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10.4: Benefits to Using TF-CBT

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    215516
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    Benefits to Using TF-CBT

    At least 20 empirical investigations have been conducted evaluating the impact of TF-CBT on children who have been victims of sexual abuse or other traumatic events (Cohen & Mannarino, 2017). Research comparing TF-CBT to other tested models and services as usual (such as supportive therapy, nondirective play therapy, child-centered therapy) has shown that TF-CBT resulted in significantly greater gains for children and parents. Follow-up studies (up to 2 years following the conclusion of therapy) have shown that these gains are sustained over time. TF-CBT has been designated as an evidence-based approach by several organizations, including the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse for Child Welfare and the National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices.

    Children participating in TF-CBT show a wide range of improvements, including decreases in PTSD symptoms, depression, anxiety, behavior problems, shame, cognitive distortions, and relationship difficulties (Cohen & Mannarino, 2017; Cohen, Mannarino, & Iyengar, 2011; Lenz & Hollenbaugh, 2015). Research also demonstrates a positive treatment response for parents. Parents experience reductions in their own emotional distress and depressive symptoms as well as improvement in how they can support their children and manage their children’s behavioral difficulties (Deblinger, Mannarino, Cohen, Runyon, & Heflin, 2015). "

    What to Look for in a Family-Centered Therapist

    Regardless of the specific type of therapy that seems appropriate for the child and the family should have an opportunity to interview potential therapists prior to beginning treatment. The child and parents should feel comfortable with and have confidence in the therapist with whom they will work. The following are some specific questions parents may wish to ask:

    • What is the nature of the therapist’s training (e.g., when trained, by whom, length of training)?
    • Is the therapist certified?
    • Is there a standardized, objective assessment process used to gather baseline information on the functioning of the child and family and to monitor their progress in treatment over time?
    • What techniques will the therapist use to help the child manage his or her thoughts and emotions and related behaviors?
    • How and when will the therapist ask the child to describe the trauma?
    • Will the therapist use a combination of individual and joint child-parent sessions?
    • Is the practitioner sensitive to the cultural background of the child and family? How will cultural considerations be addressed?
    • Is there any potential for harm associated with treatment?

    "Parents" by mynameisharsha is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.


    10.4: Benefits to Using TF-CBT is shared under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts.