Response to trauma in children: An examination of effective intervention and post-traumatic growth

Abstract

It is clear that exposure to traumatic events is not uncommon in childhood and adolescence and psychologists working in schools should have some training in meeting the needs of this segment of the population. This manuscript summarizes the incidence of trauma in children worldwide and then discusses interventions for trauma (Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy & Cognitive Behavioral Intervention for Trauma in Schools) which have been empirically validated for use with children and/or adolescents. A summary of a project (Project Fleur-de-lis) which attempted to integrate these two treatment approaches into a systematic intervention system is also discussed. In addition, the concept of post-traumatic growth, cultural considerations in working with children from diverse societies, and training needs of school psychologists are addressed.