TF-CBT
What is Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)?
TF-CBT is a structured, short-term cognitive behavioral model that effectively improves a range of trauma-related outcomes in a series of 8-25 sessions with the child and caregiver. Clients progress through eight core TF CBT components as they master skills, process trauma
Who is TF-CBT For?
TF-CBT is appropriate for youth aged 3-18 who are experiencing symptoms of traumatic stress and can be adapted for transition-aged youth (19-24). A PTSD diagnosis is not required to receive this treatment.
The Evidence
TF-CBT is the most rigorously tested evidence-based treatment for childhood trauma to date, with over 25 randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) demonstrating its effectiveness. RCTs conducted in the United States, Europe, and Africa comparing TF-CBT to other active treatment conditions consistently show that TF-CBT is superior in improving children’s traumatic stress symptoms as well as improving parental outcomes (e.g., decreased parental depression, decreased parental distress regarding the child’s traumatic experience, increased parental competencies such as parenting skills and supportive interactions with the child).
Research shows that TF-CBT is effective for diverse, multiple, and complex traumatic experiences, for youth of different developmental levels, and across different cultures (Thielmann et al., 2022). TF-CBT effectively addresses many other impacts of trauma, including affective (e.g., depressive, anxiety) and externalizing behavior problems (Hoogsteder et al., 2022). More information on the research behind TF-CBT can be found here.
We Make a Difference
What Clinicians Are Saying
I can now work with kids! This model is great!
The collaborative has been a success in increasing caregiver engagement!
TF-CBT is a different process for each client, but it continues to demonstrate that it can help clients overcome their traumas.
What can I expect from TF-CBT training?
We train with approved national trainers and prepare clinicians to get certified through the TF-CBT National Therapist Certification Program.
Training includes:
- Completion of TF-CBTWeb (approximately 11 hours)
- 12-hour didactic training
- 12 1-hour virtual consultation calls
Certification requirements:
- Master’s degree or above in a mental health discipline
- Be a resident of the US or Canada with a professional license in your home state/province
- Completion of TF-CBTWeb
- Participation in the didactic training with an approved TF-CBT trainer
- Completion of 12 consultation calls with an approved TF-CBT trainer or consultant
- Completion of 3 TF-CBT cases, with at least two including the active participation of a caregiver and one completing during the course of the consultation call series
- Use of at least one standardized instrument to measure trauma symptoms pre- and post-treatment
- Taking and passing a knowledge-based test
Certification fee: $250; Certification lasts 5 years.
For more information, click here.