Trauma Informed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Northern Virginia.
TF-CBT is beneficial for..
children and teens who have experienced trauma
understanding safety and containment
helping people process events that have been scary or overwhelming
supporting behaviors that may be linked to traumatic experiences
helping children and teens understand that trauma is not their fault
What to expect
TF-CBT is a structured model that involves caregivers in the therapy process. Your child’s therapist will start by understanding what they went through, often asking for your help so as to not trigger your child. Then the therapist will work with your child to help them understand what trauma is and to develop coping skills for behaviors and emotions that may be related to the trauma. Once your child is feeling grounded, your child’s therapist will work with them to build a trauma narrative. They may do this through art, music, play, or journaling. At the end of treatment, your child’s therpaist will invite you as the parent to participate in sessions to go through your child’s narrative.
How we support children & teens
Children and teens often don’t have the words to express what they are experiencing, especially when it comes to trauma. Our therapists who use TF-CBT in their practice integrate it with art and play in order to support your child or teen in processing what they have been through. Although TF-CBT is structured, our therapist are flexible and meet your child where they are at every session. If your child is not in a space to do trauma therapist, we will not push them. Your child’s therapist will work with them and with you as parents to developing skills and supports for home and at school to help manage triggers, behaviors, and emotions. ok like.
Common Questions
How do I know if TF-CBt is right for my child?
If your child has been through something difficult or scary your child’s therapist may suggest TF-CBT, however they will be able to tell you how they think therapy should be structured.
Will you make my client talk about trauma?
Not until they are ready. We work with each child and family to hep our clients feel grounded and that they are able to use coping skills to keep themselves calm when discussing hard things. At some point, we will create a trauma narrative, but we will never push your child before they are ready.
How long does TF-CBT take?
The structured program is support to be done is 12 sessions to 6 months. However, we integrate TF-CBT into our practice, so often it takes longer. We find our clients need more time to settle into therapy and process what they have experienced.