💫 Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

🌿Healing from Trauma with Compassion, Safety, and Support

At Mara’s Lighthouse, we know that trauma can shape how children see themselves and the world around them. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a specialized, evidence-based treatment designed to help children, adolescents, and their caregivers process painful experiences, rebuild trust, and restore emotional balance.

Developed by Dr. Judith Cohen, Dr. Esther Deblinger, and Dr. Anthony Mannarino, TF-CBT combines trauma-sensitive care with practical cognitive and behavioral techniques — offering a pathway from fear and confusion to healing and connection.

🧠 What Makes TF-CBT Unique

While traditional CBT focuses on identifying and reshaping unhelpful thoughts and behaviors, TF-CBT adds a trauma-specific lens that recognizes how deep emotional wounds affect the body, mind, and relationships.

This approach helps children and teens:

  • Understand and manage their trauma responses

  • Reduce shame, guilt, and self-blame

  • Rebuild trust with safe, supportive adults

  • Develop resilience and emotional regulation skills

Equally important, caregivers are active participants in the process, learning tools to support their child’s recovery and strengthen the family system as a whole.

🌈 When TF-CBT Can Help

TF-CBT is designed for children and adolescents who have experienced:

  • Sexual, physical, or emotional abuse

  • Witnessing or experiencing violence

  • Traumatic loss or grief

  • Neglect or exposure to distressing events

  • Post-traumatic stress, anxiety, or depression related to trauma

It can also be adapted for families experiencing chronic stress or relational conflict after a traumatic event. When needed, it may be integrated with other therapies — such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) — for comprehensive care.

🌿 How TF-CBT Works

TF-CBT typically lasts 8–25 sessions, tailored to each child and family’s needs. Treatment often begins with separate sessions for the child and caregiver and progresses toward joint sessions as healing deepens.

Key components include:

  • Psychoeducation: Understanding trauma and its emotional impact

  • Coping Skills: Relaxation, mindfulness, and positive self-talk

  • Gradual Exposure: Safely revisiting memories to reduce distress

  • Cognitive Processing: Challenging unhelpful thoughts and beliefs

  • Caregiver Support: Strengthening attachment and communication

The structure offers both emotional safety and measurable progress, helping children regain control of their inner world while caregivers build confidence in guiding recovery.

💖 Why TF-CBT Works

TF-CBT is one of the most researched trauma treatments for youth — and for good reason. Studies consistently show greater improvement in emotional health, behavior, and family relationships compared to other interventions.

Children often experience:

  • Reduced PTSD and anxiety symptoms

  • Improved mood and sense of safety

  • Healthier emotional expression and coping

  • Closer relationships with caregivers

At Mara’s Lighthouse, we create a space where healing feels possible — and where every family’s story of resilience is honored.

🌟 A Lighthouse for Recovery

Healing from trauma takes courage, patience, and the right support. TF-CBT offers that foundation — blending proven science with deep compassion to help children and families find their light again.

At Mara’s Lighthouse, our clinicians are trained in trauma-informed, evidence-based care to help your family move forward — together.

👉 Schedule a TF-CBT session today and begin your journey toward healing, safety, and connection.

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