What is TF-CBT?

At Green Leaf Counseling & Coaching, we are dedicated to helping children and families move through trauma toward real healing with Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), a short-term, evidence-based treatment built specifically for kids and teens who have lived through frightening or overwhelming experiences. TF-CBT gives children the words, coping skills, and support to process what happened to them, and it gives parents and caregivers a real, active role in that healing process.

TF-CBT was developed by Dr. Judith Cohen, Dr. Anthony Mannarino, and Dr. Esther Deblinger, and it has been studied in more research trials than nearly any other childhood trauma treatment available today. Sessions are typically shared between the child and a parent or caregiver, moving gradually through stages that build coping skills, help the child safely tell the story of what happened, and bring parent and child together to strengthen trust, safety, and communication going forward. Most families complete TF-CBT in 12 to 16 sessions, with the majority of children showing real improvement well before treatment ends.

Key benefits of TF-CBT include

At Green Leaf Counseling & Coaching, we know how hard it is to watch a child struggle with something they did not choose and cannot yet put into words. Our therapists are trained to walk alongside both you and your child, at a pace that feels safe, toward lasting healing. If your child has been through something difficult, TF-CBT offers a proven path forward, and we would be honored to help your family take the first step.