Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of PTSD With a Young Boy and His Mother Following the Experience of Chronic Domestic Violence

Abstract

This case study follows a 7-year-old boy who presented with symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following exposure to domestic violence beginning at a very young age. During evaluation of this young boy’s symptoms, it became evident that his mother also was experiencing symptoms of PTSD. Consequently, treatment for both this young boy and his mother was proposed. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been used widely with both children and adults to treat PTSD. Fortunately, treatments have been tailored for young children (e.g., trauma-focused CBT [TF-CBT]; preschool PTSD treatment [PPT]) and for adults (e.g., cognitive processing therapy [CPT]). In the current case study, a combination of PPT and TF-CBT was utilized to treat this young boy, and CPT was utilized to treat his mother. With this course of treatment, this young boy demonstrated decreases in his PTSD symptoms and gained an understanding of coping skills and cognitive restructuring. His mother also demonstrated decreases in her PTSD symptoms. Overall, this dyad showed qualitative improvements in their general emotional and behavioral functioning, their individual self-regulation abilities, their social interactions, and their relationship. This case study provides evidence for the importance of treating both young child and parent when both have been exposed to and traumatized by domestic violence. Furthermore, this case study provides a framework for other health service providers to implement conjoint treatment of similarly traumatized families.