The loss of a parent is a traumatic event, yet the therapeutic interventions for kids have pretty much centered around the traditional belief that grief needs to be the focus of the therapy. Now, researchers at the University of Georgia have looked at how the inclusion of therapy for PTSD might be effective. They used a therapeutic camp environment to utilize both grief counseling , PTSD treatment and the usual camp activities with 100 children who had lost a parent. The camp environment and group sessions aided in helping the kids view their situation in relation to that of other kids, too. Comparing results of this camp experience with that of children who didn't attend the camp, the researchers indicate that continuing to experience severe PTSD was up to 4.5 times greater for the kids who hadn't had the opportunities afforded by the camp. Even looking at grief counseling and camp attendance alone, without the PTSD sessions, wasn't as effective as the combination of the two modalities. So, it would seem that the therapeutic focus for kids with this type of loss has to be broadened. The results are in the May issue of Research on Social Work Practice. Related Topics:

• PTSD, Work, and Your Community
• PTSD and Physical Health Problems

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