When a child experiences trauma, such as physical abuse or the loss of a loved one, they can suffer from damaging long-term effects without the right treatment. After experiencing trauma, children can have behavioral problems, difficulty eating, sleeping, and bouts of anxiety and depression. It is important for children to cope with trauma in a healthy way. Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based form of treatment that can help children and adolescents overcome the challenges of a traumatic event. At Serene Trails Therapy, we offer TF-CBT as a form of adolescent therapy in Wellington, using techniques to help modify distorted or unhelpful thinking and negative reactions and behaviors. Discover how your child may benefit from TF-CBT.
What Is Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
As a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy, TF-CBT addresses unhealthy behaviors and thoughts of children who have experienced a traumatic event. It is a short-term treatment that generally does not last more than 25 sessions. After trauma, children may have an unhealthy way of handling their pain, such as lashing out, or not going to school. With therapy, they can identify healthy responses to cope with maladaptive thoughts and behaviors.
This form of treatment can be used to help children who have experienced physical, sexual, or mental abuse. It can also help children who have recently lost a loved one and have symptoms of depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
Trauma-focused therapy can also benefit the parents/caregivers. You are in a unique situation, so it is common if you don’t know how to respond to your child’s particular needs. As a parent, you want to set limits, but at the same time, you do not want to push your child away. In this case, family-focused treatment may be beneficial. You will both be able to work out your struggles in a safe environment, where you can discuss details of the trauma and learn/practice skills that you are encouraged to practice at home, as well.
It is important to note that children should not have family-focused therapy sessions with the offending parent, or in other words, the parent who is responsible for causing the trauma. This is only an effective treatment with the non-offending parent or caregiver.
What to Expect?
Therapy sessions can last anywhere from 60-90 minutes. During this time, children may learn the following:
- Relaxation techniques to deal with stress and anxiety
- Healthy ways to manage their emotions
- Exposure exercises where children talk about the traumatic event
- Parent-child sessions to help improve communication between parent and child
- Resources for additional recovery after their TF-CBT in Wellington is completed
How Successful is TF-CBT?
Children can benefit a lot from trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy. It can minimize their symptoms, such as behavioral problems, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. In some cases, it is more effective in treating children with a history of sexual abuse than play therapy or supportive therapy.
In general, the success of therapy depends on the relationship between the therapist, patient, and parent. The therapist will do the necessary work, providing children with the skills to cope with trauma. In a family-oriented setting, the parents will learn skills to support their children. Therapy is most successful when there is a genuine relationship fueled by trust between therapist, parent, and child.
What To Look For In A Therapist
It is important to find someone with who you and your child feel genuinely comfortable. Therapy is more effective when children work with someone they trust enough to share their feelings with and take advice from. In addition to this connection, you want to look for someone who is a licensed mental health professional who is experienced in treating children with trauma.
Visit Serene Trails Therapy
We understand the challenges that children and adolescents face after experiencing trauma. We know the importance of finding a safe and non-judgmental space for them to process their emotions, learn new coping skills, and grow into a healthy individual with improved behavior patterns. Our treatment may be just what your child needs. If you are interested in family-oriented TF-CBT, we can perform both individual and family services. We understand the benefit of using different methods, and that family-oriented therapy may help you gain insight and better connect with your children.
For adolescent therapy in Wellington, contact Serene Trails Therapy. Call 561-335-6658 to schedule your first appointment.
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