TF-CBT
Core Mechanism
Gradual exposure through trauma narrative + cognitive processing + parent involvement reduces avoidance and corrects distorted attributions
Ontology
Child trauma creates avoidance, maladaptive cognitions (self-blame), and dysregulated affect maintained by avoidance cycle
Therapeutic Voice
"You did nothing wrong. Let's practice saying that. What does it feel like to hear those words?"
View of the Person
A developing child whose trauma-related cognitions, affect, and behavior respond to structured exposure with parental support
Evidence
NICE: recommended for child PTSD. APA: recommended. SAMHSA: listed
20+ RCTs
Multiple meta-analyses
Very strong evidence. Gold standard for child/adolescent trauma.
Conditions
Epistemology
Blind Spots
Requires parental/caregiver involvement — inaccessible when caregivers are the source of trauma or unavailable
Contraindications
Active psychosis in the child, ongoing abuse in the home without safety planning, caregiver who is the perpetrator and has not engaged in accountability, severe dissociation in the child
Training
TF-CBT Web (free, 10 hrs) + live consultation. For children/adolescents
TF-CBT certification through MUSC
Web: 10 hrs; certification: web + 2-day live + consultation + cases
Free-$2K
Equity & Cultural Adaptations
Philosophical Roots
Beck (cognitive model); Bandura (social learning); Bowlby (attachment); developmental psychopathology tradition
Related Modalities
Clinical Vignettes
See how TF-CBT formulates these cases:
Test Yourself
PRACTICE acronym?
Show answer
Psychoeducation, Relaxation, Affective modulation, Cognitive coping, Trauma narrative, In vivo, Conjoint, Enhancing safety.