Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(TF-CBT) was developed by J.A. Cohen, A.P. Mannarino, Knudsen, and Sharon. TF-CBT is designed for anyone who has experienced a significantly traumatic event. Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is used to help people suffering from clinical post-traumatic stress return to a normal state of functioning after a traumatic event. This therapy is used for the caretaker, children and adolescents in a way that decreases the negative behavior patterns and emotional responses that occur as a result of sexual abuse, physical abuse or other trauma.

• How Does Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?
• Children, Parents and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
• Resources Related to Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

How Does Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Work?

This form of therapy integrates interventions that are specifically tailored to meet the needs of people experiencing emotional and psychological difficulties as a result of a trauma and combines them with humanistic, cognitive behavioral and familial strategies. Through TF-CBT, both parent and children learn how to process their emotions and thoughts that relate to the traumatic experience. They are given the necessary tools to alleviate overwhelming thoughts that can cause stress, anxiety and depression and are taught how to manage their emotions in a healthier way. The goal of TF-CBT is to allow both the child and the parent to continue to develop their skills and communication techniques in a healthy manner.

Children, Parents and Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Children, specifically adolescents, who are suffering severe emotional repercussions due to trauma respond extremely well to this technique. The therapy helps children who have experienced repeated episodes of trauma, as in abuse or neglect, or those who have suffered one occurrence of sudden trauma in their lives. Children who are learning to cope with the death of a loved one can also benefit greatly from TF-CBT.

A secure and stable environment is provided that enables the child to disclose the details of the trauma and it is at this time that the cognitive and learning theories of treatment are applied. The child is shown his distorted perceptions and is given the tools to redesign those attributes relating to the trauma. Parents, who are not the abusers, are also given the resources and skills necessary to help their children cope with the psychological ramifications of the abuse.

Resources Related to Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:

Child Trends

Child Welfare Information Gateway

Clinical Trials.gov

TF-CBT Web

Wikipedia's Page about Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy