Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Evidence-Based Care for Children & Teens Impacted by Trauma
Available at Pillars of Wellness: In-person and Telehealth (Ages 5–18)

What Is TF-CBT?

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a structured, short-term therapy model designed to help children and adolescents recover from trauma. It integrates cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive principles and includes a strong caregiver component to ensure support at home.

The model is highly effective for children who have experienced abuse, neglect, violence, or sudden loss.

Why Choose TF-CBT?

TF-CBT is backed by decades of research and has been shown to:
✅ Reduce trauma-related symptoms like nightmares, flashbacks, and anxiety
✅ Help children make sense of their trauma stories
✅ Empower families to support the healing process
✅ Improve emotional regulation and daily functioning

Who Is Trauma-Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) For?

TF-CBT is appropriate for youth ages 5–18 who have:

• Experienced sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect
• Witnessed violence or traumatic events
• Suffered traumatic grief or loss
• Ongoing symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, or depression related to trauma

What to Expect

TF-CBT typically includes 12–20 weekly sessions divided into three phases:

1. Stabilization and Skill Building
   • Coping skills, relaxation techniques, and emotion regulation
2. Trauma Narrative and Processing
   • Safe development and exploration of the child’s trauma story
3. Integration and Closure
   • Strengthening caregiver-child communication and preparing for the future

Therapists involve caregivers throughout the process, offering education and support tailored to the child’s unique needs.

Types of Family Therapy

We understand that every family is unique, and no single approach works for everyone. Our therapists draw from a range of evidence-based models to tailor treatment to your family’s needs and goals.

Some of the approaches we use include:

• Structural Family Therapy: Focuses on reorganizing family roles and boundaries to create healthier patterns of interaction. This approach can be especially helpful when families feel “stuck” in rigid or chaotic dynamics.

• Strategic Family Therapy: Emphasizes problem-solving by identifying and interrupting unhelpful patterns. The therapist takes an active role in guiding the family to try new solutions.

• Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT): Helps family members identify and express underlying emotions and attachment needs to build trust and connection.

• Internal Family Systems (IFS): Explores each person’s internal “parts” (thoughts, feelings, protective roles) and how they impact the family system. IFS helps individuals heal from past wounds while fostering compassion and understanding within the family.

• Cognitive Behavioral Family Therapy (CBFT)
  Combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with family systems work to address unhelpful beliefs, improve communication, and solve problems collaboratively.

Your therapist will discuss these options with you and recommend an approach—or blend of approaches—based on your family’s strengths, challenges, and goals.

Getting Started with TF-CBT

📞 If your child or teen is struggling after a traumatic event, reach out today. Contact our administrative team to learn more about TF-CBT and schedule an intake.