TY  - JOUR
PY  - 2023//
TI  - Children subjected to family violence: a retrospective study of experiences of trauma-focused treatment
JO  - Clinical child psychology and psychiatry
A1  - Onsjö, Marja
A1  - Strand, Jennifer
A1  - Axberg, Ulf
SP  - ePub
EP  - ePub
VL  - ePub
IS  - ePub
N2  - Exposure to adverse childhood experiences is a risk factor for the development of serious psychiatric and somatic illness. Although trauma-focused therapy is effective in reducing symptoms, not all children benefit from it. To improve treatment efficacy, the children's perspective on what they perceive as helpful versus hindering is necessary. This study aimed, retrospectively, to explore how children exposed to family violence experienced treatment at the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service. Seventeen children and youths were interviewed 4-5 years after treatment. The thematic analysis resulted in five themes: confusion, the need to feel heard, fear of consequences, feelings of pain, and identifying oneself as an agent. The results emphasize the importance of the therapeutic relationship, and that trust, genuine interest, and reciprocity are necessary for the child to engage in treatment. However, neither the child's own agency nor external obstacles such as continuous exposure to abuse should be underestimated in terms of the child's engagement.<p />  <p>Language: en</p>
LA  - en
SN  - 1359-1045
UR  - http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/13591045231169147
ID  - ref1
ER  -