Trauma-focused cognitive behaviour therapy (TF-CBT) is a therapeutic approach aimed to help children, adolescents, and their families overcome the negative impact of trauma. Components of TF-CBT include: psychoeducation on the effects of trauma, coping skills (e.g., relaxation, strategies to manage difficult thoughts and emotions), and exposure therapy.

Through the use of exposure therapy, children and adolescents are encouraged to face feared situations that they may be avoiding and to process their traumatic event through creative means (e.g., writing a narrative, drawing, etc.). An additional component is the involvement of caregivers to help improve caregiver-child communication and support to the child, as well as for caregivers to develop strategies in responding to their child’s distress or challenging behaviours.

TF-CBT can help your child develop coping skills to effectively manage emotional and behavioural difficulties related to the trauma and help your child process their traumatic experience in a safe and supportive environment.