ABSTRACT
The three sections of this chapter, Outcomes Research Evidencing the Effectiveness of CCPT, the Multicultural Applicability of CCPT, and Neuroscience and CCPT Connections, address the doubts anticipated in readers of a child-centered approach.
The review of outcome-studies begins with the most comprehensive meta-analysis of CCPT, Lin & Bratton (2015), then reviews recent studies across the categories of: externalizing behaviors (abnormal levels of aggression and rule-breaking), internalizing behaviors (behaviors associated with anxiety, depression, or somatic symptoms), school related concerns (academic achievement, classroom behavior, social problems, attention problems), behavioral and emotional issues for children with disabilities, and trauma and adverse childhood experiences.
In the Multicultural Applicability, the authors begin with the lines, “There are many doubts that run through the therapist’s mind when first starting to practice with CCPT. One may wonder, ‘Can there really be a one size fits all approach?’” The authors answer this question by reviewing research and other professional literature highlighting the cultural sensitivity of CCPT.
In the Neuroscience and CCPT Connections section the authors address findings or well-accepted theories from neuroscience that confirm what CCPT therapists have long known, including:
The importance of play in brain development.
The additional importance of play within a therapeutic relationship to brain development.
The need and opportunity to intervene early in aberrant brain development.
The special brain benefits of empathic attunement and the relational qualities of CCPT.
Polyvagal safety and counselor presence and UPR in CCPT enabling critical brain development.
