TRAUMA FOCUSED COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THERAPY (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is a specialized treatment for children and youth who have experienced highly stressful and/or frightening life experiences. It is a short term treatment model that teaches young people how to identify and cope with the strong feelings they might experience after a stressful life event or loss of a loved one. TF-CBT also helps children and youth work through what has happened to them and move on with their lives in a more healthy manner. TF-CBT includes an important caregiver component, to help adults in the child's life manage their own feelings about the events and respond to behavioural problems that may develop following a traumatic experience. I am certified and have years of experience in the delivery of TF-CBT with children and youth.
Although research has shown that TF-CBT can help young people overcome Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), it can also benefit a child who has had a highly stressful experience but does not meet criteria for PTSD. Outcome studies with children and youth following stressful life events have shown the following benefits of TF-CBT: