Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) for Children & Teens in Plano

Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is one of the most researched treatments for children and teens who have been through something frightening or painful. It helps children make sense of what happened, build coping skills, and feel safe again, with a supportive caregiver involved along the way.

At Layers Counseling Specialists, TF-CBT is offered by Jessica Morales, LPC-Associate, who is certified in TF-CBT, in Plano and online across Texas.

What TF-CBT can help with

• Sexual or physical abuse
• Witnessing violence
• Accidents, disasters, or medical trauma
• Traumatic grief after a sudden loss
• Multiple or ongoing hard experiences

It can be hard to tell whether a change is typical or a sign of trauma. You might notice:

• Nightmares, trouble sleeping, or being easily startled
• Avoiding people, places, or topics that remind them of what happened
• New fears, anger, or irritability
• Pulling away from friends or activities
• Trouble concentrating at school
• Guilt, shame, or blaming themselves

TF-CBT is structured and usually takes a few months of weekly sessions. Your child meets with the therapist on their own, and parents have their own time too, with some sessions together near the end.

Along the way, your child learns to

• Understand trauma: what happened in their body and why they feel the way they do
• Calm down: relaxation and coping skills for hard moments
• Name feelings: recognizing and expressing emotions safely
• Tell their story: at their own pace, so the memory loses its power
• Feel safe going forward: skills for safety and confidence in the future