Overcoming Childhood Trauma

In Warren and Clinton counties, Greater Cincinnati Behavioral Health Services (GCBHS) offers a very special program that helps youth ages 5-21 overcome the effects of severe trauma. “Parents and Children Together” or PACT, is a trauma-focused program for both the child and their safe caretaker.

The program is specific to the needs of children who have experienced severe trauma. They have been subjected to or witnessed abuse, possibly suffered through a serious medical condition, or felt the loss of someone close. Although many children can experience a traumatic life event, for them to be enrolled into PACT, the trauma is the main focus, according to Jen Vaughn, the GCBHS Clinical Supervisor in Warren/Clinton counties. She says, “We include the ‘safe’ adult to help them process their own trauma so that they do not unintentionally compound the negativity that the child is already feeling.”

Jen uses an evidence-based treatment model called Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) in a child appropriate setting. The children can express themselves and tell their story through art and toys. By allowing them to choose “how” they want to express themselves, Jen says they are able to find their voice. “Every child processes trauma differently.” She encourages her clients to communicate through drawing, sand trays, and puppets (play is a natural way for a child to express themselves), creating a safe space for them to work through their anger, grief, and fear. "I saw a child use the puppets as characters in her narrative. She had them play out her 'power' over the abuser and they (the puppets) were able to do that for her."

In the Lebanon office, a banner hangs on the wall to

celebrate each child being able to tell his or her own story. Their secret is out and they are finally free from the weight of the trauma they have been carrying around. Jen also compares artwork from when therapy begins to when a child has come to terms with what has happened. She acknowledges there is a noticeable difference. “The before is typically dark and empty, whereas the after is brighter. They use more color. You can actually see the change in their sense of self-esteem.”

Jen has been doing this type of therapy for 22 years and is still amazed at the children’s resilience and sense of hope.

“Kids do heal,” she says. “When you see them realizing that it’s not their fault, and they find the strength to validate who they are on their own terms…they literally find their butterfly wings and learn to soar. Just because something bad happened, it doesn’t define you. It’s very hopeful to be the person who witnesses that growth.”