What is TF-CBT?
Finding the right therapist for a loved one can feel overwhelming. As a certified TF-CBT therapist, I use this model to help children and families move through difficult experiences toward healing. Children and young people often have a variety of symptoms and behaviors after experiencing a stressful life event. Some children might be more irritable and withdrawn while others may engage in risky behavior.
Trauma – Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or TF-CBT was developed by Cohen, Mannarino and Deblinger in the 1990s to address traumatic stress in children who experienced grief, medical trauma, abuse, neglect or other deeply upsetting events. TF-CBT explores the connection between thoughts, feelings and behaviors in the context of trauma with supportive caregivers involved throughout the process.
The PRACTICE model is composed of:
Psychoeducation – children and their families will learn about common trauma reactions and supportive parenting practices
Relaxation - involves learning and practicing relaxation strategies to support nervous system regulation
Affect Identification and Regulation – youth and caregivers will learn to label and safely express emotions
Cognitive Coping – identify and confront unhelpful thoughts reagrding the trauma
Trauma Narrative - imaginal exposure conducted by telling the story of the upsetting event in a calm and safe setting to support nervous system regulation
In-vivo Mastery – develop and enact a plan to gradually approach real life situations that remind your child of the upsetting experience
Conjoint Session – share the narrative with a supportive caregiver to reduce feelings of shame and isolation
Enhancing Future Safety – empower youth and families by exploring boundaries, assertive communication and strengthening informal supports
TF-CBT can be delivered virtually or in-person. It can last between 8 – 24 sessions. These sessions are typically conducted at least weekly by licensed therapists who have completed specialized TF-CBT training.
You can find certified TF-CBT therapists in this directory: https://tfcbt.org/therapists/. I’m happy to talk to you about what treatment could look like for your family if you think TF-CBT could help your child.
