EMDR and trauma-focused treatment for conduct problems

Trauma is proposed as a key to understanding the development and persistence of conduct problems, in conjunction with other contributing factors. Preliminary research on child/adolescent trauma treatment indicates that such treatment can successfully reduce post-traumatic symptoms as well as conduct problem symptoms. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) has shown particular promise. However, it can be difficult to secure treatment compliance for trauma-focused work with this challenging population. A more comprehensive treatment approach is suggested which addresses trauma-related issues of motivation, safety, and self-efficacy as a foundation form which to introduce EMDR. Reductions in post-traumatic stress, related symptoms, and problem behaviours along with improved school performance, indicate the value of further study of this type of treatment approach.

Book Section

English

Ricky Greenwald

Greenwald, R. (2002). EMDR and trauma-focused treatment for conduct problems. In J. Morris-Smith (Ed.), OP19: EMDR: Clinical applications with children (pp. 15-21). London, England: The Association for Child Psychology and Psychiatry