TF-CBT Training Augmented with a Self-Care Focus: Understanding Facilitators and Barriers to Treatment Implementation

Area of Science:

• Mental Health
• Clinical Psychology
• Trauma Studies

Background:

• Clinicians treating trauma-exposed youth risk elevated stress and secondary traumatic stress.
• This impacts clinician well-being and client care access.
• Innovative training is needed to support clinicians.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate a Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) training augmented with self-care (Practice What You Preach; PWYP).
• Assess impact on clinician TF-CBT competency, coping, stress, and client insight.
• Identify facilitators and barriers to TF-CBT implementation.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of written reflections from 86 community-based clinicians.
• Examined outcomes of the PWYP-augmented TF-CBT training.

Main Results:

• Most clinicians reported increased TF-CBT competency and improved coping/reduced stress.
• Nearly half gained insight into client treatment experiences.
• TF-CBT model elements were key facilitators; anxiety/self-doubt was a transient barrier.

Conclusions:

• Integrating self-care into TF-CBT training enhances clinician competency and well-being.
• This supports effective TF-CBT implementation.
• Findings inform future training and support initiatives for clinicians.