How to support children after traumatic events, with Robin Gurwitch, PhD

This episode of Speaking of Psychology features an interview with Dr. Robin Gurwitch, an expert in childhood trauma and disaster recovery. Dr. Gurwitch discusses the emotional and behavioral responses of children to traumatic events like natural disasters, terrorism, and school shootings, highlighting issues such as sleep problems, changes in social interactions, and academic performance. She emphasizes the importance of psychotherapy and parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) in treatment, along with universal approaches incorporating a grief lens. The discussion covers how media coverage affects children, the significance of open communication, and the influence of factors like race, socioeconomic status, and cultural considerations on trauma exposure and recovery. Dr. Gurwitch also touches on the progress made in disaster mental health and the need for self-care among professionals in the field.