Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT)

What is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Who is it Most Suitable For?

TF-CBT is an evidence-based therapy specifically designed to help those who’ve experienced trauma or complex trauma in their lives. It is an adapted form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that takes the foundations of that therapy, but zeroes in on the facets of CBT that best address the symptoms and resulting behaviours of trauma.

Generally, TF-CBT is focused mostly on assisting children and adolescents who’ve been impacted by traumatic experiences such as abuse, violence, loss, or accidents. It is an adaptable form of therapy that caters to individuals of different development levels and cultural backgrounds. 

What is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) and Who is it Most Suitable For?

TF-CBT is an evidence-based therapy specifically designed to help those who’ve experienced trauma or complex trauma in their lives. It is an adapted form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that takes the foundations of that therapy, but zeroes in on the facets of CBT that best address the symptoms and resulting behaviours of trauma.

Generally, TF-CBT is focused mostly on assisting children and adolescents who’ve been impacted by traumatic experiences such as abuse, violence, loss, or accidents. It is an adaptable form of therapy that caters to individuals of different development levels and cultural backgrounds. 

How Does TF-CBT Help Children and Adolescents Process and Recover from Trauma?

For children and adolescents whose lives have been impacted by trauma, TF-CBT provides a setting and a range of tools, resources, and coping mechanisms to help them manage their emotions, feelings, and thoughts. 

This begins by providing them with a safe, judgement-free environment to talk about their traumatic experience (or experiences) and how they feel it has impacted their lives. When the specific trauma triggers have been identified, the therapist will help them through the process of gradually exposing them to their triggers to reduce fear and avoidance.

Along with this, coping skills such as relaxation and mindfulness, emotional regulation, and cognitive restructuring are integrated to help them better manage their day-to-day lives. A therapist will also help them reframe negative thoughts they’ve developed in response to the trauma and lessen their tendencies to blame themselves for what they experienced.

The end goal is to help the client, whether they’re a child or adolescent, build greater resilience and experience positive post-trauma growth. 
 

How are Parents or Caregivers Involved in TF-CBT Treatment at Conscious Healthcare SA?

A core aspect of TF-CBT at Conscious Healthcare SA is the involvement of a parent or caregiver in the process. With TF-CBT, it’s common for sessions to involve a 50/50 split of the therapist speaking to the child or adolescent and then speaking with the parent or caregiver. 

In later sessions, the therapist will conduct conjoint child-parent sessions (the final C in the PRACTICE model) that ensure the parent or caregiver understands the child or adolescent’s traumatic experience, how the trauma has impacted them, and the suggested management and coping strategies.

Parents and caregivers will learn the same coping strategies that are taught to the child and are guided on supporting the child through the trauma narrative process. They’ll also be taught on how to reinforce the learned skills at home for the child while also having their own distress and responses to the trauma addressed.

Can Family Therapy Support Parents Navigating Blended Families or Co-Parenting After Separation?

A core aspect of TF-CBT at Conscious Healthcare SA is the involvement of a parent or caregiver in the process. With TF-CBT, it’s common for sessions to involve a 50/50 split of the therapist speaking to the child or adolescent and then speaking with the parent or caregiver. 

In later sessions, the therapist will conduct conjoint child-parent sessions (the final C in the PRACTICE model) that ensure the parent or caregiver understands the child or adolescent’s traumatic experience, how the trauma has impacted them, and the suggested management and coping strategies.

Parents and caregivers will learn the same coping strategies that are taught to the child and are guided on supporting the child through the trauma narrative process. They’ll also be taught on how to reinforce the learned skills at home for the child while also having their own distress and responses to the trauma addressed.

How Long Does a Typical TF-CBT Program Last, and What Kind of Progress Can Clients Expect?

The typical duration of a TF-CBT is 12 to 20 sessions, with each usually running for 45 minutes to an hour. If a client has a particularly severe trauma (or traumas), more sessions may be required. The PRACTICE model helps guide the focus of each appointment, and parents or caregivers will need to take part in a number of these. There will typically be child-only, parent/caregiver-only, and conjoint sessions.

The aim at the end of a TF-CBT program is for the child or adolescent to experience reduced PTSD symptoms and an improved mood. They will also come out equipped with stronger coping skills and should experience fewer behavioural struggles (e.g. emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, etc.).

How Long Does a Typical TF-CBT Program Last, and What Kind of Progress Can Clients Expect?

The typical duration of a TF-CBT is 12 to 20 sessions, with each usually running for 45 minutes to an hour. If a client has a particularly severe trauma (or traumas), more sessions may be required. The PRACTICE model helps guide the focus of each appointment, and parents or caregivers will need to take part in a number of these. There will typically be child-only, parent/caregiver-only, and conjoint sessions.

The aim at the end of a TF-CBT program is for the child or adolescent to experience reduced PTSD symptoms and an improved mood. They will also come out equipped with stronger coping skills and should experience fewer behavioural struggles (e.g. emotional dysregulation, impulsivity, etc.).