Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Abstract

Exposure to traumatic events during childhood is relatively common and is related to a host of adverse short- and long-term outcomes. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT; Cohen et al. Treating trauma and traumatic grief in children and adolescents. The Guildford Press, New York, 2006) is the leading intervention for childhood trauma, having amassed the most empirical support (Cohen et al. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 4: 414–430, 2010). TF-CBT is a conjoint child and parent therapy model that consists of nine trauma-focused components that spell the acronym PRACTICE. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of the TF-CBT model and PRACTICE components. Next, we describe the theoretical underpinnings of TF-CBT, highlighting such concepts as stress management, gradual exposure, cognitive theory, and observational learning via caregiver involvement. We then illustrate how to implement TF-CBT using a case example. Special challenges frequently observed in TF-CBT, and how to overcome these difficulties, are then discussed. We conclude by describing the significant empirical support for TF-CBT and outlining areas for future TF-CBT research.