kids. Very translatable across cultures, ages, etc.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid and informative overview of a specific intervention/treatment modality

[Tiffany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a class....very thorough description of the therapy! Wish I were able to do it...seems like it would be very rewarding and helpful to many :)

[Jessica Brazeal Slaven · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good overview of Trauma Focused - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.