Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) Flashcards

In TF-CBT, how does the model address caregiver distress related to the child's trauma?

Answer: Caregivers receive parallel sessions covering the same components as the child to process their own distress

TF-CBT provides caregivers with parallel individual sessions covering the same PRACTICE components, helping them manage their own distress, build coping skills, and become effective support figures for their child.

What is the primary goal of the 'Enhancing Safety and Future Development' component at the end of TF-CBT?

Answer: To teach body safety, healthy relationships, and warning-sign recognition to reduce future risk

The final TF-CBT component equips children with knowledge about body safety, healthy vs. unhealthy relationships, and how to recognize and respond to warning signs, reducing vulnerability to future victimization.

Which relaxation technique is most commonly introduced in the TF-CBT relaxation component for young children?

Answer: Diaphragmatic breathing with engaging, age-appropriate visuals (e.g., 'belly breathing')

Diaphragmatic breathing, often taught through child-friendly metaphors like 'belly breathing' or blowing up a balloon in the stomach, is the standard relaxation technique introduced first in TF-CBT due to its simplicity and immediate utility.

What happens during the 'sharing' phase after the trauma narrative is completed in TF-CBT?

Answer: The child shares the narrative with their non-offending caregiver in conjoint session

After completing the trauma narrative, the child shares it with their non-offending caregiver in conjoint sessions, which breaks secrecy, models open communication, and allows the caregiver to provide a supportive, validating response.

Which of the following is an evidence-supported cultural adaptation of TF-CBT?

Answer: Incorporating cultural values, community supports, and culturally relevant examples into delivery

Research-supported cultural adaptations of TF-CBT involve incorporating culturally relevant values, examples, and community resources while maintaining the fidelity of core components, as demonstrated in adaptations for African American, Latino, and refugee populations.

In TF-CBT, what is the term for inaccurate or unhelpful beliefs a child holds about their trauma (e.g., self-blame)?

Answer: Maladaptive trauma cognitions

TF-CBT specifically targets maladaptive trauma cognitions — distorted beliefs such as self-blame, shame, or perceived permanent damage — through cognitive coping and trauma narrative processing.

Which of the following best describes the TF-CBT requirement for therapist training?

Answer: Therapists complete web-based training and are encouraged to pursue ongoing consultation and supervision

TF-CBT training typically begins with the free web-based TF-CBTWeb course, followed by live training workshops, and ongoing clinical consultation to ensure fidelity and competent implementation.