An integrative treatment model of EMDR and family therapy for children with severe symptomatology after child abuse and neglect: A SCED study

Attachment and Trauma-...
Written By Debra Wesselmann

Background

Children who endured child abuse and neglect (CAN) may develop a spectrum of symptoms that goes beyond posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) alone. This can pose unique challenges within the treatment context that may hamper the application of direct trauma-focused treatments. A new treatment model, which focuses on more than PTSS alone, has been developed. Through preparatory work, it aims to engage children in trauma processing.

Objective

This study aimed to examine if this integrative treatment model can diminish attachment problems, PTSS, behavior difficulties, and emotional control difficulties in children with a history of CAN who currently reside in permanent placement.

Participants & Settings

15 children between the ages of four and twelve who experienced CAN in the past, who were referred to specialized youth mental health care, and their caregivers.

Debra Wesselmann

Debra Wesselmann, MS, LIMHP, is an attachment-focused clinician, author, and EMDR trainer with over three decades of experience helping individuals, couples, and families heal from trauma and build secure relationships across the lifespan.

https://debrawesselmann.com/
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