What Is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?

 

As a field in cognitive behavioral therapy, trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy addresses certain emotional. And mental health needs of individuals who struggle with destructive effects resulting from early trauma. Also known under its acronym TF-CBT, this form of cognitive-behavioral therapy is focused on unique problems like post-traumatic stress. And mood disorders appearing as a result of abuse, grief, or violence. In most cases, the individual starting a TF-CBT therapy is a child whose parents or caregivers are often involved in the treatment if necessary. 

Who Can Benefit from TF-CBT?

Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy is recommended for those who have experienced an event or series of events that involve sexual, physical, or mental abuse or have developed post-traumatic symptoms, anxiety, or depression because of facing loss or being exposed to violence. 

In cases with children and adolescents who are showing serious behavioral or suicidal-ideation problems. We often recommend different forms of treatment like dialectical behavioral therapy, which can later lead to a more trauma-focused approach. There are even some researchers who suggest that trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy is the best treatment form for adult war veterans who are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

What does TF-CBT Look Like?

Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy is a short-term and quick intervention lasting anywhere from eight to 25 sessions. Individuals can talk to a therapist in an outpatient mental health clinic, group home, hospital, school, community center, or from home. 

We use these cognitive-behavioral techniques to modify unhelpful or destructive thinking and negative behaviors and reactions. On the other hand, family therapy will look into interactions among family members and family dynamics that contribute to the problem this individual is dealing with. Through family therapy, family members are taught new parenting methods that rely mostly on good stress management and communication skills. 

TF-CBT was first developed by psychiatrist Judith Cohen, along with two psychologists. Esther Deblinger and Anthony Mannarino as an idea to better serve young individuals who had experienced sexual abuse. Over the years, it became a successful therapy form that serves youths and adults who have experienced any type of severe trauma or abuse. 

Experiencing a trauma early in life can result in guilt, anger, self-abuse, feeling powerlessness, acting out. And a range of mental health issues, from anxiety to depression. Trauma often leads to post-traumatic stress disorder which affects both children and adults and it can manifest in numerous ways. Such as emotional numbness, concentration problems. Repeating thoughts after the event has occurred and extreme emotional and physical responses to anything that happens in their environment. And triggers a memory related to the trauma. 

By combining different techniques and theories of a few therapeutic interventions, TB-CBT can address and enhance the symptoms of post-traumatic stress in both young and adult individuals. 

How to Choose Your First Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapist?

If this is your first time reaching out to a therapist, you might be overwhelmed with the different options you have. However, if you’ve experienced trauma and feel the consequences. You should consider contacting a licensed mental health professional who has experience in TF-CBT, family therapy, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Besides having these credentials, your chosen therapist could be recommended to you by someone close, such as a colleague or friend. 

Whether you’re looking for yourself or your child, talking about trauma with someone of trust will not only help you feel more comfortable at the beginning of your process and also get the most value the entire time of your or your child’s treatment. After all, in all forms of therapy, trust and how the patient feels about therapists are two key factors that will greatly impact the outcome of the therapy.

Seeking Therapy for Your Child

As a parent, there will be certain steps you will need to take to make sure your kid is content with the idea of therapy. For instance, don’t just take your child to therapy without explaining to them the reasons and what to expect first. Make sure you have their approval and try to even discuss with them the choice of a therapist. Your kid’s input will be extremely valuable as they will more easily open up to a person they have chosen and liked from the first moment. 

Also, explain to them that going to therapy is completely normal and that many kids of their age also talk to a therapist about things that bother them. Tell them they will not pressure into discussing things they don’t want to discuss and that the therapist will respect their space and needs before anything else.

Seeking Therapy for Yourself

If you’re seeking a TF-CBT therapist for yourself, take some time to explore your options. For individuals who have experienced a trauma virtual sessions will not be as helpful as for others. So make sure you find a TF-CBT therapist near you. That said, don’t choose just any because they work nearby. 

Look for their references, study their work experience and education. And find a video or photo of them to get a feeling of the person with who you would share your intimate world. Think about the things you feel comfortable sharing in your first session and keep in mind that going to therapy is a process that takes time. Don’t expect miracles overnight and try to make the most of the process while learning the techniques that will serve you to heal. And un-learn those that are preventing you on your path to healing.   

In Final Words

Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy serves best those individuals, either young or adults. Who have experienced a certain trauma and are witnessing symptoms from it. As it is with every traumatic event, not addressing it will only prolong the state you find yourself in.

Reach out to a trusted TF-CBT therapist and schedule your first appointment. The sooner you start, the earlier you will start feeling better about yourself and find ways to continue living your life as you want without the trauma affecting your life choices.

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