If you listened to the last episode, you learned a lot about effective, evidence-based treatment—specifically, TF-CBT. But what do you do if, as a clinician and researcher, you see that a population of kids is not, perhaps, receiving the full benefit of that treatment? What Dr. Isha Metzger did in recognizing that TF-CBT could be shaped into an even more effective treatment for Black children and youth is groundbreaking work.

This work in identifying racial stressors and racial traumas as compounding other forms of trauma has led to more tailored treatment. And her work identifying the inherent strength of Black families has been life-affirming and led to better engagement with treatment. Intrigued? Take a listen.

Topics in this episode:

• Origin story (1:29)
• Racial stressors (5:06)
• The potential impact on kids (9:05)
• Racial socialization (12:05)
• A new application of TF-CBT (15:49)
• What clinicians worry about (22:51)
• Building clients’ trust (27:05)
• Examples (34:51)
• Hope for the future (43:25)
• For more information (48:36)

Links:

Isha W. Metzger, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist, founder and director of The EMPOWER Lab, and assistant professor at Georgia State University

Dr. Metzger previously appeared in “The Meaning of Healing for Black Kids and Families,” (Season 2, Episode 16; August 20, 2020)

TF-CBT, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

TF-CBT and Racial Socialization implementation manual

More resources

National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center

Michael A. de Arellano, Ph.D.

Esther Deblinger, Ph.D., Judith A. Cohen, MD, and Anthony P. Mannarino, Ph.D.

“TF-CBT: Helping Kids Get Better,” with Anthony Mannarino (Season 5, Episode 16; October 16; 2023)

SAMHSA

John Lewis

PMR—progressive muscle relaxation

The C.A.R.E. Package for Racial Healing

For more information about National Children’s Alliance and the work of Children’s Advocacy Centers, visit our website at NationalChildrensAlliance.org. Or visit our podcast website at OneInTenPodcast.org. And join us on Facebook at One in Ten podcast.

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