Trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) incorporates a child's narrative of the traumatic event to help the child work through the underlying problems. It may include a combination of activities and exercises, but the goal is to create a positive, safe environment for the child to process the events. TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment and is supported by the government, insurance companies, and other experts.

The therapist will work with the child's specific situation and develop an individual treatment plan to help the child overcome the trauma. Some of the most common symptoms of trauma are inability to express feelings or distance from them. During the therapy, the therapist will work with the child to develop new coping skills and methods for managing negative affective states. Some of these skills may include problem-solving skills, acquiring social support, and learning to focus on the present moment.

TF-CBT teaches coping skills to help the child express and manage negative feelings. It focuses on the role of emotion in the child's development and is guided by exposure principles and cognitive restructuring techniques. Exposure involves gradually exposing the child to reminders of their traumatic event to reduce the distress associated with them. In contrast, cognitive restructuring involves identifying inaccurate thoughts and forming more adaptive and flexible ways to understand them.

A trauma-focused approach to psychotherapy was developed in the 1990s by psychiatrists Judith Cohen and Esther Deblinger and psychologist Anthony Mannarino. While the initial focus was on children who had experienced sexual abuse, the concept has evolved to help children who have been abused or have witnessed violence. TF-CBT works with any child experiencing emotional effects of a traumatic experience. It is effective for both children and their parents. You can read more here.

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy has several advantages. Initially, it focuses on the child's experiences of multiple traumatic events. The treatment aims to restore a child's sense of safety. It can also help the child cope with other challenges that may arise from their traumatic experiences. TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment method that works with children and families experiencing the emotional effects of multiple traumatic events.

The goal of TF-CBT is to help children with emotional difficulties related to a traumatic experience. It aims to reduce the effects of a traumatic event on a child's health. The therapist will focus on addressing the child's emotional concerns in a compassionate way. It will also help them develop the skills necessary to cope with the traumatic event. In addition to helping the child express his/her feelings, TF-CBT also helps the child learn to cope with the impact of the trauma.