G6, H6

RISK REDUCTION THROUGH FAMILY THERAPY: TARGETING SUBSTANCE USE AND REVICTIMIZATION IN SEXUALLY ASSAULTED ADOLESCENTS, PARTS 1 AND 2

Presenters: Carla Danielson, Michael McCart

Abstract Category: Trauma Treatment         

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Presentation: Not Provided

Description:       

This workshop teaches participants about an integrated treatment approach for reducing risk for substance use and revictimization among adolescents with a history of sexual assault.

Abstract:

There is a tremendous need for integrated interventions that target high-risk behaviors, such as substance abuse and risky sexual behaviors, in adolescents who have experienced interpersonal violence.

Unfortunately, empirical data on the efficacy of these integrated approaches in very limited. Risk Reduction through Family Therapy (RRFT; Danielson et al., 2006) is an intervention developed to reduce risk of substance abuse and other high-risk behaviors, revictimization, and trauma-related psychopathology in adolescents who have been sexually assaulted. RRFT integrates several existing empirically-supported treatments, including as TF-CBT, MST, and other risk-reduction programs for revictimization and risky sexual behaviors. 

In addition, pilot data suggest that RRFT is a promising intervention for this vulnerable population. Thus, this workshop will focus on providing a brief review of high-risk behaviors observed in sexually abused adolescents, presenting the evidence for a need for integrated approaches to treatment in this population, and providing training in the treatment model.

This will include a thorough description of each of the RRFT treatment components and several case examples and role-plays to illustrate clinical application of the material being taught. Dr. Carla Kmett Danielson, developer of the treatment, and Dr. Michael McCart, who has served as an RRFT therapist, will lead the workshop.

Participants attending this workshop will:

1) Have a good understanding of the relation between high-risk behaviors and child victimization;

2) Be familiar with the clinical and empirical rationale for taking an integrated approach to treatment;

3) Have learned the fundamental components in administering RRFT.