Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is a trauma therapy designed for children and adolescents, that uses a combination of individual and family therapy sessions. Traumatic events can be especially difficult for children as they are learning how to understand and express their emotions. Early traumatic experiences can cause the world to feel unsafe and unpredictable, making it hard for children to build trusting relationships.
TF-CBT helps children and families:
- Learn about the effects of childhood trauma and skills to support recovery
- Practice relaxation techniques
- Identify and express intense emotions such as sadness, fear, or anger in a healthy way
- Self-soothe during times of emotional distress
- Correct inaccurate self-beliefs about the trauma (e.g., it’s my fault)
- Create and share a trauma narrative with the family
- Develop personal safety skills