Learning Collaborative off to Fantastic Start
Children who have experienced trauma and their families have a new treatment resource thanks to Volunteer’s active participation in the Tennessee Child Maltreatment Best Practices Project funded through the Governors Office of Child Care Coordination and theCenters of Excellence for Children in State Custody. Using a Learning Collaborative model, the project trains clinicians across the state on the use of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Several of theMiddle Tennessee locations of VBHCS were chosen to participate in the Collaborative. The VBHCS team has shown extraordinary enthusiasm as they have undertaken intensive training and supervision as part of the Collaborative.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a well-researched model for the treatment of childhood trauma. The Learning Collaborative was developed to spread this highly recognized and successful evidence-based treatment model across Tennessee. The VBHCS team attended a two-day training event, were required to read Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief and complete a 10 hour on-line training course to qualify for participation in the Learning Collaborative. During Phase 1 of this project, the team has implemented a specialized assessment protocol and begun using the TF-CBT intervention techniques.
The VBHCS team includes LaShonda Hughes, Psy.D., (Smyrna), Renee Darks, M.A., (Murfreesboro), Pam Smith, M.S., (Lebanon and Lafayette), Angie Rector, LPC, (Cookeville), Anne Stamps, M.A., (Crossville and Livingston) and Mary Lou Ecker, LCSW, (McMinnville). LaShonda Hughes is also the team’s clinical supervisor for the project. Being part of the Learning Collaborative has provided our clinicians with opportunities for expert consultation and training from faculty at Duke University, Vanderbilt University, the University of Tennessee (Memphis) and East Tennessee State University as well as the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
The Learning Collaborative training was held May 22 and 23. Since that time, the team has implemented the assessment protocols, participated in case reviews with the expert faculty and begun using the model with children and families. To date, our team has engaged 24 children and families in the treatment model. This is an exciting start to this project and the enthusiasm of our team has ensured the success of the project. The clinicians involved are building expertise in treating trauma using an evidence-based approach and are offering a wonderful treatment service to children and families who have been impacted by trauma.
As the Middle Tennessee Learning Collaborative begins Phase 2, the project will also to East Tennessee to begin the training process. We are looking forward to participating in the East Tennessee collaborative; engaging our clinical staff in this extraordinary opportunity with the same enthusiasm and excitement the Middle Tennessee team has exhibited.