Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is a treatment model that addresses issues related to PTSD and other effects related to traumatic life events.  This model is evidence based and has shown to be particularly effective in children and adolescents, reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, externalizing behaviors, sexualized behaviors, and feelings of shame in traumatized children [1].

TF-CBT involves the following components [2]:

·       Psychoeducation and Parenting skills

·       Relaxation

·       Affective Expression and Regulation

·       Cognitive Coping

·       Trauma Narrative Development and Processing

·       In Vivo Gradual Exposure

·       Conjoint Parent-Child sessions

·       Enhancing Safety and Future Development

In additional to providing children with cognitive coping strategies and relaxation techniques, TF-CBT has been shown to improve parenting skills and relationships through enhanced parent-child communication [3].

[1] Cohen, JA; Berliner, L; Mannarino, A (Apr 2010). "Trauma focused CBT for children with co-occurring trauma and behavior problems". Child abuse & neglect. 34(4): 215–24.

[2] Cohen, Judith A. (2006). Treating trauma and traumatic grief in children and adolescents ([Online-Ausg.]. ed.). New York: The Guilford Press.

[3] Cohen, JA; Mannarino, AP; Knudsen, K (Feb 2005). "Treating sexually abused children: 1 year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial". Child abuse & neglect. 29(2): 135–45.