Innovative integrative approach to early childhood trauma treatment: Integrative attachment‑oriented trauma therapy for infants and young children

Abstract

Untreated trauma in the first years of life has profound consequences for the further psychological, neurobiological and physical development of those affected. The earlier psychotherapeutic treatment takes place, the sooner the consequences can be mitigated or even prevented. Integrative Attachment-Based Trauma Therapy for Infants and Toddlers (I.B.T.®) describes an innovative approach that incorporates treatment aspects of proven trauma integrative methods such as EMDR and trauma narrative, as well as elements of systemic, attachment-oriented and stressor-based psychotherapy. Treatment includes work with attachment figures, improving the quality of attachment between caregivers and child, as well as direct trauma integrative work on the infant and toddler themselves. Experience to date shows a rapid, complete remission of symptoms, as well as an improvement in the quality of attachment between caregivers and child.