How Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy helps Children affected by Trauma

What is TF-CBT?

TF-CBT is an evidence-based therapeutic modality designed to specifically treat children, ages 3-17, affected by PTSD and trauma. TF-CBT also engages families and teaches caregivers how to support their children in dealing with the aftermath of trauma.

How long does TF-CBT take?

TF-CBT usually takes between 8-16 sessions to complete the treatment program. Sessions are usually scheduled weekly. Your child’s counselor will be spending 5-15 min of each session helping the primary caregiver understand child’s trauma symptoms, improve parenting and learn how to support child’s progress outside of sessions.

What is the TF-CBT process like?

TF-CBT is a protocol based modality and comprised of 8 consecutive stages, summarized by the acronym PRACTICE:

-Psychoeducation;

-Parenting skills;

– Relaxation skills;

-Affective modulation skills;

-Cognitive coping skills;

-Trauma narrative and cognitive processing of the traumatic event(s);

– In vivo mastery of trauma reminders,

-Conjoint sessions and Enhancing future safety;

How do I know if my child would benefit from TF-CBT?

Below are some symptoms that children affected by trauma may experience. The number of symptoms, severity and the degree of impairment varies based on the individual circumstances.

-Has your child experienced a traumatic event(s) which affected their mood or behavior, concentration, school performance, social interactions, sleep and daily functioning in general and is causing anxiety?;

– Has your child been diagnosed or shows symptoms of PTSD;

-Does your child avoid talking about the traumatic event or becomes very distressed when encounters trauma reminders;

-Does your child seem overly alert, on guard, jumpy or easily startled;

-Have your child’s symptoms negatively affected their functioning at school, social and family life and general happiness;

If you have answered Yes to any of these questions it is very likely that your child would benefit from TF-CBT to work on resolving some traumatic experience. Natalia Savage, MS, LPC, LMHC is a nationally certified TF-CBT counselor who can help your child and family find peace and enjoy life after the trauma. Please feel free to give us a call today to discuss how we can help.

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