Integrative treatment of complex trauma: Integrating behavioral, dynamic, and attribution models.

Abstract

The following article describes an integrative treatment approach to address interpersonal trauma that occurs during formative developmental years with those who engage in maladaptive behaviors such as violence and self-injury. The approach gives careful consideration to the role played by intra- and interpersonal characteristics of individuals who have experienced recurrent trauma at an early age, a consideration often ignored in traditional treatment settings to the detriment of treatment progress (Pacella, Hruska, & Delahanty, 2013). The approach integrates conceptualizations and treatment strategies borrowed from behavioral, psychodynamic, and attribution theories. A unique aspect of the approach includes teaching adaptive replacement behaviors and developing new and positive self-attributions (PSAs). It also emphasizes the importance for trauma survivors to develop a mental representation that helps them soothe in times of stress.