Trauma Treatment in Young Children with Developmental Disabilities: Applications of the Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) Model to the Cases of "James" and "Juan"

Authors

  • Eliza K. Harley USC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
  • Marian E. Williams Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California
  • Irina Zamora Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California
  • Patricia P. Lakatos USC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14713/pcsp.v10i3.1869

Keywords:

trauma, mental health, early childhood, developmental disabilities, child-parent psychotherapy, Latino, case studies, clinical case studies

Abstract

This case study series investigates the application of the Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) model for young children with developmental disabilities who were exposed to trauma.  Two Latino clients and their families were selected for systematic write-up: "James," 14 months old  who, following medical trauma (surgery and stroke) showed global developmental delays; and "Juan," 6 years 2 months old with autism in the context of early exposure to domestic violence  and a history of physical and emotional abuse. Utilizing the CPP model, we addressed the families’ histories of traumatic events, including domestic violence, medical trauma, and attachment concerns associated with parental adjustment to diagnosis.  The CPP model was selected with the goal of strengthening the relationship between each child and his caregivers; restoring the child’s sense of safety, attachment, and appropriate affect; and improving the child’s behavioral and social functioning.  Clinical insights regarding the application of the CPP model for young children with developmental disabilities who were exposed to trauma are offered. In addition, cultural applications for Latino families are explored.

Author Biographies

Eliza K. Harley, USC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Ean Fishman, Ph.D. Editor-in-Chief, Pragmatic Case Studies in Psychotherapy Professor of Clinical and Organizational Psychology Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology Rutgers University Mailing address: 57 Jaffray Court Irvington, NY 10533 914-693-8549 fax: 603-917-2567 email: dfish96198@aol.com

Marian E. Williams, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California

Marian E. Williams

Irina Zamora, Keck School of Medicine of USC, University of Southern California

Irina Zamora

Patricia P. Lakatos, USC University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles

Patricia P. Lakatos

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Published

2014-11-07

Issue

Section

Case Study