Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or TF-CBT, is a therapeutic intervention created to help children from age three to 18, and their parents or caregivers, overcome the impact of traumatic events. The intervention typically lasts between four and six months, but can vary on a case-by-case basis, and can be offered both in-person and virtually via telehealth. Research studies have consistently proven that TF-CBT effectively reduces symptoms of post-traumatic stress in children. TF-CBT incorporates trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral, family, and humanistic principles and techniques.
According to Psychology Today, this trauma-focused approach to therapy was first developed in the 1990s by psychiatrist Judith Cohen and psychologists Esther Deblinger and Anthony Mannarino, whose intent was to better serve children and adolescents who had experienced sexual abuse. The treatment has since expanded to serve youth who have experienced many different forms of trauma or abuse.
Defining Traumatic Events
No parent wants their child to go through trauma; every child is different regarding the level of stress they can effectively cope with. However, broadly speaking, trauma can be defined as when an extremely stressful event overwhelms your child’s ability to cope.
Traumatic events are evidenced by a sense of horror, helplessness, serious injury, or the threat of serious injury or death. Someone that has experienced a traumatic event may have gone through physical, emotional, or sexual abuse or neglect. They may have witnessed or been the direct victim of violence, severe motor vehicle or other accidents, or natural and human-made disasters. The death of a parent or sibling could also be a traumatic event. All children may be impacted differently by traumatic experiences; Paying attention to shifts in a child’s behavior or mood following a stressful event is key.
Goals of Trauma-Focused CBT
This particular interventional therapy focuses on helping a child develop effective and healthy coping strategies when they are faced with a traumatic event and experiencing stress reactions. Traumatic stress reactions are common after traumatic events and may include fear or avoidance of things that serve as a reminder of the trauma.
Children experiencing stress reactions may have unexplained physical ailments such as frequent headaches or stomach aches. They may also have a change in sleeping patterns and mood or display defiant or aggressive behaviors. Depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, increased clinginess, drug use, self-harm, thoughts of suicide, or other risky behaviors are all examples of stress reactions. Although difficult to deal with, these reactions in children must be addressed with compassion. TF-CBT focuses on reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, or acting out behaviors, which are all common in children exposed to trauma.
A factsheet produced by the Child Welfare Information Gateway indicated that TF-CBT is also helpful for parents and caregivers. TF-CBT prioritizes parent and caregiver support by helping them cope effectively with their own emotional distress and develop skills that will continue to support their child even after treatment ends.
What is Trauma-Focused CBT: Interventions
TF-CBT is an effective form of therapy for many reasons, including the comprehensive nature of the intervention.
TF-CBT interventions include:
– Education on trauma and common reactions
– Help with parenting and behavior problems
– Relaxation/stress management training
– Learning about feelings and ways to express them
– Examining the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
– Developing creative ways for children to tell their stories about what happened
– Changing any unhelpful thoughts about the trauma
– Helping the family talk together about the trauma
– Planning for future safety and success
Determining if Trauma-Focused CBT is Right for Your Family
If your child has been exposed to one or more traumatic event(s) and is struggling as a result, TF-CBT may be beneficial to them. When beginning this kind of treatment, the first step is an in-depth assessment to screen for trauma exposure and determine the related symptoms with a trained professional. Here at Herrera Psychology, Courtney Lombard is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Registered Play Therapist, and recently earned her certification in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT).
Research has proven that caregiver involvement in trauma therapy is the single most important factor in a child’s recovery. With the Herrera team, parents and caregivers are involved in every step of TF-CBT.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy can be an important tool for any parent trying to help their child manage trauma. Herrera Psychology is here to help with mental health evaluations, support and treatment, and telehealth services. For more information, schedule an evaluation with Herrera Psychology to determine if TF-CBT with our team of compassionate professionals is the right move for your family.
