APA Dictionary of Psychology

a components-based, short-term cognitive-behavioral treatment that integrates trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive restructuring, exposure, and family involvement to alleviate posttraumatic stress and related issues. It is designed to treat children and adolescents who have experienced trauma and to support parents and caregivers by reducing trauma-related emotional and behavioral symptoms. Core treatment components, based on the PRACTICE model, include psychoeducation and parenting skills, relaxation, affective modulation, cognitive coping and processing, trauma narrative, in vivo mastery of trauma reminders, conjoint child–parent sessions, and enhancing future safety and development. It is used as a first-line treatment for childhood trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as trauma-related depression, anxiety, and behavioral dysregulation. See also trauma management therapy.