What´s Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

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John has been showing various behavioral issues as the result of his traumatic situation. His fights at school with other children, violent tantrums, disturbing artwork, and bed wetting are significant signs of PSTD that need treatment. PTSD symptoms are mostly shown through behaviors and require a Behavioral psychological approach for the best chance of treatment and recovery (Foy, 1992). The three most common treatments are Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy, Play Therapy, and medications (Hersen, 2006). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy or CBT is found to be the treatment that has the most profound effects on children (Dattilio & Freeman, 2007). This approach uses a trauma focused technique that provides the child with a chance to discuss about…show more content…
Another approach would be through Play Therapy. Play Therapy allows the child to feel comfortable within a play environment instead of an office that may be intimidating. This approach is best for a child who does not want to deal with the trauma directly but may act out the events through his or her play behaviors (James, 2008) . The therapist would use games, art, and other play methods. If the PTSD behaviors of the child seem to be too much for the child to cope and other therapies are not taking effect as needed, medication may be the next resort. Anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are most common for PSTD (James, 2008). These medications help to calm that child and keep the child in a happy, peaceful state. For John, who chooses not to speak about the events that he witnessed and expresses his traumatic feelings through art and other behaviors, Play Therapy would be the best starting point. John would need a comfortable environment, and a familiar behavioral outlet. Through his artwork and games, John would be able to best release his emotions and his therapist could retrieve a better analysis of his situation. Other therapies include Psychological first aid/crisis management, Psychotherapy, and Trauma Systems
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