Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment approach that helps children, adolescents, and their parents or caregivers overcome trauma-related difficulties. According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network "A traumatic event is a frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child’s life or bodily integrity. Witnessing a traumatic event that threatens life or physical security of a loved one can also be traumatic. This is particularly important for young children as their sense of safety depends on the perceived safety of their attachment figures."
"Traumatic experiences can initiate strong emotions and physical reactions that can persist long after the event. Children may feel terror, helplessness, or fear, as well as physiological reactions such as heart pounding, vomiting, or loss of bowel or bladder control. Children who experience an inability to protect themselves or who lacked protection from others to avoid the consequences of the traumatic experience may also feel overwhelmed by the intensity of physical and emotional responses.
Traumatic events include the following life experiences:Childwelfare.gov defines TF-CBT as "an evidence-based treatment that helps children address the negative effects of trauma, including processing their traumatic memories, overcoming problematic thoughts and behaviors, and developing effective coping and interpersonal skills."