Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

What is TF-CBT?

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based therapy for children ages 3-18. It is considered a short-term treatment (usually 8-25 sessions) which helps improve children’s traumatic responses or symptoms. While TF-CBT has been shown to effectively treat symptoms of PTSD, a diagnosis of PTSD is not necessary to receive this treatment.

What are the goals of TF-CBT treatment?

  • Help improve a child’s PTSD, depressive, and anxiety symptoms (related to a traumatic event)
  • Improve a child’s externalizing behavior problems
  • Enhance parenting skills and parental support of the child, and reducing parental distress
  • Enhance parent-child communication, attachment, and ability to maintain safety
  • Reduce shame and embarrassment related to the traumatic experiences