Common Elements Across Evidence-Based Trauma Treatment: Discovery and Implications

Abstract

The social work profession is facing a critical gap in its provision of effective services to an increasingly large number of clients who are affected by trauma. To explore for the presence of common components in evidence-based trauma treatments, a qualitative content analysis of 8 trauma treatment manuals was undertaken. Analysis resulted in the identification of 35 Intervention Objectives and 59 Practice Element codes. These were further organized into nine domains: trauma assessment, safety, engagement, attachment, core treatment interventions, attention to the social context, trauma processing, post trauma growth, and therapist self-care. Future work for the profession may involve synthesizing and integrating what has already been learned, and translating that knowledge into the classroom. Significantly, three domains which stress activities with the client in their social context were found to be common to trauma treatments, including safety promoting activities. Implications for social work education, practice, policy, and research are discussed.

Common practice elements of school-based trauma interventions for children and adolescents exhibiting symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review

“…These findings support previous research that suggests psychoeducation, safety-focused interventions, coping skills training and relaxation techniques are particularly effective in trauma interventions (Strand, Hansen, & Courtney, 2013). However, social-skills training and meaning-making, not included in any of this review's studies, are suggested to be effective practice elements in surrounding research (Strand, Hansen, & Courtney, 2013). Therefore, although tentative conclusions can be drawn as to the most effective common practice elements, the scale and exploratory nature of the project and methodological limitations make these findings general hypotheses.…”

A Systematic Review of the Evidence for Family and Parenting Interventions in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Child and Youth Mental Health Outcomes

“…Two clinical psychologists (ES and FB) independently coded treatment elements; any discrepancies were resolved by a third rater (MJ). Treatment coding was guided by the PracticeWise coding system (Chorpita et al 2005), along with an additional code "homework," which is selected from a coding system for common elements for evidencebased trauma treatment (Strand et al 2013).…”

Annual Research Review: Breaking cycles of violence – a systematic review and common practice elements analysis of psychosocial interventions for children and youth affected by armed conflict

“…To compensate for this, we undertook an additional two steps. First, we reviewed the 59 common elements for evidence‐based trauma treatment identified recently (Strand, Hansen, & Courtney, ) and added two additional relevant codes – ‘homework’ and ‘interventions for grief and loss’ – to our coding system. Second, as recommended by the PracticeWise manual (), additional treatment components not captured by existing codes were recorded as free text and reviewed for frequently occurring practice elements.…”