Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

(TF-CBT)

Model Effectiveness & Session Structure

TF-CBT is a components-based treatment model that incorporates trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral, family, and humanistic principles and techniques.  This model helps individuals heal from their traumatic experiences through a gradual exposure process. TF-CBT is an evidenced based practice that is found to reduce symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and/or Trauma Related Stress in youth ages 3-18 years old. Studies have found, in North Carolina, 92% of individuals who received TF-CBT experienced reduced symptoms of PTSD.

A typical session for TF-CBT is 60 minutes in length over a period of approximately 24 sessions.  Individuals and families collaborate with their therapist to gain mastery of skills to help process distressing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to their trauma history. Consistent caregiver support throughout treatment is essential to effectiveness.

Throughout treatment, the therapist will work to create an atmosphere for safe emotional expression related to an individuals’ trauma and trauma reminders. Individuals and their caregiver support will develop skills for relaxation, feelings regulation, cognitive coping, future safety, and healthy development. Caregiver supports will also gain skills for positive parenting to help manage behavioral issues and promote safe emotional expression within the parent-child relationship.

A rostered TF-CBT clinician has undergone a year of intensive training through the North Carolina Child Treatment Program (NC CTP) and has experience treating cases of sexual abuse as well as other traumas.  For more  information about TF-CBT and other evidenced based practices go to http://www.ncchildtreatmentprogram.org/models.php

Developed by :
Julia Smith , LCSW
TF-CBT Rostered Clinician