Defining Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, (TF-CBT) is a combined child and parent psychotherapy approach for children and adolescents who are experiencing impactful behavioral and emotional difficulties due to traumatic life events. Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the most well-supported and effective treatment for children who have been abused and traumatized. Multiple studies have consistently found it to help children with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other trauma-related problems.
Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is designed to create a supportive atmosphere where children and adolescents are made comfortable enough to discuss their traumatic experience. Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is based on learning and cognitive theories and addresses misconstrued beliefs related to the trauma. Through Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, parents are taught how to cope effectively with their own emotional issues in regards to their child’s trauma, as well as how to develop skills that support their adolescents or children.
TF-CBT at Solstice East
At Solstice East, TF-CBT is used to help your child along in the healing process. Solstice East’s clinical program is based on three pillars, all of which help the TF-CBT approach:
- Relationship-based approach. By creating a “therapeutic alliance” between client, therapist and parent, the healing process is helped greatly. Solstice East employs caring, well trained staff who create trusting relationships with parents and their children. TF-CBT works best with a great therapeutic alliance and creative, resourceful therapists like Solstice East’s.
- Principle-driven. Through the development of a strong set of principles, Solstice East helps students grow internally by encouraging them to carry out these principles in their everyday actions. TF-CBT allows teens to carry out these principles without the trauma-related fear that was holding them back.
- Experiential. By experiencing situations that once triggered post-traumatic responses, students at Solstice East can overcome their trauma and begin the path to healing. Experiential therapy at Solstice East includes adventure therapy, equine therapy and various types of recreation.
Research on TF-CBT
Studies evaluating the impact of Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on traumatized children have consistently found Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy useful in reducing symptoms of PTSD, as well as symptoms such as behavioral problems and depression in children who have experienced other traumas. In several randomized clinical trials, TF-CBT was compared to other models and showed significantly greater gains with fewer clinical sessions than the other models and services tested. Up to two years after TF-CBT concluded, it showed that these gains were maintained throughout that period of time.