Factors that Support the Use of Child-Parent Psychotherapy as an Intervention for Child-Parent Dyads Exposed to Pediatric Medical Traumatic Stress

Clinical interventions for young children who experience medical traumatic stress are needed however the effectiveness of treatments remains unclear. This paper explores the current conceptual literature for clinical interventions with young children who have experienced medical traumatic stress. Concepts from trauma and attachment theories are examined and applied to a case composite. In addition, empirical literature related to interventions with young children who have experienced medical traumatic stress will be reviewed. Child-parent psychotherapy (CPP)-is identified as a promising intervention that addresses the needs of children who experience medical traumatic stress. This approach is also grounded in the theory models already noted. Based on this conceptual analysis, it is recommended that additional case applications are studied to provide more information about the potential of CPP with the population of parent-child dyads who have experienced pediatric medical traumatic stress.