Fostering Reconnection and Resilience in Complexly Traumatized Youth: Integration of Play into Empirically Supported Treatment

Abstract

Incorporating play therapy into empirically supported, trauma-informed treatments, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), permits complexly traumatized youth to engage in therapeutic work within the context of play-based activities and provides a curative experience within the therapeutic dyad. Trauma-informed care with youth involves three tiers: safety and stabilization, trauma processing, and reconnection to family and community. This article focuses on the third and final phase of integrative treatment, which involves reconnecting traumatized children with aspects of themselves and others, working toward life goals, developing acceptance and forgiveness, and ending with therapeutic termination. This article presents therapists with interventions aimed at increasing self-regulation, creating a positive potential future, and reconnecting with self and others.

Keywords:

• complex trauma
• play therapy
• trauma-informed treatment