Trauma focused CBT for children with co-occurring trauma and behavior problems

ObjectiveChildhood trauma impacts multiple domains of functioning including behavior. Traumatized children commonly have behavioral problems that therapists must effectively evaluate and manage in the context of providing trauma-focused treatment. This manuscript describes practical strategies for managing behavior problems in the context of trauma-focused evidence-based treatment (EBT) using a commonly implemented EBT for traumatized children.MethodsThe empirical literature is reviewed and practical strategies are described for conducting trauma- and behavioral-focused assessments; engaging families in trauma- and behavioral-focused treatment; treatment-planning that includes a balance of both trauma and behavioral foci; managing ongoing behavioral problems in the context of providing trauma-focused treatment; managing behavioral crises (“crises of the week”); addressing overwhelming family or social problems; and steps for knowledge transfer.ResultsTrauma-focused EBT that integrate behavioral management strategies can effectively manage the behavioral regulation problems that commonly occur in traumatized children.ConclusionsAddressing trauma-related behavioral problems is an important part of trauma-focused treatment and is feasible to do in the context of using common trauma-focused EBT.Practice implicationsIntegrating effective behavioral interventions into trauma-focused EBT is essential due to the common nature of behavioral regulation difficulties in traumatized children.