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PLay is the natural language of the child...

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed specifically for children and teens who have experienced trauma or other highly stressful events. Treatment helps children better understand their reactions, learn skills for managing difficult thoughts and feelings, and gradually process their experiences in a safe and supportive way.

One of the things I value most about TF-CBT is that parents and caregivers are part of the healing process. Caregivers learn ways to support their child, strengthen communication, and help their child feel safe and understood.

TF-CBT is structured, but it can also be adapted to a child’s age, developmental needs, and individual way of expressing themselves.

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is an evidence-based approach that helps children and adults process distressing experiences that may continue to affect how they think, feel, or respond in the present.

Rather than requiring a child to repeatedly talk through every detail of a difficult experience, EMDR uses a structured process that may include eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation while working with memories, thoughts, emotions, and body sensations associated with the experience.

With children, EMDR can be adapted using play, drawing, storytelling, movement, and other developmentally appropriate activities.

The goal isn't to erase what happened, but to help the experience become less distressing and allow the child to develop healthier beliefs about themselves, such as moving from “I'm not safe” or “It was my fault” toward “I'm safe now” or “I did the best I could.”


 

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