This is one of the first books to present a systematic treatment approach, grounded in cognitive-behavioral therapy, for traumatized children and their families. Provided is a comprehensive framework for assessing posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, and other symptoms; developing a flexible, individualized treatment plan; and working collaboratively with children and parents to build core skills in such areas as affect regulation and safety. Specific guidance is offered for responding to different types of traumatic events, with an entire section devoted to grief-focused components. Also addressed are ways to tailor treatment to children's varying developmental levels and cultural backgrounds. Useful appendices feature resources, reproducible handouts, and information on obtaining additional training.

The authors' approach, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), has been developed over 20 years and has been nationally recognized as an exemplary evidence-based program. TF-CBT was given an "Exemplary Program Award" in 2001 and recognition as a Model Program since 2003 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In 2004 it was named a Best Practice by the Kauffmann Best Practices Task Force of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and was given the highest classification for an evidence-based practice by the U.S. Department of Justice sponsored report, "Child Physical and Sexual Abuse: Guidelines for Treatment."

246 pages

"This state-of-the art treatment manual orients both the novice and seasoned clinician to critical core components for treating children who suffer from trauma and loss. Eminent clinician-scholars in the trauma field have provided a highly effective, evidence-based package, honed by feedback from community-based practitioners. This is a 'must-have' tool for every clinician's toolkit!"

-Lisa Amaya-Jackson, MD, MPH, UCLA-Duke National Center for Child Traumatic Stress

"This is the book that clinicians and educators concerned with child traumatic stress have been waiting for! Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is the clear 'best-practice' treatment for traumatized children and their families. This book describes this evidence-based treatment approach in a pragmatic manner that every clinician will appreciate. I found the extensive use of case examples and the answers to common clinical questions to be particularly valuable. This book should be read by every therapist and every student working with traumatized children and their families."

-Benjamin E. Saunders, PhD, National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina

"For therapists treating children affected by trauma, this is a 'must-have' book. It is truly a clinician's guide, describing specific treatment strategies to accomplish the proven ingredients of trauma-focused therapy. It illustrates how theory-driven, research-supported interventions can be translated into real-life, complex case situations."

-Lucy Berliner, MSW, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington