Do you need an extra helping hand to remove emotional blocks in your mind and life? Does trauma in your memories or from your past continually make you feel stuck and holds you back from living a fulfilling life? Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) may be an ideal counselling method for your needs.
What is TF-CBT?
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy is an evidence-based therapeutic method with a more cognitive approach when addressing and treating behavioural challenges including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Using combined techniques found in cognitive behavioural therapy and an overall trauma-sensitive approach, TF-CBT has become a proven means to become desensitized to the effect of a traumatic memory.
While initially TF-CBT started out as an approach for children and youth who experienced sexual abuse, it has expanded over the years. Now, TF-CBT can help both children and adults find relief from post-traumatic challenges including depression, anxiety, and grief.
How Does It Work?
The first goal of any session at Expressions Counselling is to ensure there is a strong therapeutic relationship in place before TF-CBT sessions can begin. Once our clients feel safe, understood, and open to receiving guidance, we help them identify which behaviours associated with the traumatic memory require the most attention. Our team also collaborates with clients to develop a personal toolkit so they can better manage their distress long after therapy has taken place, while also experiencing significant improvement in how they respond to anything that triggers their traumatic flashbacks.
All TF-CBT sessions are held in a secure therapy environment. Cognitive behavioural therapy techniques are applied in order to help clients understand their distorted thinking patterns and behaviours better, and then modify these thoughts and behaviours. Clients are also encouraged to share their feelings and become equipped with tools to better manage their difficult emotions.
Elements of family counselling are also included in these sessions. For example, if the client is a child or teen who has experienced trauma in the form of domestic abuse or violence, or who has experienced the loss of a loved one, the parent/guardian who is not involved with these acts is included in the sessions. Both child and parent/guardian learn how to better process their difficult emotions, how to better communicate with one another, and how to develop lifelong skills.
EMDR or TF-CBT?
You may be wondering whether EMDR or TF-CBT is more suitable for your mental health needs and goals. While EMDR is a worthwhile evidence-based therapy, some clients may find it to be too difficult and taxing on their minds. TF-CBT is a good second option to consider, as it’s a bit less taxing than EMDR due to its being a more cognitive approach to trauma management. TF-CBT still leads to the same effect EMDR has, which is the desensitization of the trauma.
Our team at Expressions Counselling is properly trained and equipped to provide TF-CBT in any of your counselling sessions. All age groups we provide service to can benefit from this approach, and TF-CBT is available in person and online. TF-CBT sessions are available for all clients at Expressions Counselling, regardless of their race, gender, background, and upbringing.
If you’re still not sure or you have further questions, you’re welcome to discuss this form of counselling during your initial consultation with us, or the next time you have an appointment.
