Trauma FocusedCognitive BehavioralTherapy (TF CBT)
Trauma FocusedCognitive BehavioralTherapy (TF CBT)
Trauma FocusedCognitive BehavioralTherapy (TF CBT)
What is it?
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a psychosocial treatment model
designed to treat posttraumatic stress and related emotional and behavioral problems in children
and adolescents. Initially developed to address the psychological trauma associated with child
sexual abuse, the model has been adapted for use with children who have a wide array of
traumatic experiences, including domestic violence, traumatic loss, and the often multiple
psychological traumas experienced by children prior to foster care placement. The treatment
model is designed to be delivered by trained therapists who initially provide parallel individual
sessions with children and their parents (or guardians), with conjoint parent-child sessions
increasingly incorporated over the course of treatment. The acronym PRACTICE is used for
the components of the treatment model, which are: Psychoeducation and parenting skills;
Relaxation skills; Affect expression and regulation skills; Cognitive coping skills and
processing; Trauma narrative; In vivo exposure (when needed); Conjoint parent-child sessions;
and, Enhancing safety and future development. Although TF-CBT is generally delivered in 1216 sessions of individual and parent-child therapy, it also may be provided in the context of a
longer-term treatment process or in a group therapy format.
Who is it for? What presenting problems does it address?
Children/adolescents ages 3-18 years old with a known trauma history who are experiencing
significant Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms, as well as other emotional and
behavioral difficulties related to traumatic exposure.
What outcomes are addressed in the research?
1. Family/relationships
2. Mental health
3. Social functioning
4. Trauma/injuries
How much does it cost?*
*The following information may have been updated by the developer and may not reflect the
current costs or availability of items. Check with the implementation point of contact for current
cost information and implementation requirements.
September 2013
www.nrcpfc.org
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare. (2013). Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral
Therapy (TF-CBT). Retrieved on 23 September 2013 from http://www.cebc4cw.org/program/trauma-focusedcognitive-behavioral-therapy/; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Services Administration. (2013). Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). National Registry of
Evidence-based Programs and Practices. Retrieved on 23 September 2013 from
http://www.nrepp.samhsa.gov/ViewIntervention.aspx?id=135.
September 2013
www.nrcpfc.org