Citation

Lawson DM, Hight SM. J. Child Adolesc. Trauma 2015; 8(3): 211-225.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Holtzbrinck Springer Nature Publishing Group)

DOI

10.1007/s40653-015-0054-z

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Complex trauma (CT) results from exposure to severe stressors that occur within the caregiver system, are chronic, and largely begin in childhood or adolescence. This article describes the evidence-informed treatment of a 9-year-old female with chronic CT symptoms, resulting from long-term sexual, physical, and psychological abuse within her family. Treatment lasted 17 months and followed an assessment-driven, phase-based process. This process was flexibly implemented based on the unique circumstances of the case, while remaining consistent with the intent of the treatment models. Pre- to post-treatment data indicated significant reductions in trauma-related symptoms. Verbatim clinical vignettes illustrate specific interactions between family members and therapists, as well as interventions related to the treatment.

Language: en