Children and teens can be affected by difficult or traumatic experiences in ways that show up through emotions, behaviors, relationships, thoughts, or everyday functioning. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to help children and adolescents process traumatic experiences while developing skills for managing their responses.
Daybreak Counseling provides TF-CBT in Bloomington, Indiana, with in-person care at our Bloomington office and telehealth available throughout Indiana based on provider availability and appropriateness.
In-Person in Bloomington • Telehealth Throughout Indiana
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, commonly called TF-CBT, is a structured treatment developed for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. It combines trauma-sensitive care with cognitive behavioral strategies and skill building.
TF-CBT also recognizes the important role supportive caregivers can play in a child’s recovery. When appropriate, caregivers participate in parts of treatment to learn skills, better understand trauma responses, and support progress outside of therapy.
Treatment is designed around the unique ways traumatic experiences can affect children and adolescents.
Children develop strategies for understanding and managing emotions, thoughts, and stress responses.
Traumatic experiences are addressed carefully and progressively rather than all at once.
Parents or caregivers may participate in treatment when appropriate.
Children learn to recognize connections between experiences, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Treatment is adapted to the child's developmental needs, experiences, family, and goals.
Trauma can affect children in many different ways. Some become anxious or fearful, while others may withdraw, become irritable, struggle with sleep, have difficulty concentrating, or experience changes in behavior.
TF-CBT provides a structured framework for helping children understand trauma responses, develop coping skills, gradually process what happened, and build healthier beliefs about themselves and their experiences.
Develop practical strategies for managing strong emotions, stress, and trauma reminders.
Help children make sense of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors connected to difficult experiences.
Gradually work through trauma-related memories and experiences in a supportive therapeutic environment.
Help caregivers better understand the child's needs and reinforce skills outside therapy when appropriate.
TF-CBT follows a structured framework, but therapy is still adapted to the individual child or teen. Treatment progresses at a pace appropriate for their developmental level, experiences, symptoms, and readiness.
Sessions may involve individual work with the child, caregiver participation, and joint child-caregiver work when appropriate.
Understand trauma responses and develop language for what’s happening emotionally and physically.
Practice relaxation, emotional regulation, coping, and strategies for navigating difficult thoughts.
Gradually address trauma-related experiences and the thoughts and feelings connected to them.
Strengthen communication, safety, support, and skills that can continue beyond therapy.
Kari Davis, LMSW
Kari provides individualized therapy for children, teens, and adults in Bloomington and through telehealth across Indiana. Her approach is collaborative, supportive, and grounded in understanding each client’s experiences, strengths, developmental needs, and goals.
When TF-CBT is appropriate, Kari works with children and adolescents using its structured trauma-focused framework while involving caregivers as clinically appropriate.
Daybreak Counseling provides Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy from our Bloomington office at 2215 S Curry Pike, Bloomington, IN 47403.
Telehealth therapy may also be available throughout Indiana based on the child’s age, needs, provider availability, and whether virtual treatment is clinically appropriate.
Parents and caregivers don’t need to determine whether TF-CBT is the right treatment before reaching out. Tell us what your child or teen has been experiencing, and our team can help determine whether TF-CBT or another therapeutic approach may be appropriate.
Insurance participation and coverage may vary by location and plan. Indiana clients with certain Optum-administered plans, including applicable UnitedHealthcare and UMR plans, may currently need to see Kari via telehealth through Daybreak’s Iowa practice to use in-network benefits. Contact our team to verify your coverage and available appointment options.
Share a little about your child or teen, what you’ve noticed, and what kind of support you’re seeking.
Our team will review the information and help determine whether TF-CBT or another service may be appropriate.
We’ll help coordinate an appointment based on your family’s needs and provider availability.
Your therapist will learn more about your child’s experiences and needs and begin developing an individualized treatment plan.
TF-CBT was developed for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. Whether it is appropriate for a particular child depends on factors such as developmental level, symptoms, experiences, and individual treatment needs.
Caregiver involvement is an important component of TF-CBT when appropriate. Some portions of treatment may involve caregivers separately, while others may bring the child and caregiver together. The exact structure depends on the child’s circumstances and treatment plan.
No. TF-CBT includes preparation and skill building before more direct trauma processing. Treatment progresses gradually and is adapted to the child’s readiness and needs.
CBT is a broad therapeutic approach used for many mental health concerns. TF-CBT is a structured treatment specifically developed for children and adolescents affected by trauma and includes trauma-focused components and caregiver participation when appropriate.
Telehealth may be available depending on the child’s age, needs, provider availability, and clinical appropriateness. Daybreak also provides in-person therapy from our Bloomington office.
If a difficult or traumatic experience continues affecting your child or teen, support is available. TF-CBT can provide a structured, developmentally appropriate way to build coping skills, process experiences, and strengthen support around them.