Funding and collaboration
This PhD project is part of the feasibility study of Stepped Care Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (SC-TF-CBT) in Norwegian municipalities, led by the Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies (NKVTS) and funded by the Norwegian Directorate of Health. The PhD project is funded by Stiftelsen Dam in collaboration with the Norwegian Council for Mental Health.
PhD project
Title
"The role of parents in Stepped Care Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (SC-TF-CBT); an early intervention for violence- and trauma-exposed children".
Background
A large number of children and adolescents experience violence, sexual abuse and other traumas every year. It is well documented that children exposed to trauma have a heightened risk of developing serious health problems. Studies emphasize the importance of parental functioning and support after traumatic events. Studies have also indicated that severely traumatized children often do not receive adequate treatment. This may result in long-term suffering for the individual and the family, as well as excessive costs for society. For many traumatized children, difficulties become worse as time passes, and in order to prevent the development of more serious mental illnesses there is a need to develop early interventions that are easily accessible and effective. One recommended direction of development is stepped care models. Stepped care models usually start with a lower-intensity first step, followed by higher intensity treatment if needed. Based on this knowledge, we are currently testing out a new model under development for early intervention for traumatized children and their parents, SC-TF-CBT. The first step is parent led, and therefore the parents` role in SC-TF-CBT is of particular interest. So far the treatment shows promising results but there is a great need for more studies. There is currently no information available to guide clinicians and service providers in making decisions on which parents can lead and complete SC-TF-CBT, and which prerequisites we should focus on making sure that children continue to have good outcomes in treatment. More research in this area could be of great benefit.
Aims of the project
The overall aim of this PhD project will be to examine the role of the participating parents in SC-TF-CBT. More specifically, the aims will be to investigate factors that might influence parents` ability to complete the treatment.
Academic interests
- Children and trauma
- Treatment studies
Background
- PhD candidate, NKVTS, 2020
- Project assistant and supervisor, NKVTS, 2014-2020
- European TF-CBT Train-the-Trainer Program, Anthony P. Mannarino, Judy A. Cohen og Esther Deblinger, Center for Traumatic Stress in Children & Adolescents at the Allegheny General Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2018
- Approved specialist in clinical child and adolescent psychology, The Norwegian Psychological Association, 2016
- Psychologist, Nedre Romerike Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinic, Akershus University Hospital, 2008-2014
- Psychologist, Bergfløtt Behandlingssenter, Kirkens Sosialtjeneste, 2005-2008
- Cand.psychol., University of Oslo, autumn 2004
Research team
Supervisors
- Main supervisor: Silje M. Ormhaug, researcher and head of Section of Implementation and Treatment Research, NKVTS
- Co-supervisor I: Tine Jensen, professor, University of Oslo, and senior researcher, NKVTS
- Co-supervisor II: Marianne Martinsen
National collaboration
- The Norwegian Stepped-Care TF-CBT Study, NKVTS
International collaboration
- Dr. Alison Salloum, University of South Florida
- Dr. Judy Cohen and Dr. Anthony Mannarino, Center for Traumatic Stress in Children & Adolescents, Allegheny General Hospital, Pittsburg, Pennsylvania