TREATMENT

The most important component in helping a child impacted by trauma to heal is a strong, therapeutic parent (primary caregiver). You can learn more about becoming a Therapeutic Parent on this website,.  For ongoing support, education and encouragement in your Therapeutic Parenting journey, consider  joining ATN.

The second most important component is trauma-sensitive, attachment-focused  therapy. ATN actively encourages ALL families to work with therapists who specialize in attachment & trauma. While experts aren’t readily available in all areas throughout the US and the world, we urge you to seek out experienced professionals, even if it means traveling, working remotely, arranging for local therapists to be trained, or finding a professional willing to come to you.

How do I find an experienced attachment therapist & trauma specialist?

Search ATN’s Resource Directory

Trauma-Based Diagnoses in the DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,   5th Edition added a classification of Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders better categorizing the disorders seen in children significantly impacted by early trauma.  These diagnoses now include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Acute Stress Disorder
• Dissociative Disorders
• Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD)
• Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED)

And the one not yet officially recognized, but should be:

• Developmental Trauma Disorder

Trauma-Sensitive, Attachment-Based Therapy

The many pages in this section of the website details some of the most commonly used treatment modalities by attachment and trauma professionals. This field is rapidly evolving, and ATN strives to keep up-to-date.  Many of these modalities and interventions are currently being researched and all are considered evidence-based or evidence-informed.   Traits of trauma-sensitive, attachment-focused treatments include:

• Are grounded in attachment theory and recognize the importance of working toward healthy attachment and building resiliency.
• Address the child’s traumatic stress – including feelings of fear, shame, grief and loss.
• Are experiential (do not depend on talk therapy). Talk therapies and those dependent on behavior modification (reward/punishment systems) are not usually successful with our children.
• Enhance emotional regulation and teaches self-regulation skills.
• Involve the parent/caregiver in the therapy, providing parenting strategies and recognizing the critical importance of therapeutic parenting.

Explore these modalities in more detail:

• ARC – Attachment, Self-Regulation & Competence
• CPP- Child-Parent Psychotherapy
• DDP-Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy
• EMDR -Eye Movement, Desensitization and Reprocessing 
• PCIT – Parent Child Interaction Therapy
• Real Life Heroes
• TBRI – Trust-Based Relational Interventions
• TF-CBT – Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Theraplay
• TRM/CRM – Trauma Resiliency Model/Community Resiliency Model

Neuro-Based Approaches.  Research on early childhood trauma is indicating that interventions that address the underlying neurological impairments caused by early abuse and neglect can be VERY beneficial in conjunction with attachment & trauma therapy.  The following approaches are currently being used to help traumatized children.

• Interpersonal Neurobiology – Dr. Dan Siegel
• Neurofeedback
• NMT – Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics – Dr. Bruce Perry
• Neurodevelopmental Reorganization
• Sensory Integration

Attachment Therapy

WHAT WORKS & WHAT DOESN’T

Questions to ask when considering treatment 

ATN’s Official Policy on Treatment: ATN encourages all parents of traumatized children to seek professional therapy for their children that is trauma-sensitive and attachment-focused. Information on this website or support from other ATN members cannot replace professional therapy. We do not endorse specific therapists or treatment modalities. The information provided on this website should not be considered an endorsement.  All parents should thoroughly research their options and ask for references.