What is TF-CBT and Who is it For?
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy designed to help children, adolescents, adults, and families who are dealing with the detrimental effects of trauma. Originally, TF-CBT was created to help children and adolescents who had experienced sexual abuse. However, over the years Trauma-Focused CBT has expanded. TF-CBT has become an evidence-based method effective for anyone who has experienced individual trauma or multiple traumatic events. It is often used for the treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which may result from the grief and loss of a loved one or sexual, physical, or mental abuse in the home or workplace. Some of the symptoms of PTSD that can be treated with TF-CBT include depression, anxiety, and grief.
The Trauma-Focused CBT Approach
TF-CBT is a short term, a trauma-sensitive approach that usually lasts between 8 to 16 sessions. It also depends on the individual and their specific needs. In a safe and secure therapy environment, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy techniques are implemented so that the individual can understand their negative or distorted thinking patterns and reactions and modify these thoughts and behaviours. Clients are encouraged to share their feelings and learn techniques to manage their difficult emotions and symptoms. This is done over the course of therapy. Moreover, elements of family therapy are also incorporated in the TF-CBT approach. When the individual engaging in therapy is a child or adolescent who has experienced trauma in the form of domestic violence or abuse, or who has experienced the death of a loved one, the non-offending parent is often involved in the sessions. Both the child and parent learn to better process their emotions, communicate with one another, and develop skills.
Some core aspects of TF-CBT include:
- Psychoeducation
- Learning relaxation techniques
- Cognitive processing of the trauma(s)
- Family therapy (e.g. child-parent sessions)
- Skill-building, including developing plans for enhancing future safety
The Power of a Strong Therapeutic Relationship
A genuine, trusting therapeutic relationship between the client(s) and therapist is crucial for the success of TF-CBT. Experiencing trauma leads to many negative consequences, including feelings of guilt, anger, powerlessness, anxiety, and depression, difficulty sleeping, emotional numbness, issues with concentration, and extreme and unpleasant emotional or physical responses to anything that triggers the traumatic event. With the help of a TF-CBT therapist, the client can experience a significant improvement of these negative symptoms and develop a personal toolkit so they can manage their distress after therapy is long over.
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Book an Appointment
Some of the clinicians at CBT Psychology For Personal Development, have knowledge and training in TF-CBT and will be happy to help you process and manage personal trauma. If you are interested in TF-CBT and would like to see a therapist in Vaughan, Thornhill, Markham, or the GTA and are a resident of Ontario please call 905.597.4404 or fill out the form below and you will be contacted within 24 business hours. You may also request a Teletherapy session over the phone or a video call.
CBT Psychology For Personal Development is located at 7626 Yonge St, Thornhill, ON L4J 1V9.
Our psychologists and psychotherapists offer therapy in Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, York Region.
We offer counselling across Ontario through teletherapy (online counselling using secure video platforms).