“When we deny the story, it defines us.
When we own the story, we can write a brave, new ending.”
-Brené Brown
Trauma Therapy for Children
What is a Trauma?
A trauma is a frightening or dangerous event that causes fear for one’s own safety or the safety of others. Here are some common traumatic events:
Bullying
Being in or witnessing an accident, natural disaster, or terrorism
Serious injury, frightening procedure, or life-threatening illness (event or diagnosis)
Physical, sexual, or psychological abuse or neglect
Witnessing domestic or community violence
Real or threatened sudden loss or serious injury of a loved one
Signs of Traumatic Stress
Some who have been exposed to a traumatic event can begin to demonstrate distressing symptoms that interfere with their daily life. For example:
Difficulty regulating emotions (e.g., depression or anxiety)
Behavior changes (e.g., more tantrums, changes in sleep/appetite, aches and pains)
Regression of previously learned skills (e.g., sleeping independently)
Changes in attention and academic performance
Nightmares or flashbacks
An increase in substance use and/or risky activities
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapy (TF-CBT)
Dr. Sabrina Stutz is a TF-CBT certified therapist, approved by the TF-CBT National Therapist Certification Program. TF-CBT is an evidence-based therapy designed to reduce traumatic stress and symptoms in youth ages 3-18 and their caregivers. In over 25 research studies internationally, TF-CBT has been shown to be superior to other types of therapy (e.g., EMDR) in treating traumatic stress in youth. TF-CBT is a talk therapy that is completed within 8-25 sessions covering three phases of treatment.
3 phases of TF-CBT:
1. Skill-Building and Stabilization
First, you and your child will learn about their specific trauma, why they are feeling this way, ways to communicate their emotions, coping skills to help them relax, and techniques to manage stressful thoughts and feelings. Caregivers will also learn skills to emotionally support their children and manage any difficult behaviors.
2. Trauma Narrative and Processing
Then, your child and therapist will begin talking about the trauma in a supportive and structured way at the child’s own pace. Caregivers may also begin sharing details about the trauma and process their own reactions in private. By talking about the trauma, we take back the power it has over us and make it just another part of our own unique history.
3. Integration and Consolidation
Finally, you and your child will address any lingering ways in which the trauma is affecting your lives. Caregivers will support children in facing feared triggers (e.g., riding in cars if a child was in a traumatic car accident). Children may choose to share their thoughts about the trauma with a caregiver. Together, the family and therapist create plans to ensure safety and open communication in the future.