Victor G. Carrión - Böcker

Trauma can be defined as exposure to a shocking, distressing, or emotionally painful event that can result in negative mental and physical health effects. Due to its interference with development, childhood trauma is particularly detrimental and can result in symptoms including posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, dissociation, externalizing behavioral problems, and suicidal ideation. It can increase the risk of substance use, school disengagement, and academic difficulties, and it has been associated with attentional impairment, cognitive performance, and the development of self-regulation. Cue-Centered Therapy for Youth Experiencing Posttraumatic Symptoms presents a psychosocial treatment approach for children and adolescents who have been exposed to chronic traumatic experiences. Cue-Centered Therapy (CCT) derives its name from its focus on the conditioning process that results in sensitivity towards trauma-related cues. CCT addresses four core domains: cognition, behavior, emotions, and physiology, through a combination of empirically supported and CCT-specific interventions. This structured and flexible Therapist Guide focuses on helping the youth develop insight into his/her own patterns of behaviors and emotions. Rather than having youth attempt to "unlearn" maladaptive responses conditioned to cues, CCT focuses on creating new connections and behavioral responses. The treatment manual offers guidelines on conducting each of the sessions while respecting the individual therapist's own strengths. Through the use of visual icons, forms, and figures, the manual facilitates teaching relevant lessons. The therapy reduces negative cognitions, allows for emotional expression, identifies and changes trauma-related responses, empowers with knowledge and skills, and strengthens the relationship between the caregiver and his/her child.

The past twenty years have seen an increase interest on how traumatic stress impact development. In Neuroscience of Pediatric PTSD, Drs. Carrion and Weems summarize key work done in areas pertinent to function and development. They discuss advances in the neuroscience of executive function, memory, emotional processing and associated features such as dissociation, self-injurious behaviors and sleep regulation. Each chapter is divided in three parts; pre-cliinical research, adult research and developmental research. Issues such as comorbidity and treatment and their relationship to these neuroscience findings are presented.

A cogent, caring, and comprehensive response to the reality that many children live lives of constant threat, fear, and confusion while lacking opportunities for positive social interactions, stimulation, and empowerment.