Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based structured, short-term treatment model that effectively improves a range of trauma-related outcomes in 8-25 sessions with the child/adolescent and caregiver. Although TF-CBT is highly effective at improving youth post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms and diagnosis, a PTSD diagnosis is not required in order to receive this treatment. TF-CBT also effectively addresses many other concerns associated with trauma, including affective (e.g. depressive, anxiety), cognitive, and behavioural problems, as well as improving the participating parent's or caregiver's personal distress about the child's traumatic experience, effective parenting skills, and supportive interactions with the child. Research has shown that TF-CBT successfully resolves a broad array of emotional and behavioural difficulties associated with single, multiple, and complex trauma experiences^.

The Psychosocial Trauma Support Service in KKH provides a TF-CBT Training and Consultation Programme for professionals in Singapore, who have an interest in helping children and youth recover from the effects of trauma exposure in their lives.

Programme structure

• Completion of the TF-CBT Web Online course prior to participating in the programme
• Participation in a 1-day Introduction and Assessment Training, where therapists receive a brief introduction to trauma in children, and are acquainted with the use of specific psychological questionnaires to measure and track a child's progress in therapy
• Participation in a 3-day TF-CBT Training
• Participation in a monthly follow-up consultation for twelve months
  • The therapist must participate in at least 9 of the 12 consultation sessions conducted by the trainer(s)
• Completion of three separate TF-CBT treatment cases with three children or youth with at least two of the cases involving active caregiver participation

Learning objectives

• Identify ways that traumatic experiences have the potential to impact child development and health throughout the lifespan
• Cite at least two key research studies that demonstrate the potential impact of childhood trauma on the lifespan
• Explain why trauma-informed care is so vital
• Describe the nature of the research that supports the efficacy of TF-CBT
• Identify and define each component of the TF-CBT model
• Recognise the importance of respectful and empowering client engagement in the treatment process
• Understand the rationale behind each TF-CBT component and be able to use at least 3 tools or strategies for each of the model's components
• Be able to practice TF-CBT with children and adolescents who may benefit from trauma-focused intervention

Who should apply?

Helping professionals with the following:

• A basic degree in social work, counselling, or psychology
• At least three years of counselling experience with one year of therapy experience with children and/or youth
• An interest in delivering evidence-based treatment for trauma in children and youth

Our trainers

• Ms Lim Xin Yi
• Ms Lynn Soh

For more information about the course, or to register your interest, please email us.

^Excerpt from https://tfcbt.org