Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) — For Children, Adolescents & Their Families- Healing Through Skills, Narrative, and Family Support
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a structured, evidence-based approach developed for youth who have experienced trauma, along with caregiver involvement. It helps children process trauma safely, learn coping skills, and rebuild trust and connection with caregivers. When well delivered, TF-CBT reduces PTSD, depression, anxiety, behavior problems, and builds resilience that carries into the future. Unlike some adult-oriented trauma treatments, TF-CBT is specifically crafted to match a child’s developmental stage and include caregivers in healing.
Why TF-CBT?
- It’s the gold-standard trauma therapy for children and adolescents
- Evidence shows it reduces symptoms (PTSD, depression, anxiety) and behavior problems
- Improves caregiver support, communication, and parenting in the context of trauma
- Flexible and adaptable for complex trauma and diverse settings
How TF-CBT Works — Core Components (PRACTICE)
TF-CBT is often structured around the PRACTICE framework:
- Psychoeducation & Parenting Skills — teaching child and caregiver about trauma, feelings, and reactions
- Relaxation Skills — breathing, grounding, calming techniques
- Affective Regulation — helping children identify, understand, and manage emotions
- Cognitive Coping & Processing — helping reframe thoughts about trauma, self, others
- Trauma Narrative & Processing — gradual, supportive recounting and processing of traumatic experiences
- In Vivo Exposure — safely confronting feared cues/reminders in real life
- Conjoint Sessions — bringing child and caregiver together to share narrative, communicate, strengthen trust
- Enhancing Safety & Future Development — relapse prevention, safety planning, growth goals
Each component builds on the others in a logical sequence to support healing.
What Happens in a TF-CBT Program
- Sessions alternate between the child, caregiver, and joint sessions
- Early sessions focus on stabilization: coping skills, safety, rapport
- Mid-phase: trauma narrative, processing experiences, cognitive reframing
- In vivo exposures integrated gradually as the child feels ready
- Later sessions focus on future safety, ongoing support, closure, and resilience
Children practice coping skills and talk about the trauma at a pace they can tolerate. Caregivers learn how best to support their child, manage their own emotional reactions, and foster a safe environment.\
Duration & Format
- Typical course: 12-20 sessions (45–60 minutes each)
- Mix of individual child sessions, caregiver-only sessions, and joint sessions
- Adaptable for more sessions when trauma is multiple or complex
- Delivered in outpatient clinics, schools, telehealth, or community settings