Has your kid or teen experienced a traumatic event? Some examples of trauma are, but not limited to:
- sexual abuse or assault
- physical abuse
- witnessing domestic violence
- witness of a homicide or suicide
- emotional abuse
As much as we try to protect our kids from the dangers of the world, we are not always able to protect them from the actions of others.
Not addressing or ignoring the abuse a child has disclosed does not make it go away. It may even reiterate the perpetrator’s claim that “no one will believe you if you tell.” The impact of abuse on each kid and teen is different. Some of those effects can be severe and long-lasting. Some of the effects are, but not limited to, below:
- anxiety
- depression
- academic problems
- withdrawn
- trouble eating or sleeping
- poor hygiene
- inappropriate dress
- behavioral problems
There is help for your kid or teen who has experienced trauma. Your kid or teen does not have to suffer. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is a evidenced-based treatment approach to overcome trauma-related symptoms.
What is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)?
- TF-CBT is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy for kids and teens who have experienced trauma and are having emotional and/or behavioral problems related to the experience. Some kids and teens who have experienced trauma may display symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, experiencing trauma may not result in PTSD. Some children and adolescents who experience trauma might display emotional or behavioral symptoms.
- Treatment using TF-CBT consists of individual sessions with the kid or teen, individual sessions with the parent or caretaker, and joint sessions with the kid or teen and parent or caretaker. Kids and teens benefit from TF-CBT when their parent or caretaker is involved in their treatment. The sessions are weekly and are based upon eight components (see below).
- TF-CBT assist the kid or teen with developing coping strategies for reactions to traumatic stress and reduce emotional or behavioral symptoms.
TF-CBT Components
- Psychoeducation: learning about trauma and the effects o it
- Parenting skills: for dealing with behaviors
- Relaxation and coping skills
- Affect regulation: working to identify and express emotions in a healthy way
- Cognitive coping: learning how thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are interrelated; learning how to make healthy choices.
- Trauma narrative: telling their story to promote healing and growth
- In vivo exposure: gradually increasing the ability to cope with anxiety caused by triggers and reminders of the trauma.
- Conjoint parent-child sessions: working to improve communication and attachment
- Enhancing safety: children exposed to one trauma need to learn how to protect themselves from ongoing trauma. Helping the child to recognize dangers and identify ways to keep themselves safe.
Trauma counseling can help your kid or teen have fewer trauma symptoms, increase their ability to cope, reduce depressive and anxiety symptoms, improve their ability to trust and social interactions. TF-CBT is not appropriate for kids or teens whose conduct and behavioral issues were present before the traumatic event occurred, who are actively suicidal, and who are currently abusing drugs or alcohol.