Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Unaccompanied Refugee Minors With PTSD in Greece: An RCT

TF-CBT is a comprehensive, evidence-based, short-term therapeutic protocol aimed at reducing trauma-related symptoms in children and adolescents aged 3-18. The protocol consists of 12 double sessions conducted with both the child and their caregiver. Developed for children who have experienced sexual abuse and multiple traumas, TF-CBT has since been successfully applied to a variety of traumatic experiences. Core components of the protocol include psychoeducation, relaxation techniques, emotional regulation, cognitive processing, trauma narrative, in vivo exposure, conjoint child/caregiver sessions, and safety planning. The intervention is culturally informed and flexible to meet individual needs. Adjustments have been made in the context of unaccompanied minors (UAMs), where caregiver involvement is not feasible, due to specific circumstances in accommodation centers and Supportin Greece.

The Treatment as Usual (TAU) approach involves routine clinical management and psychological support, without the use of a structured therapeutic framework. This intervention consists of general, non-specific support provided by clinical staff, including informal counseling and monitoring of the child's psychological well-being. Unlike more structured therapeutic protocols, TAU does not follow a predefined set of interventions or techniques, allowing for a flexible and individualized approach, though lacking the formal therapeutic focus of interventions like TF-CBT.