Family therapy with selectively mute children: a case study

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Family Therapy
• Clinical Case Studies

Background:

• Selective mutism is a rare childhood anxiety disorder, affecting less than 1% of clinical cases.
• Limited research exists on the effectiveness of family therapy for selective mutism.
• Existing research lacks a cohesive treatment roadmap for clinicians.

Observation:

• A 2-year school-based case study is presented, detailing specific family therapy interventions.
• The case focuses on a child diagnosed with selective mutism.
• Treatment was delivered in a school setting, integrating family involvement.

Findings:

• School-based family-centered treatment demonstrated efficacy in managing selective mutism.
• The interventions successfully alleviated anxiety and stress in the child.
• The case study provides a practical example of treatment application.

Implications:

• This study highlights the potential of school-based family therapy for selective mutism.
• Findings suggest a viable treatment model for clinicians and researchers.
• Further research is needed to validate and expand upon these findings for broader application.