River Oak Center for Children: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Children who are haunted by their traumatic experiences often withdraw from other people,
think poorly about themselves, and even contemplate suicide.

Such was the case for Jason, a 10 year old boy referred to River Oak's Trauma-Focused
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) service. Jason's traumatic experiences came out in
the form of aggression towards other kids. When asked what traumatic event bothered him
the most, Jason said being hospitalized for 72 hours after he asked a classmate to stab him
with a pencil. Jason would get tears in his eyes and would stop talking whenever anyone
mentioned this incident.

TF-CBT is an effective research-based practice that provides treatment for both victims of child
abuse and other trauma and their non-offending family members. TF-CBT addresses issues
like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, child and teen depression, self-esteem and mistrust.
Children eligible for TF-CBT are receiving services from River Oak and are referred to the
service by a River Oak clinical team member.

Over the course of TF-CBT, Jason made tremendous progress:

•   He learned relaxation skills to cope with his trauma.
•   He was able to tell the story of his hospitalization to his family, reducing his
    anxiety over the trauma in the process.
•   He learned how to identify unhelpful thoughts and feelings that contributed to his
    negative self-image.