Constructivist therapy with traumatized children

Abstract

I present guidelines for treating traumatized children in light of children's characteristic responses to trauma and the developmental issues that affect their ability to deal with traumatic life events. In keeping with basic constructivist concepts, I suggest a five-phase treatment model that aims toward helping the child construct a new belief system, five new meaning to the traumatic event, and cope with his or her distress. The five phases lead to changes in the child's negative conceptions, understanding of the event, sensitivity to internal stimuli (especially in the areas of emotion and sensation), and ability to exercise techniques for changing and eliminating the traumatic response.