Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

New Jersey

Why is Trauma Therapy Important?

  • It provides a safe space to express thoughts and feelings without judgment

  • Increases self awareness by learning to identify triggers and patterns

  • Helps identifying coping strategies to manage emotions and respond in healthier ways

  • Helps with learning problem solving techniques and communication skills, for more healthy and positive interactions

  • Increases self confidence and feeling of empowerment

  • Reduces anxiety symptoms

Living with Trauma

  • You feel like you’re carrying an invisible weight that’s always present, even if others don’t notice it.

  • You have constant intrusive thoughts and feel like you can’t move on.

  • You feel overwhelmed and have difficulty trusting others.

  • You feel a sense of unease.

  • You have a negative self image.

  • You may avoid certain people or places due to being triggering.

  • It’s difficult to be fully present and you wonder if it will ever get better.

Reasons to get Support for Trauma

  • Intrusive memories and/or negative thought patterns

  • Intense feelings such as: anxiety, worry, fear, anger, sadness, guilt or shame

  • Feeling overwhelmed

  • Constantly on edge and high alert

  • Feeling disconnected from yourself and/or others

  • Difficulty trusting others

  • Social withdrawal/isolation

  • Constant “people pleasing” behavior

  • Difficulty concentrating/making decisions

  • Feelings of being “stuck”

  • Struggling with self-worth

  • Avoiding certain people, places, or activities

  • Flashbacks or nightmares

  • Difficulty sleeping

  • Mood swings/fatigue

  • Muscle tension and headaches

  • Digestive issues

  • Sense of vulnerability and loss of control

  • Changes in appetite or weight

How Trauma Therapy Works…

Trauma can have a powerful impact in our lives, affecting emotions, relationships, and overall sense of self. Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, known as TF-CBT, is an evidence-based treatment that helps with addressing the emotional, psychological, and behavioral effects of trauma. It also helps individuals by reducing trauma symptoms, improving emotional regulation, restoring daily function, and increasing self esteem.

Through a process called gradual exposure, TF-CBT helps individuals to slowly and safely confront memories, thoughts, and feelings related to the trauma. We will do this by identifying and challenging unhelpful thoughts, increasing emotional awareness, learning coping skills to manage strong emotions, strengthening social support, and discussing relapse prevention strategies (helps to anticipate and prepare for future stressors or triggers that may bring up trauma-related feelings).

It’s important to know that one of the key components of TF-CBT is the creation of a trauma narrative. In this part, we will work together to discuss the trauma in a safe and controlled way, to rewrite the trauma narrative. This helps to make sense of what happened, express your feelings, and ultimately reduce the emotional power the trauma holds.

Trauma can also significantly affect a person’s self-esteem and self-worth. I strive to provide a safe and supportive environment where you can rebuild a positive self-image, by recognizing your strengths, progress, and resilience throughout the therapeutic process.

Overall, TF-CBT helps with processing and healing from trauma but can also empower you with the skills needed to manage future challenges and lead a healthier and more balanced life.

Imagine…

  • Waking up feeling more calm and at peace.

  • Having a greater sense of self awareness and feeling more resilient.

  • Knowing that you have the tools to manage the challenges of the day with confidence.

  • Being able to communicate assertively and establish healthy boundaries.

  • Being able to connect and have healthy relationships with those around you.

  • Feeling empowered to create the life that you want and deserve!

"Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating change you do choose." 

– Michelle Rosenthal

Start your Journey of Self-Discovery, Healing, and Transformation!