ABSTRACT
This chapter considers some issues related to all children, before contrasting with what may be different for children who suffer trauma. It explains the key underpinnings and indications of the main therapeutic approaches, in particular by highlighting their challenges and modifications for vulnerable children. Behavioural therapy is based on social learning theory and it aims at reinforcing desirable behaviours and outcomes as well as reducing, changing and reframing undesirable ones, for example, sleeping problems, eating problems, phobias, anxiety and/or aggression. Cognitive-behavioural therapy is based on theory that trauma and abuse lead to negative thinking patterns, which in turn affect feelings and behaviour. The indications of pharmacological treatment should be clearly determined, communicated and agreed with the child in a developmentally appropriate language, and with the parents or carers. The chapter provides a case study about Gale, who is 15 years and has recently moved to a children's home following three unsuccessful foster placements.
