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What is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a treatment for children and adolescents, ages 3-18, who have been impacted by trauma. A trained TF-CBT therapist works with your child and a caregiver to learn new ways to cope with the stress experienced by the child. The goal of treatment is to reduce overall symptoms resulting from the trauma(s). TF-CBT treatment is typically short team, lasting about 4-8 months, and will include individual sessions for the child and adolescent, individual sessions for the caregiver, and joint sessions between the caregiver and child.

Who can benefit from TF-CBT?

TF-CBT helps children and adolescents, ages 3-18, overcome ongoing symptoms of trauma they have experienced or learned about. TF-CBT is designed to help children and adolescents who have experienced a variety of traumatic events, including the following:

  • Sexual abuse
  • Physical abuse
  • Domestic or community violence
  • Neglect
  • Traumatic grief
  • Natural disasters
  • Accidents

How can TF-CBT help?

A TF-CBT therapist will work to:

  • Provide education on trauma and trauma reactions.
  • Normalize the experience and develop a healthy view of the experience.
  • Identify feelings and new ways to manage them.
  • Develop relaxation skills and learn when to use them.
  • Learn skills to increase safety in the future.

Who is involved in TF-CBT treatment?

Caregivers are actively included in treatment with their child and are key to successful outcomes. TF-CBT involves the child or adolescent that experienced the trauma, a caregiver, and a TF-CBT trained therapist to guide the treatment process. The treatment consists of individual sessions with the child, individual sessions with the caregiver, and joint sessions with the child and caregiver.

Mom and daughter at a session with a therapist