Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is a form of trauma counseling that can alleviate symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. This method is typically used with children and teens, but it can benefit adult survivors of childhood trauma. TF-CBT combines several evidence-based therapeutic practices to help patients overcome anxiety, depression, guilt, anger, low self-esteem, and other mental health issues that result from trauma.
Let’s take a closer look at what TF-CBT is and how it may help your family.
What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Before you can understand TF-CBT, you need to understand cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). This is a type of psychotherapy focused on reversing negative thought patterns. For instance, if a person consistently jumps to conclusions, CBT would aim to prevent that way of thinking. The person would learn to evaluate situations based on the current information available, rather than predicting a negative outcome.
CBT is used for a vast assortment of counseling services, including: depression treatment, anxiety treatment, self-esteem building, self-harm prevention, eating disorder treatment, grief counseling, and more. It is often incorporated with other psychotherapies, with treatment individualized to suit the client’s specific needs.
What Is TF-CBT?
TF-CBT utilizes the methods of CBT, but it focuses on traumatic experiences. A child may perceive trauma with a guilty conscience. “I did something bad, so this happened to me.” Through TF-CBT, a child can learn how to view past trauma in a different light. He or she will also learn how to cope with feelings after a traumatic experience, whether it be depression, anxiety, poor self-image, helplessness, etc.
TF-CBT can also improve behavioral issues a child may have after trauma, such as acting out in school, defying authority, lashing out in anger, not falling asleep, and going into social isolation. Trauma counseling fixes issues at the root cause of these behaviors to improve experiences now and in the future.
How TF-CBT Helps Parents
TF-CBT is just as helpful for parents as it is for children. Parents can be better prepared for their child’s uncharacteristic behaviors, and they can learn how to de-escalate reactions when they occur. Parents also get a better understanding of their child’s trauma triggers so they know what to avoid or how to handle the reaction that follows.
Where to Find TF-CBT in Appleton, WI
Sherman Counseling provides TF-CBT in Appleton, WI. Our TF-CBT specialists have years of education and experience in trauma counseling. We will match you with the best counselor for your family’s needs, whether you need short-term counseling or extended therapy. our office at 920-733-2065 to schedule an appointment for child counseling, family counseling, or other therapy services.
