The interplay of trauma and genes, internal processes, family and the broader social environment is leading to exciting discoveries in the field of childhood trauma. This Institute focuses on new advances in psychosocial treatments for traumatized children, drawing on interventions across theoretical schools of thought (ranging from psychodynamic to cognitive behavioral), stages of trauma exposure (from acute early interventions to those for chronic complex trauma), and developmental level (from infancy through adolescence). Presenters provide detailed case descriptions which illustrate how each treatment approach is implemented, highlighting both successes and challenges in therapy.

Dr. Pynoos describes "Psychological First Aid", an evidence-informed intervention for children and their caregivers which has been widely used and field tested in the acute aftermath of disasters. Dr. Cohen discusses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Childhood Traumatic Grief, which is also being used for children whose significant others have died in the wake of disasters, as well as from a variety of other traumatic causes. Dr. Mannarino addresses new advances related to Trauma-Focused CBT for sexually abused children, particularly for those who have experienced multiple other traumatic events, including those living in foster care, those who experienced abuse by siblings, or other challenging clinical circumstances. Dr. Lieberman describes Child Parent Psychotherapy, a psychodynamic/attachment-based model for infants and preschool children experiencing family violence and traumatic death. Dr. Kaplan discusses Structured Psychotherapy for Adolescents Recovering from Chronic Stress (SPARCS), a treatment model for chronic complex trauma. Dr. Marans addresses underlying themes impacting traumatized children and discusses unifying principles that cut across all of these models of treatment. Participation from attendees is strongly encouraged.