Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or TF-CBT was developed for children ages 3-17 and their adults. This treatment was developed for children with a diagnosis of PTSD and for a care giver that has not harmed them to help support the child throughout treatment. Psychoeducation will be given to the adult and to the child in a developmentally appropriate manner. Short assessments will be given to determine if the child meets the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis and if TF-CBT would be a good fit for them.
Parenting skills is another important topic for the first step of TF-CBT. Parenting after a child has experienced a traumatic event can be challenging and difficult. Your provider will be here to help with new skills, knowledge and support to try new parenting techniques as needed.
Relaxation– during this phase of treatment we will teach the child how to relax their nervous system. These skills are especially important if the child struggles with disordered eating, suicidal ideation, self-harm or homicidal ideation. The safe adult will be brought in and taught or shown the techniques and to discuss how the safe adult can help the child use these techniques when in need.
Affect Modulation– In this stage the child and safe adult will learn skills to identify their feelings, how to safely express those feelings and reduce avoidance.
Cognitive Coping– The child and parents will be taught the cognitive triad and how to use thoughts to help cope with every day situations.
Trauma Narration and Processing– The child will be presented with multiple ways on how to process through their trauma. Counselor and the child’s safe adult will use skills previously learned to assist in this stage.
Invivo Mastery– The child will identify and assess any feared situations. Counselor will help the child and safe adult to develop a plan to be able to approach this situation with care.
Conjoint Parent-Child Sessions– If the child has identified a safe adult the child may choose to share some about their trauma with that adult. Therapist and the safe adult will have opportunities to provide support of child.
Enhancing Future Safety and Development– A safety plan will be developed and practiced outside of therapy. If the child experienced sexual abuse this may include healthy sexuality and what that might mean as the child ages.
Psychoeducation
Relaxation
Affect Modulation
Cognitive Coping
Trauma Narration and Processing
Invivo Mastery
Conjoint Parent Child Sessions
Enhancing Future Safety and Development