Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

Exposure to traumatic events during childhood is common and related to a host of short- and long-term difficulties. Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT; Cohen et al., Treating trauma and traumatic grief in children and adolescents, 2nd edn, Guilford Press, New York, 2017) is a commonly used evidence-based intervention to treat childhood traumatic stress (Thielemann et al., Child Abuse Neglect 134:1–13, 2022). TF-CBT, typically delivered through individual child and parent sessions, as well as conjoint sessions, consists of nine trauma-focused components that spell the acronym PRACTICE. In this chapter, we provide a brief overview of the TF-CBT model and PRACTICE components. Next we describe the theoretical underpinnings of TF-CBT, highlighting such concepts as stress management, gradual exposure, cognitive theory, and observational learning via caregiver involvement. We then use a case example to illustrate how to implement TF-CBT. Common implementation pitfalls are identified and discussed along with specific strategies therapists can employ to avoid them. We conclude by describing the ample empirical support for TF-CBT and suggest future directions for TF-CBT research.