Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a specialized approach to therapy that addresses the mental health needs of children, adolescents, and families who have been impacted by early trauma.

Developed in the 1990s by psychiatrist Judith Cohen and psychologists Esther Deblinger and Anthony Mannarino, TF-CBT was initially designed to better serve children and adolescents who had experienced sexual abuse. Over time, its scope has expanded to include various forms of severe trauma or abuse.

Utilizes cognitive behavioral techniques to:

• Modify distorted or unhelpful thinking.


• Address negative reactions and behaviors.


• Helps patients challenge invasive thoughts related to guilt, fear, and trauma.

Family Therapy Component:

• Addresses problems faced by family members dealing with the child’s trauma.


• Incorporates stress management, communication, and parenting skills.

Involvement of Caregivers:

• Treatment involves a non-offending parent or caregiver.


• Often starts with separate therapy sessions for the child and caregiver, progressing to joint sessions.