Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Child Trauma and Abuse

Jacqueline S. Feather is Senior Lecturer in Psychology at AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand. She is a clinical psychologist with over 20 years' clinical experience working with children, adolescents and their families, and has particular expertise in trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy interventions. Kevin R. Ronan is Professor of Psychology at CQ University, Australia. He is a clinical psychologist with nearly 25 years of clinical experience, in particular with children, adolescents and their families.

• Acknowledgements. Introduction. Phase 1. Psychosocial Strengthening. Parent/caregiver orientation to therapy. Session 1. Engagement and orientation to therapy. Session 2. Relationships. Session 3. Timeline. Phase 2. Coping Skills. Parent/caregiver session. Session 4. Feelings. Session 5. Body reactions. Session 6. Thoughts. Session 7. Active coping and problem-solving. Session 8. Rating and rewards. Phase 3. Trauma Processing. Parent/caregiver session. Session 9. Introduction to imaginal exposure. Session 10-13 Gradual exposure. Phase 4. Special Issues and Closure. Parent/caregiver session. Session 14-15. Special issues. Session 16. Relapse prevention and closure. Worksheets. Resources for Therapists. References.

This is a useful and practical guide to utilising CBT techniques with children who have experienced abuse... The manual itself provides session-by-session guides including a list of tools and equipment required and relevant worksheets... The approach provides good practical techniques to enhance psychological coping, and as long as this context is held in mind then this is a useful tool for practitioners working with abused and traumatised children.