Welcome to the eleventh article in our series on resilience and post-traumatic growth. In previous articles, we explored various strategies to support children’s resilience. This article will focus on the importance of accessing professional help, which can provide children and families with the specialized support needed to navigate trauma and adversity.
The Role of Professional Help
Accessing professional help can be a critical component of recovery and resilience. Mental health professionals, such as therapists and counselors, are trained to provide evidence-based treatments and support for children experiencing trauma (Kazdin, 2008). Research shows that professional intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children dealing with stress and trauma (Kazdin, 2008).
Practical Tips for Accessing Professional Help
- Identify Qualified Professionals: Look for licensed mental health professionals who specialize in working with children and trauma (Kazdin, 2008).
- Understand Treatment Options: Familiarize yourself with different treatment options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), play therapy, and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) (Cohen et al., 2006).
- Build a Supportive Network: Ensure the help is complemented by a supportive network of family and friends (American Psychological Association, 2014).
- Monitor Progress: Regularly check in with the child and the therapist to monitor progress and make adjustments to the treatment plan as needed (Kazdin, 2008).
Summary
Accessing professional help is essential for supporting children’s resilience and recovery from trauma. By identifying qualified professionals, understanding treatment options, building a supportive network, and monitoring progress, we can ensure that children receive the specialized support they need.
Research and Anecdotal References
- Kazdin, A. E. (2008). Evidence-based treatment and practice: New opportunities to bridge clinical research and practice, enhance the knowledge base, and improve patient care. American Psychologist, 63(3), 146-159. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.63.3.146
- Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2006). Treating trauma and traumatic grief in children and adolescents. New York, NY: Guilford Press.
- American Psychological Association. (2014). Accessing professional help for trauma. https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma/professional-help
- National Child Traumatic Stress Network. (n.d.). Finding a therapist. https://www.nctsn.org/resources/finding-therapist
- Mindful Schools. (n.d.). Professional support and mindfulness. https://www.mindfulschools.org/
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