Trauma-Focused Cognitive
Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
At Caine Therapy & Consulting, we provide in-person and virtual TF-CBT to clients throughout North Carolina.
What is TF-CBT?
Trauma-Focused CBT is an evidence-based therapy designed to help individuals, especially children, adolescents, and their families, process and heal from traumatic experiences. It combines the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy with trauma-sensitive interventions to address the emotional and psychological impact of trauma. Through structured sessions, TF-CBT helps individuals understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, while also developing healthy coping skills. This approach is effective for treating PTSD, anxiety, depression, grief, and the effects of abuse or other traumatic events.
"TF-CBT is a structured, short-term treatment model that effectively improves a range of trauma-related outcomes in 8 to 25 sessions with the child/adolescent and caregiver."
— tfcbt.orgTF-CBT supports both your child and you as the caregiver
How Can TF-CBT Help Your Child?
Trauma-Focused CBT is a structured, evidence-based approach that helps children and adolescents heal from trauma and emotional distress. Here are just a few ways it can support your child's mental and emotional well-being:
- Reduce anxiety and help your child feel safer in their body and environment
- Alleviate symptoms of depression, sadness, and withdrawal
- Process and make sense of upsetting or traumatic experiences in a safe, supported way
- Improve emotional regulation and reduce outbursts or shutdowns
- Build healthy coping skills and increase emotional resilience
- Strengthen self-esteem and restore a sense of control
- Support healing when other therapies have felt too overwhelming or not effective
How Can TF-CBT Help Me As the Caregiver?
Trauma-Focused CBT not only supports your child's healing, but also empowers you as their caregiver to be an active part of the recovery process. Here are just a few ways TF-CBT can support you and your family:
- Learn how trauma affects your child's emotions, behavior, and development
- Gain practical strategies to support your child through emotional ups and downs
- Improve communication and strengthen your relationship with your child
- Reduce feelings of helplessness, guilt, or confusion
- Feel more confident in setting healthy boundaries and responding to difficult behaviors
- Understand your own emotional reactions and how they impact your child
- Be a steady, supportive presence in your child's healing journey
What do we do in TF-CBT?
During Trauma-Focused CBT, your therapist will guide you through structured conversations and exercises designed to help you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors are connected. Together, you will work to gently explore your trauma story, build coping skills, and reframe unhelpful beliefs that may have developed as a result of the trauma.
Throughout the process, your therapist provides a safe, supportive space where you can move at your own pace. The approach is structured yet flexible, helping you to process painful experiences, regain a sense of control, and strengthen your emotional resilience.
Trauma-Focused CBT is typically completed in 12 to 20 sessions, depending on your unique needs and goals. Sessions usually last between 50 to 60 minutes.
Your child does not have to carry this alone.
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Caine Therapy & Consulting is named in honor of my grandparents, James Luther and Blanche Darnell Glover Caine, farmers in Tarboro, North Carolina. Their legacy of preparation, planting, nurturing, and harvesting inspires the meaningful work we will do together.