Overcoming Experience: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

As its name indicates TF-CBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on the specific emotional and mental health needs and issues of children, adolescents, adult survivors, and families who are struggling to overcome the devastating effects of early trauma.  Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly sensitive to the unique problems and challenges of youth with post-traumatic stress and mood disorders resulting from abuse, violence, or grief. In many instances the client is a child, and, as such, this form of therapy lends itself to bringing non-offending parents or other caregivers into the treatment process, and may incorporate elements of family therapy.

When is it used?

Anyone who has experienced a single incident, or repeated incidents of sexual, physical, or mental abuse, or who has developed post-traumatic stress symptoms, depression, or anxiety as a result of the loss of a loved one or exposure to violence in the home or community, can benefit from TF-CBT.  If a child or adolescent also exhibits significant behavioral, substance-abuse, or suicidal ideations, other forms of treatment such as dialectical behavior therapy, may be a more appropriate initial intervention and can be followed up with a trauma-sensitive modality.

What to Expect

TF-CBT is a short term intervention that generally lasts anywhere from 6 to 25 sessions.  It can take place in a private practice office, outpatient mental health clinic, group home, community center, hospital, school, or an in-home setting.  Cognitive behavioral techniques are used to help modify cognitive distortion, and negative reactions and behaviors.  At the same time, a family approach can look at interactions among family members and other family dynamics that are contributing to the problem, and aims to teach new parenting, stress-management and communication skills.

Early Trauma

Early trauma can lead to anger, guilt, shame, embarrassment, self-abuse, feelings of powerlessness, acting out behavior, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.  Post-traumatic stress disorder, which affects children and adults, can manifest in a number of ways, such as bothersome recurring thoughts about a past traumatic experience, emotional numbness, sleep issues, concentration problems, and extreme physical and emotional responses to anything that triggers a memory of the trauma.  By integrating the theories and techniques of several therapeutic interventions, TF-CBT can address and improve the symptoms of post-traumatic stress in youth.