Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Dr. Slattery is nationally certified in TF-CBT. TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment approach to help children, adolescents and their families overcome trauma-related difficulties. It is designed to reduce negative emotional and behavioral responses following child sexual abuse, domestic violence, traumatic loss and other traumatic events. In the immediate as well as long-term aftermath of exposure to trauma, children and adolescents are at risk for developing significant emotional and behavioral difficulties. These can impact the child’s daily life and affect behavior, school performance, attention, self-esteem and emotional regulation.
The treatment – based on learning and cognitive therapies – addresses distorted beliefs and attributions related to the abuse and provides a supportive environment in which children are encouraged to talk about their traumatic experience. TF-CBT helps children and adolescents to process their traumatic memories, overcome problematic thoughts and behaviors and develop effective coping and interpersonal skills. It is a structured treatment including psychoeducation and parenting skills, relaxation techniques, affective modulation, cognitive coping and processing as well as behavior management training. Parent-child sessions are often part of the treatment.
Dr. Slattery also possesses advanced training in implementing TF-CBT with children and teens with problematic sexual behaviors (PSB).