Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

Healing Trauma Without Reliving It

Some Experiences Stay With Us.

Not just in our memories, but in our emotions, our reactions, and even in our bodies. Trauma can make it hard to trust, hard to feel safe, and hard to move forward—even when we want to.

We can still live productive lives with this old experiences still taking up residence in our hearts and brains. But what if we could reduce the impact on our thinking, anxiety and interactions with others? Wouldn’t like feel a little brighter?

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is a research-backed approach designed to help people process trauma in a way that feels safe and manageable.

It’s not about endlessly talking through painful memories. It’s about giving you tools to reframe those experiences so they stop controlling your emotions, relationships, and daily life.

At our practice, TF-CBT is just one part of the healing process. We also integrate EMDR, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), mindfulness techniques, and distress tolerance strategies—because healing looks different for everyone.

Learn more how TF-CBT helps families, adults and children.

Antique key resting on books with golden bokeh — representing access to safety, trust, and emotional memory. All concepts discussed in Trauma focused CBT (TF-CBT)

What IS Trauma Focused CBT?

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is a structured, short-term therapy model designed to help people—especially those who experienced trauma in childhood or adolescence—understand and reshape the way their mind and body respond to past experiences.

It’s particularly effective for people dealing with:

  • PTSD and childhood trauma
  • Sexual abuse or assault recovery
  • Grief, loss, and major life disruptions
  • Anxiety, fear, and panic triggered by past events
  • Trust issues and relationship struggles linked to trauma

Trauma doesn’t just live in the past. It can show up in daily life, affecting your ability to feel safe, connected, and at peace. TF-CBT helps you retrain your brain to respond differently—so the past stops running the present.

Floral teacup on a blue tablecloth beside a dessert — a symbol of nurturing comfort and mindful moments.

Who is Trauma Focused CBT For?

We use trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy with adults who are struggling with:

  • Unresolved childhood trauma that still affects their emotions and relationships
  • PTSD, anxiety, or panic attacks linked to past events
  • Survivors of abuse, assault, or domestic violence who need a structured healing process
  • Grief, loss, or major life disruptions that have left them feeling stuck
  • Ongoing negative self-beliefs rooted in past experiences

TF-CBT is effective for people who feel ready to process their trauma in a safe, structured way.

The Core Components of TF-CBT

Emotional Coping Skills: Before diving into trauma, we help you build tools to manage anxiety, flashbacks, and emotional overwhelm.

Mind-Body Awareness: Learn how trauma affects your body—and how to use grounding to reset your nervous system in the moment.

Safe Trauma Processing: No forced retelling. We help you gently reframe traumatic memories and shift harmful beliefs like “It was my fault.”

Gradual Exposure: When ready, you’ll face distressing memories through writing, visualization, or conversation—at a pace that feels safe.

Relationship Repair: Rebuild trust and boundaries in relationships that may have been strained by trauma responses.

Moving Forward: Trauma may still be part of your story, but it won’t control it. We help you create new meaning—and a new path forward.

How TF-CBT Works Alongside Other Therapies

TF-CBT is powerful on its own, but we often integrate it with other evidence-based approaches:

  • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing): To help process traumatic memories without getting stuck in emotional overwhelm
  • DBT (Dialectical Behavior Therapy): To build distress tolerance, emotional regulation, and mindfulness skills that help you stay grounded
  • Cognitive Restructuring Techniques: To help reframe negative self-beliefs and develop healthier thought patterns
  • Mindfulness & Grounding Exercises: To reduce triggers, anxiety, and panic responses

Healing isn’t about just one therapy—it’s about using the right tools at the right time.

Let’s Start Healing Together

If trauma, fear, or painful memories are still affecting your life today, TF-CBT may help you regain control and feel safer in your own mind and body.

The past may have shaped you, but it doesn’t have to define you. Let’s start healing, together.