Understanding Your Child's Treatment
What is TF-CBT?
Understanding TF-CBT
TF-CBT stands for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It's a structured therapy designed specifically for children and teens who have experienced trauma.
Unlike some therapies where only the child attends, TF-CBT involves you as a partner in your child's healing. You'll learn the same skills your child is learning so you can support them at home.
The therapy helps children understand their feelings about what happened, develop healthy coping skills, and process their trauma in a safe, gradual way.
Strong Research Support
TF-CBT has been studied extensively and is one of the most effective treatments for childhood trauma and PTSD. It works for many types of trauma.
The PRACTICE Model
TF-CBT follows a structured approach called PRACTICE. Each letter stands for a component of treatment. Your child's therapist will explain each part in detail as you go.
Psychoeducation
Learning about trauma and how it affects the brain and body. Both you and your child receive this education.
Relaxation
Learning calming techniques like breathing exercises and muscle relaxation to manage stress and anxiety.
Affective Modulation
Identifying and managing big feelings. Building a vocabulary for emotions and learning healthy ways to express them.
Cognitive Coping
Understanding how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connect. Learning to notice unhelpful thinking patterns.
Trauma Narrative
Gradually telling their trauma story in a safe, supported way. This happens only when your child is ready and has the coping skills they need.
In Vivo Mastery
Facing trauma reminders in real life, step by step. Used when avoidance is getting in the way of everyday activities.
Conjoint Sessions
Parent and child come together to share the trauma narrative and strengthen your connection. This is a powerful healing experience for families.
Enhancing Safety
Building safety skills and planning for the future. Helping your child feel prepared and confident going forward.
Your Role as a Parent
In TF-CBT, you're not just dropping your child off — you're an active participant in their healing.
You'll have your own sessions with the therapist to learn each skill before your child does
You'll practice skills at home together between sessions
You'll join conjoint sessions where you and your child share their trauma narrative together
The therapist will guide you on how to respond supportively to your child's disclosures
Parents Make a Difference
Research shows that parental involvement is one of the key factors that makes TF-CBT so effective. Your support matters.
Common Questions
How long does TF-CBT take?
TF-CBT is typically 12-25 sessions, though this varies based on your child's needs. Some children may need more time to build skills before working on the trauma narrative.
Will my child have to talk about what happened?
Yes, but only when they're ready. Your child will first learn coping skills, then gradually work up to telling their story. The therapist ensures they feel safe and in control throughout the process.
What age is TF-CBT for?
TF-CBT is designed for children and teens ages 3-18. The therapist adapts the activities and language to be appropriate for your child's developmental level.
What types of trauma does TF-CBT treat?
TF-CBT can help with many types of trauma including abuse, witnessing violence, accidents, loss of a loved one, natural disasters, and medical trauma.
How to Support Your Child
During Treatment
- • Attend your parent sessions
- • Practice skills together at home
- • Praise their effort and courage
When They Share
- • Listen calmly without interrupting
- • Validate their feelings
- • Thank them for trusting you
At Home
- • Keep consistent routines
- • Use relaxation techniques together
- • Be patient — progress isn't linear
For Caregivers
Hearing about your child's trauma can bring up difficult feelings of your own. This is normal. Talk to the therapist about getting support for yourself — taking care of you helps you take care of them.