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TRAUMA-FOCUSED
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma and their parents or caregivers.
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Research shows that TF-CBT successfully resolves a broad array of emotional and behavioral difficulties associated with single, multiple, and complex trauma experiences.
 
TF-CBT is a structured, short-term treatment model that effectively improves a range of trauma-related outcomes in 8-25 sessions with the child/adolescent and caregiver.

Although TF-CBT is highly effective at improving youth posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and diagnosis, a PTSD diagnosis is not required in order to receive this treatment.
 
TF-CBT also effectively addresses many other trauma impacts, including affective (e.g., depressive, anxiety), cognitive and behavioral problems, as well as improving the participating parent’s or caregiver’s personal distress about the child’s traumatic experience, effective parenting skills, and supportive interactions with the child.

TRAUMA SYMPTOMS

Physical Symptoms

  • Racing heart rate

  • Tightness in the chest

  • Sweating or shaking, especially your palms

  • Clenched jaw, clenched teeth, or teeth grinding

  • Fast or heavy breathing

  • Headache

  • Upset stomach; nauseous

  • Tense muscles, tensed body

  • Frowning or scowling

  • Turning red in the face

  • Feeling hot in the neck/face

  • Shaking or trembling

  • Dizziness

  • Muscles hurt

  • Having difficulties breathing

  • Clammy hands

  • Blurry vision

  • Tingling

  • Squinting, rolling the eyes, or other facial expressions

Doctor Using Digital Tablet

Emotional Symptoms

Boat trip

  • Feeling disrespected or humiliated

  • Feeling guilty

  • Feeling insecure

  • Feeling jealous, resentful, or rejected

  • Feeling abandoned or afraid

  • Wanting to get away from the situation

  • Feeling irritated, sad, or depressed

  • Feeling anxieties or worries

  • Feeling like striking out verbally or physically

  • Feeling like crying

  • Being oversensitive, everything bothers me 

  • Feeling like things aren’t fair

  • Constantly worrying about making mistakes

  • Having hurt feelings

  • Worrying about consequences to my actions

  • Wanting to push other’s buttons on purpose

  • Feeling like no one loves me or wants me

  • Feeling double-crossed

  • Feeling like being alone, isolating

Cognitive Behavioral Symptoms

  • Pounding/banging on things or slamming doors with your other hand or clenching fists

  • Getting sarcastic/argumentative or losing your sense of humor

  • Acting in an abusive or abrasive manner or threatening others

  • Craving a drink, a smoke or other substances to relax

  • Throwing things or feeling like you want to throw things

  • Making monster noises, grunts, deep breathing, or whining

  • Pacing, walking or running away

  • Getting aggressive, starting to shove, push, hit, pinch, or kick

  • Rapid mood swings (going from mad to sad to happy)

  • Throwing self on the floor, stomping feet

  • Digging or picking at skin, biting nails, or chewing on hair

  • Making angry statements such as “I’m gonna blow!" 

  • Restless, fidgety, more hyperactive than normal, distractible

  • Increased difficulties with sleep, nightmares, night terrors, trouble staying asleep, eating issues, toileting issues

  • Crying more often, sensitive, easily angered or frustrated

  • Lacking concentration/focus, easily losing things, disorganized

Young Man in Therapy
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