Child & Family Therapists
Child & Family Therapists
Research & Studies
At Nurtured Minds Toowoomba, every program we deliver is grounded in peer-reviewed research and well-validated clinical frameworks.
Below are key evidence sources that support the structure and effectiveness of our therapeutic interventions.
Child & Youth Trauma Recovery Program
Reference 1:
Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2017). Trauma-Focused CBT for Children and Adolescents: Treatment Applications (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Why this matters: This is the foundational clinical text for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), one of the most evidence-based treatments for children who have experienced sexual abuse and trauma. It demonstrates significant reductions in PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and behavioural difficulties. This directly supports our Trauma Recovery Program, which uses TF-CBT to support emotional regulation, trauma processing, and recovery.
Reference 2:Cary, C. E., & McMillen, J. C. (2012). The data behind the dissemination: A systematic review of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for use with children and youth. Children and Youth Services Review, 34(4), 748–757. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2012.01.003
Why this matters:This systematic review confirms TI-CBT significantly improves emotional functioning, reduces trauma symptoms, and strengthens long-term recovery outcomes in children exposed to trauma. This evidence validates the structured, time-limited therapeutic approach used in our Trauma Recovery Program.
Early Intervention Harmful Sexual Behaviour Program
Reference 1:
Hackett, S. (2014). Children and young people with harmful sexual behaviours: Research review. NSPCC.
Why this matters: This landmark research outlines how early assessment and structured therapeutic intervention significantly reduce future harmful behaviour and improve safety outcomes. It reinforces the importance of early intervention programs such as our Early Intervention for Harmful Sexual Behaviour (HSB) Program here at Nurtured Minds Toowoomba.
Reference 2:
Print, B., Morrison, T., & Henniker, J. (2019). AIM3 assessment model for adolescents who display harmful sexual behaviour. AIM Project.
Why this matters:The AIM3 Assessment Model is an internationally recognised structured clinical assessment tool used to assess adolescents displaying harmful sexual behaviour. It supports comprehensive risk formulation, intervention planning, and therapeutic decision-making. This directly validates our use of AIM3 within the early intervention for HSB program.
Parent & Family Strengthening (Attachment)
Reference 1:
Cassidy, J., & Shaver, P. R. (Eds.). (2018). Handbook of Attachment: Theory, Research, and Clinical Applications (3rd ed.). Guilford Press.
Why this matters: This authoritative text demonstrates how strengthening caregiver sensitivity and attachment relationships leads to improvements in child emotional regulation and behavioural outcomes.
Reference 2:
Berlin, L. J., Zeanah, C. H., & Lieberman, A. F. (2018). Prevention and Intervention Programs for Supporting Early Attachment Security. In J. Cassidy & P. R. Shaver (Eds.), Handbook of Attachment (3rd ed.).
Why this matters: This chapter provides evidence that structured attachment-based parent programs result in measurable changes in parent–child interaction quality, directly supporting the Circle of Security program model.
Reported Family Therapy
Reference 1:
Kelly, J. B., & Emery, R. E. (2003). Children's adjustment following divorce: Risk and resilience perspectives. Family Relations, 52(4), 352–362.
Why this matters: This research highlights the importance of child-focused therapeutic support during parental separation to reduce emotional distress and improve adjustment outcomes. This directly supports our Family Therapy service.
Reference 2:
Birnbaum, R., & Bala, N. (2010). Toward the differentiation of high-conflict families. Family Court Review, 48(3), 403–416.
Why this matters:This research demonstrates the importance of child-inclusive therapeutic intervention and structured assessment in family court contexts. It supports the therapeutic reporting and family therapy services offered by your practice.
School-Based Safety & Prevention Program
Reference 1:
Finkelhor, D. (2009). The prevention of childhood sexual abuse. Future of Children, 19(2), 169–194.
Why this matters: This research demonstrates that education, awareness, and early intervention significantly reduce child sexual abuse risk and improve help-seeking behaviours. This directly supports our School Based Safety and Prevention Program.
Reference 2:
Wurtele, S. K. (2009). Preventing sexual abuse of children in the twenty-first century. Journal of Child Sexual Abuse, 18(1), 1–18.
Why this matters: This research confirms that structured education programs improve children’s awareness of risk, consent, and safety, supporting prevention and early intervention outcomes.