As the name suggests, Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TFCBT) is a particular form of CBT that is specifically for working with individuals who have experienced trauma or Post traumatic Stress Disorder .
Like any other therapy, the initial focus is to establish a good relationship with your therapist. Once this has been established, you are your therapist will then focus on relieving some of the negative consequences of trauma. This will include grounding or stabilisation exercises designed to help you cope with some of the overwhelming and distressing feelings commonly associated with trauma. Stabilisation work will often include, for example, relaxation practices and other exercises that allow you to stay grounded in the present moment and preventing you from being overwhelmed by distressing feelings or experiences. TFCBT can also focus on traumatic memories and can offer you tools to change your relationship to these memories or decrease the distress which they may cause. Just as in CBT, TFCBT may also help you to change some of the beliefs you have formed as a result of the trauma, especially if these beliefs are causing you distress or negatively impacting on your day-to-day activities.
It is very common for individuals who have experienced trauma to want to avoid certain sensations, situations or people that may remind you of the traumatic event/s. However, this can be very restrictive and actually lead to a worsening of traumatic symptoms. TFCBT is ultimately aimed towards empowering you to make the changes you need in order to feel less distressed and overwhelmed by trauma.
If you would like to discuss whether you think CBT may be of benefit to you then do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss things further.
