J13

TRAUMA FOCUSED INTERVENTIONS FOR NATIVE CHILDREN

Presenters:  Dolores Subia BigFoot

Abstract Category: Diversity

Instruction Level: Intermediate

Presentation: Not Provided

Description:

This workshop will cover the cultural adaptation process for Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for American Indian/Alaska Native children.

Abstract:

This presentation will cover the process utilized in the cultural adaptation of Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for American Indian/Alaska Native children. This will include an overview of the Honoring Children-Mending the Circle adaptation of TF-CBT, and how Mending the Circle incorporates traditional AI/AN beliefs and practices about behavior, health, healing, humor and children. American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN, Native) children are at higher risk for trauma exposure and trauma-related sequela (e.g., depression, suicide, substance use, school dropout) than children of other cultural and ethnic groups. However, currently there exist no well-supported or rigorously evaluated treatments designed specifically for AI/AN children with trauma-related symptomatology. The Indian Country Child Trauma Center (ICCTC), at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, is working with the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop, refine, disseminate, and evaluate culturally relevant trauma intervention models and protocols for use with children in Indian Country. The one model currently being refined and evaluated by ICCTC is Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), a model of psychotherapy which combines trauma-sensitive interventions with elements of cognitive behavioral therapy into a treatment designed to address the unique needs of children with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other problems related to traumatic life experiences.