

Post-traumatic stress disorder, which affects children and adults, can manifest in a number of ways, such as negative recurring thoughts about the traumatic experience, emotional numbness, sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and extreme physical and emotional responses to anything that triggers a memory of the trauma.īy integrating the theories and techniques of several therapeutic interventions, TF-CBT can address and improve the symptoms of post-traumatic stress in youth. Research comparing TF-CBT to other treatment models shows significantly greater gains in well-being for children and parents.Įarly trauma can lead to guilt, anger, feelings of powerlessness, self-harm, acting out, depression, and anxiety.

The family therapy aspect of trauma-focused CBT attends to the problems family members may have in dealing with the trauma suffered by the child, including the use of various stress management, communication, and parenting skills. Learning to challenge invasive thoughts of guilt and fear can help a patient to reorganize their thinking in a healthier and happier way. Often, the treatment will begin where the child and non-offending caregiver have separate therapy sessions and advance to engaging in joint sessions.Ĭognitive behavioral techniques are used to help modify distorted or unhelpful thinking and negative reactions and behaviors. Treatment takes place with a non-offending parent or caregiver. TF-CBT is a short-term intervention that generally lasts anywhere from eight to 25 sessions and can take place in an outpatient mental health clinic, group home, community center, hospital, school, or in-home setting.
