[Psychotherapy for traumatized children and adolescents--cognitive-behavioral treatments]

According to cognitive-behavioral models, both the avoidance of trauma-associated cues, as well as cognitive distortions of the trauma and the initial symptoms thereof lead to and subsequently maintain traumatic disorders. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy often starts with stabilizing interventions such as relaxation training. The main intervention consists of exposure to external trauma-associated cues (exposure in vivo) and to mental trauma reminders (exposure in sensu). Cognitive interventions aim to modify feelings of exaggerated guilt and shame. Of the different cognitive-behavioral programmes validated, trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy yields the best evidence, particularly in the treatment of sexually abused children and adolescents.