Creative Exposure Intervention as Part of Clinical Treatment for Adolescents Exposed to Bullying and Experiencing Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms

Research is beginning to emerge which demonstrates that bullying is a potential risk factor for the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among adolescents (Crosby, Oehler, & Capaccioli, 2010). Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness training, and art therapy techniques are garnering attention in the counseling literature for their effective treatment of PTSD (Barlow, 2014; Bazargan & Pakdaman, 2016; Bernstein, Tanay, & Vujanovic, 2011). This article introduces an eclectic intervention, incorporating these three techniques, designed for work with adolescents experiencing bully-related PTSD symptoms. This article presents a case example to illustrate Creative Exposure, which can be used in one session or across multiple sessions. This technique is intended for use by counselors with the credentials and training to provide trauma treatment.