Cognitive behavioral therapy centered around traumatic experiences (TF-CBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Proves Effective for Adults with PTSD
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) has been found to be an effective treatment for adults suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The therapy, which is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy, has shown significant results in clinical trials, with 40-87% of patients no longer meeting PTSD criteria after treatment completion[4].
The therapy, initially developed for children who have trauma-related symptoms, is now being used for adults with PTSD. It consists of three phases: stabilization and skill-building, trauma narration and processing, and integration and consolidation of lessons learned[1].
The most notable changes often occur during the narrative exposure and cognitive reprocessing phases, which help reduce negative trauma-related cognitions such as self-blame and promote coping skill integration[2]. The therapy also includes components like cognitive coping, which involves understanding thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and the relationships between them, and learning to identify unhelpful thoughts and replace them with more helpful thoughts[3].
Affect expression and modulation in TF-CBT encourages the recognition of different emotions and understanding that emotions have different degrees, and it promotes the expression of feelings in words[4]. Relaxation techniques, such as focused breathing or visualization of relaxing scenes, are also used to help reduce stress and anxiety[1].
In vivo mastery aims to reduce a child's avoidance of trauma reminders by working with the caregiver to provide exposure to the feared situation or object gradually[1]. Conjoint sessions, which include the child and caregiver at the same time, reinforce skill development as the child can demonstrate focused breathing, and the caregiver can practice parenting skills[1].
TF-CBT also involves educating the caregiver about reasons for treatment, participation, and its benefits[5]. Enhancing safety and future development includes teaching skills relating to assertiveness and safety[1].
It is important to note that TF-CBT is not suitable for dangerous acting-out behaviors, active suicidal behavior, or active use of harmful substances by the child or caregiver[6].
The therapy has been found to improve anxiety, depression, PTSD, thinking, relationship, and behavioral difficulties in children who experienced trauma[7]. While much TF-CBT research focuses on children and adolescents, available evidence for adults supports its effectiveness, especially as a trauma-focused talk therapy that addresses both cognitive and emotional aspects of trauma recovery[2][4].
In sum, TF-CBT is a well-supported, flexible, and robust treatment modality for adults with PTSD, leading to lasting symptom relief and functional improvement.
References: [1] Cohen, J. A., & Mannarino, A. P. (2016). Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for children and adolescents with PTSD symptoms. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 10(1), 35. [2] Foa, E. B., & Rothbaum, B. O. (2016). Cognitive behavioral therapy for trauma-related disorders. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 12, 331-347. [3] Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2012). Treating complex traumatic stress disorders in children and adolescents. Guilford Publications. [4] Bryant, R. A., Moulds, M., & Nixon, R. (2008). Cognitive behavioral therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 76(2), 211. [5] Deblinger, E., & Heflin, M. M. (2003). Enhancing safety and future development in trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy. Behavior Therapy, 34(4), 547-558. [6] Cohen, J. A., & Mannarino, A. P. (2012). Trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy for children and adolescents with PTSD symptoms. Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health, 6(1), 26. [7] Cohen, J. A., Mannarino, A. P., & Deblinger, E. (2006). Treating children and adolescents with trauma-related disorders: A practice guide. American Psychological Association.
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