What is Trauma?
Trauma is a difficult event in one’s life that causes stress. Some examples include:
- Community violence
- Complex Trauma
- Domestic Violence
- Early Childhood Trauma
- Medical Trauma
- Natural Disasters
- Neglect
- Physical Abuse
- School Violence (Bullying)
- Sexual Abuse
- Terrorism
- Traumatic Grief
How can I recognize trauma symptoms in my child?
Signs can include:
- Avoidance
- Change in sleep and/or appetite
- Clinginess to parent
- Decreased socialization
- Developmental regression
- Disturbing memories
- Emotional/Behavioral Dysregulation
- Excessive worry
- Fear of specific places
- Feelings of shame and guilt
- Flashbacks
- Hyperactivity and Fidgeting
- Inability to focus and concentrate
- Intrusive thoughts
- Isolation
- Night terrors
What is TF-CBT?
Trauma- Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based therapy designed to help children and adolescents, as well as their caregivers, to overcome the impacts of traumatic stress.
What are the sessions like?
Sessions focus on understanding and managing distress while emphasizing education, parent support, skill-building, resiliency and confidence. TF-CBT is a short-term intervention that generally lasts anywhere from eight to 25 sessions and can be completed in as few as 12-16 sessions. These sessions include both individual and conjoint sessions with the child/adolescent and caregiver.
What can you expect to learn from TF-CBT?
- Trauma is not your fault and you are not the only one who has survived this type of traumatic event
- How to identify feelings and manage them
- How to relax and tolerate trauma reminders
- How to identify negative thoughts that cause depression and anxiety
- How to replace negative thoughts with more helpful thoughts
- How to resolve problems
- Safety skills
If this seems like a good fit for you and your family, please contact our office or fill out the contact form below.