Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral
Therapy (TF-CBT)
Also referred to as TF-CBT, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a program
designed to help children who have experienced very difficult or frightening events that later
impact their ability to live well. The program provides a road map for a therapist to follow as he
or she works with the child and caregiver to treat the symptoms related to the trauma. Research
shows that therapists who follow this road map are more effective in helping children and their
caretakers reduce symptoms related to trauma.
Can TF-CBT Really Help?
TF-CBT has been PROVEN to help, particularly when a supportive caretaker is a part of
treatment. Researchers have found that trauma symptoms including depression are dramatically
reduced when a child and caretaker participate in TF-CBT.
How Do I Get My Child Into TF-CBT?
If your child is between the ages of 5 and 18, talk with your clinician to see if TF-CBT is
appropriate for you. Participation in this program will require caretaker participation and
attendance at weekly sessions. Caretakers who have participated in the program have found it
helpful for themselves as well as for their children.
Caretakers will be asked to complete some survey forms. These are used to help us make sure
that the treatment is working for your child. Results will be shared with you and your child at the
beginning and the end of treatment. If you have questions about the program, please talk to your
child’s counselor.
What Are Trauma Related Symptoms?
Children who experience trauma have many different responses. Some do not show symptoms
at all for some time. Others show more obvious behavior changes including, but not limited to
the following:
Crying Regressive behaviors (thumb
Bed wetting (after child has been sucking, baby-talk)
potty-trained) Disturbance of sleep
Anger outbursts, tantrums Disturbance of appetite
Withdrawn behavior Avoidance or fear of particular
Nightmares people or situations
Re-enacting the trauma in play Excessive daydreaming
Distractibility Jumpy or easily startled
What Do We Mean By Trauma?
A traumatic event is one that causes a person significant distress, including behavioral and
emotional changes that persist after the event has ended. Examples of traumatic events include:
Physical Abuse Loss of a loved one
Sexual Abuse Experience of an accident
Domestic or Community Violence
What Does the Treatment Include?
TF-CBT is a short-term treatment that lasts approximately 12-20 sessions and is broken into
three major steps:
1. The child and caregiver learn about trauma and develop the skills that can make coping
with a wide range of feelings easier. These skills include: relaxation training, identifying
emotions, and getting rid of harmful thoughts. The counselor will also work with the
parent to address the behavior problems that commonly occur when a child experiences
trauma.
2. The child tells the story of his or her experience of trauma, and uses the newly learned
coping skills to make telling the story easier. The child decides how to tell his or her
story. Some children tell their story by creating a book. Others create art or music to
communicate their message. During the weeks when the child is working on his or her
story, the caregiver is given information on how to support their child in this process.
3. The child shares his or her story with the caregiver. This usually occurs after both the
child and the caregiver have practiced with the therapist. The sharing of this story
includes a discussion of the future and the creation of a safety plan. Typically the
therapist, the caregiver and the child have a celebration to mark the completion of the
program.
Please note: Treatment can be as short as eight sessions or can be extended based on the needs of
the child and family.
Why Not Just Ignore the Experience and “Move On”?
Research has demonstrated that children whose trauma symptoms are left untreated can have
difficulties later in life. Children with untreated trauma symptoms are at higher risk for:
Depression Early sexual activity
Suicidal ideation Unhealthy eating
School problems Relational problems
Cigarette, drug and alcohol abuse
