About the Course
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents impacted by trauma and their parents or caregivers. Research shows that TF-CBT successfully resolves a broad array of emotional and behavioral difficulties associated with single, multiple and complex trauma experiences.
Participants will be equipped with skills and knowledge to help traumatised children and youths cope with trauma difficult difficulties and to recover from it.
*IMPT NOTE: Participants are expected to sign up for group supervision (total 20 supervision hours) after TB-CBT training, estimated at $800/pax payable to the trainer directly. Group supervision is arranged once a month, 2 hour each x 10 sessions
Course Outline
Introduction to Trauma and use of trauma screening tools
Psychoeducation: about the nature of trauma, and the nature of TF-CBT.
Parenting skills. Because the child has been through trauma, their behavior may be difficult to manage. This component is to help the parent(s) manage effectively.
Relaxation skills, suitable (a) for the child and (b) for the parents.
Affective modulation skills, meaning skills for the child to help them reduce any unwanted emotional effects.
Cognitive coping skills, taught mainly to the child, about everyday events, so they can master the cognitive coping skills before using them to help with the trauma itself.
Trauma narrative and processing of the traumatic event(s). One of the distinctive features of TF-CBT, the therapist spends several sessions helping the child construct a narrative of the trauma, replacing unhelpful attributions and thoughts with more helpful ones, and helping the child to be able to remember the trauma without the overwhelming negative emotion.
In vivo mastery of trauma reminders. This is the only optional component, where the child is ‘desensitized’ to situations to which they have become phobic.
Conjoint child-parent sessions. Another of the distinctive components of TF-CBT, where the child presents their trauma narrative to their parents (in the presence of the therapist), and everyone can ask each other extra questions around it.
Enhancing safety and future developmental. A later part of conjoint child-parent sessions, this plans for future safety and development, and reassures everyone.
Course Objectives
The 4-day training provides an intensive review of the TF-CBT treatment components, with a specific focus on clinical implementation strategies, and will give participants an opportunity to develop and increase their skills in the practice of TF-CBT.
Who Should Attend
Social work professionals such as social workers, psychologists, counsellors with at least 2 years of clinical/counselling experiences working with children and youths.
Award
Participants who meet 75% class attendance will be awarded a Certificate of Completion by the Academy of Human Development and Fei Yue Community Services.
Your Trainer
Ms Mercy Teo
Ms Mercy Teo is the Founder and Director of Nurture Growth, Nurture Relationships. She has more than 20 years of experience working in the medical and community based social work setting, and has gained 12 years of rich experience in crisis and trauma work. In the last 7 years, she has been equipping and training community social service professionals and school counsellors in TF-CBT and trauma-informed care in the community. Mercy has a Master’s in Social Work and is an active practitioner in TF-CBT and Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR) as a trauma therapist. She is also trained in Let's Connect, a trauma responsive parenting modality. She is currently also a consultant, supervisor and trainer to several organizations in the local community and in Asia.
Testimonials
Anonymous Social Worker, 1 Nov 2022
The course was engaging with fruitful role plays and discussions. Applicable to our work context.
Anonymous Senior Social Worker, 1 Nov 2022
Appreciated the tips and sharing by trainer based on her experience, and the small group size was helpful for learning
Anonymous Educational Psychologist, 1 Nov 2022
Trainer is very experienced in the field, very willing to share.
