Psychotherapeutic approaches with survivors of childhood trauma

Abstract

The development and evaluation of psychotherapeutic approaches for survivors of childhood trauma has been complicated by numerous conceptual and methodological challenges. Randomized controlled clinical trials are rare, and most of these test cognitive behavioral therapy with sexually abused children. This article reviews psychosocial (nonpharmacological) treatment approaches with child and adult survivors of childhood trauma, highlighting methodologically sound studies of treatment efficacy. Implications of efficacy data for clinical practice and future research are discussed.