Specialties · Plano office and Texas telehealth
A structured, well-researched therapy that helps children and teens heal after trauma, with parents part of the process.
In person or online
Plano office, Texas telehealth
Evidence-based
research-backed approaches
At a glance
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 kids make sense of what happened, build coping skills and feel safe again. A supportive caregiver is involved along the way.
General talk therapy
TF-CBT
Flexible, session to session
Clear stages, from coping skills to telling the story
Sometimes involved
A caregiver learns the same skills and joins sessions
May or may not come up
Your child tells their story at their own pace, so it loses its power
Varies by approach
One of the most studied trauma treatments for kids
Any age
Children and teens, roughly 3 to 18
Compare approaches in Types of trauma therapy.
On this page
Overview
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.
It can be hard to tell whether a change is typical or a sign of trauma. You might notice:
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.
Who it's for
Kids roughly 3 to 18 who are struggling after abuse, violence, loss, or a frightening event.
You learn the same skills your child does, so you can support them at home and understand what they’re going through.
TF-CBT can help children with a history of trauma, alongside the caregivers who love them.
Adults with trauma may be a good fit for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Your child meets with the therapist on their own, parents have their own time too, and some sessions happen together.
What happened in their body and why they feel the way they do.
Relaxation and coping skills for hard moments, and words for big emotions.
At their own pace, so the memory loses its power.
Skills for safety and confidence in the future.
Your child sets the pace, and we build safety first before working on hard memories. Adults with trauma may be a good fit for Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART).
Why Layers
Jessica completed TF-CBT certification, which means specialized training and consultation in this model.
Caregiver sessions are built into TF-CBT, because kids heal best with support at home.
Your child sets the pace, and we build safety first before working on hard memories.
A 15-minute video call with the therapist. Ask about their approach, scheduling and fees. Most people start within about a week.
Fifty minutes with you on what happened, what you are noticing and your child’s strengths.
Your child and you learn, in age-friendly words, how trauma affects the body and feelings.
Your child practices calming and feelings skills, and you learn the same ones for home.
Who you'll work with
Read about each therapist’s experience and approach to care.
Jessica, who has ADHD herself, offers neurodiversity-affirming care for ADHD, autism, and trauma, plus AutPlay for kids, in sensory-friendly sessions without forced eye contact.
jessica-morales
https://layerscounselingspecialists.clientsecure.me/request/date?clinicianId=1667142¤tTimeZone=America%2FChicago&preselected=true
Waitlist
Book a free consultYour child tells their story gradually, once coping skills are in place, and at a pace they help set. Many children feel relief as the memory loses its power.
Kids heal best with support at home. You learn the same skills your child does and how to respond when hard feelings come up.
Yes. TF-CBT has a version for traumatic grief after a sudden or frightening loss.
Yes. TF-CBT is used with teens up to about 18. Read signs of trauma in teenagers.
Yes. Sessions happen at our Plano office or by secure video from anywhere in Texas.
We are private pay, so nothing goes through your insurance unless you choose to submit it. We can give you a superbill for possible out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA and FSA cards work.
Next step
A free 15-minute video call with the clinician you want to work with. Ask anything about their approach, scheduling, or fees before you commit.
