Trauma Focus -CBT for Children and Adolescents

Name: Trauma Focus -CBT for Children and Adolescents
Rating: 4.0 (7 reviews)

Trauma Focus -Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Children and Adolescents: A Complete Practitioner’s Guide

Created byLufuno Lucky Ramabulana

Last updated 6/2025

English

What you'll learn

Understand developmental considerations in child trauma
Apply each step of the PRACTICE model to therapy with young clients
Create safe, engaging therapeutic environments for children and teens
Work effectively with caregivers and family systems
Use age-appropriate tools such as storytelling, art, and play in trauma work
Monitor progress and adapt TF-CBT for different trauma types

Course content

10 sections • 10 lectures • 2h 58m total length

Introduction15:26
After completing this module, students will be able to:

Identify various types of trauma commonly experienced by children and adolescents
Explain how trauma affects brain development, emotions, and behavior
Recognize the signs and symptoms of PTSD and complex trauma in young clients
Describe the core principles of TF-CBT
Outline each step of the PRACTICE model
Determine when TF-CBT is an appropriate intervention for a child or teen client

Learning Materials20:55
After completing this module, students will be able to:

Explain the effects of trauma to children in age-appropriate and developmentally sensitive ways
Normalize common emotional and behavioral responses to trauma
Educate caregivers on how trauma impacts a child’s brain, emotions, and behavior
Support and improve caregiver-child communication around trauma-related issues
Use tools such as handouts, stories, and videos to reinforce psychoeducation and caregiver engagement

Learning Materials10:53
After completing this module, students will be able to:

Teach children breathing, grounding, and relaxation techniques using games and interactive activities
Create and use coping skills cards and visual tools to support emotional regulation
Implement sensory-based interventions to help children manage stress and anxiety
Help children identify body cues and emotional signals related to distress
Guide children in creating calm-down boxes or personalized coping toolkits

Learning Materials10:51
After completing this module, students will be able to:

Help children and adolescents identify and name a wide range of emotions
Use tools such as emotion charts, drawing, and role-playing to support emotional expression
Identify emotional triggers and guide children in understanding their emotional responses
Facilitate journaling and art-based activities to promote emotional release
Support teens in processing difficult emotions such as shame, guilt, and anger in a therapeutic context

Learning Materials29:12
After completing this module, students will be able to:

Teach children the CBT triangle to understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
Help children identify and challenge unhelpful or distorted thoughts related to their trauma
Guide children in developing positive self-statements and adaptive thinking patterns
Use interactive worksheets, games, and activities to support cognitive restructuring
Address common trauma-related beliefs such as self-blame and feelings of guilt

Learning Materials12:24
After completing this module, students will be able to:

Explain the purpose and benefits of creating a trauma narrative in the healing process
Support children and teens in telling their trauma stories at their own pace
Use creative formats such as storybooks, comic strips, and timelines to facilitate narrative development
Respond therapeutically and sensitively as the child shares their trauma experience
Monitor emotional responses and ensure the child’s safety throughout the process

Learning Matertials17:29
After completing this module, students will be able to:

Plan and implement safe, developmentally appropriate exposure to trauma reminders
Guide children through gradual steps to reduce avoidance behaviors
Involve and prepare caregivers to support children during exposure exercises
Manage setbacks, resistance, and emotional responses during exposure
Use exposure charts and success tracking tools to monitor progress

Learning Materials15:30
After completing this module, students will be able to:

Prepare caregivers to receive and respond supportively to their child’s trauma narrative
Facilitate joint sessions that foster healing, connection, and open communication
Guide caregivers in rebuilding trust and addressing misunderstandings with their child
Teach caregivers how to validate their child’s emotions and co-regulate effectively during sessions

Learning Materials26:25
After completing this module, students will be able to:

Adapt TF-CBT techniques for use in schools, residential programs, and foster care
Apply trauma-informed strategies for children with disrupted attachments
Integrate cultural humility into trauma treatment practices
Work effectively with diverse family dynamics and backgrounds
Modify TF-CBT interventions to address specific trauma types such as sexual abuse, domestic violence, and grief

Requirements

Basic knowledge of child development and mental health concepts
Some experience working with children, adolescents, or families in therapeutic, educational, or support settings
An interest in or familiarity with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) principles
Access to a printer or digital device to download and use worksheets, handouts, and activity templates
A willingness to apply the course content through practice, role-play, or reflection exercises

Description

This course is your comprehensive training in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) for children and adolescents. It is designed for mental health professionals, school counselors, social workers, and psychology students who support young clients coping with trauma, including abuse, loss, violence, neglect, or grief.

You’ll gain in-depth knowledge of the PRACTICE model, a proven TF-CBT framework used to guide children through the healing process in a structured, supportive way. Each module provides step-by-step instructions, developmentally appropriate tools, and creative interventions, including storytelling, drawing, journaling, and play-based techniques. You'll also learn how to teach coping skills, support emotional expression, challenge negative thoughts, and build resilience.

A key focus of this course is engaging caregivers and family systems in the healing journey. Learn how to create safe, trusting environments where children can share their trauma narratives and rebuild their sense of safety and self-worth. You'll also explore how to adapt TF-CBT for use in schools, foster care, and multicultural settings, ensuring culturally sensitive and inclusive trauma care.

Whether you're new to trauma counseling or looking to deepen your expertise, this course equips you with evidence-based, practical strategies that you can start using immediately in your work with children and teens. Enroll Today.

Who this course is for:

Mental Health Professionals

Trauma Focus -CBT for Children and Adolescents

What you'll learn

Explore related topics

Course content

Understanding Trauma in Children and Adolescents1 lecture • 15min

Module 2: Psycho-education and Caregiver Engagement1 lecture • 21min

Module 3: Relaxation and Emotional Regulation Skills1 lecture • 11min

Module 4: Affective Expression and Emotional Literacy1 lecture • 11min

Module 5: Cognitive Coping and Processing1 lecture • 29min

Module 6: Trauma Narrative Development1 lecture • 12min

Module 7: In Vivo Mastery and Exposure1 lecture • 17min

Module 8: Conjoint Child-Caregiver Sessions1 lecture • 16min

Module 9: Safety Planning and Resilience Building1 lecture • 19min

Module 10: Applying TF-CBT in Schools, Foster Care, and Diverse Settings1 lecture • 26min

Requirements

Description

Who this course is for: