Trauma Focussed CBT (TF-CBT)

What Is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)?

TF-CBT is a special type of talking therapy for people who have experienced trauma, and who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What happens in TF-CBT therapy?

Firstly we will building a trusting working relationship in order for you to feel safe; how long this will take depends on your previous experiences of relationships. What I can assure you is that we will work together on this and during this time we will discuss components of therapy which I hope will be helpful to you.

Grounding and stabilisation:

This includes practising both in the therapy session, and at home, techniques to manage potential feelings that may disturb you; these feelings are perfectly normal in PTSD. These might include

Relaxation exercises, or other techniques to help you stay grounded in the here-and-now.

Work with memories:

In order for your memories not to disturb you as much as they may at present we will need to look at them. However, please let me reassure you we will do that ‘at your pace’ so that you are not overwhelmed and feel in control. If I feel that there are any ‘blocks’ in therapy we will discuss what may be happening; again blocks are perfectly normal.

Please try and remember

Working with beliefs:

Each and every one of us all try on a daily basis to make sense of our world and what happens to us. Sometimes, though, events happen that are so catastrophic that we come to see ourselves and the world in a very negative way. During TF-CBT therapy we will work together on the beliefs that you have form to help you make sense of what you thought at the time of the trauma. I have purposely mentioned ‘what you thought’ because what we think and the reality of situations are not always accurate and it is important to challenge those beliefs. This will then enable you to decide what is a fair way of thinking about yourself in relation to your experiences and your belief about yourself now.

Reclaiming your life:

PTSD and traumatic experiences can often have the effect of stealing our lives; it’s as if our life is on hold and in some senses it is even though we may be doing our very best to do cope. So, for e.g. we may avoid relationships, certain places and limit our behaviour only doing what is essential. This can make our world smaller because we may avoid social situations, hobbies and what we used to find enjoyable.

My aim is to re-introduce the things that you want back in your life that made you feel more fulfilled whatever that may be.

What is the evidence for TF-CBT?

TF-CBT has a good evidence based and recognised by the National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) and is an effective treatment for PTSD.