by Laurie Reisman
 Family Services of Greater Waterbury is proud to announce their participation in a special program called Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy training. Family Services was one of four Connecticut agencies that was awarded the grant through the Department of Children and Families and is currently training seven staff members in this innovative treatment model.
This therapeutic intervention is designed to help children, adolescents and their parents overcome the impact of traumatic events. It is specifically designed to help with trauma related to sexual abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, community violence, the unexpected death of a loved one, natural disasters, and war. This form of therapy is appropriate for children 4 to 18 years of age and is utilized by masters level clinicians who have received specific training in the TF-CBT Model.
Numerous studies have shown that TF-CBT is more effective in helping children  overcome trauma than other therapies. This treatment lasts between 12 and 16 weeks. Each child has the opportunity to discuss details about the trauma in a supportive environment. While writing their own trauma narrative, the child's brain begins to replace traumatic memories with more helpful thoughts about the trauma. Children learn that the trauma was not their fault! They work on relaxation techniques and become able to tolerate reminders of the traumatic event. Both children and their parents learn how to replace negative thoughts with more helpful ones and also learn how to resolve problems.
If you know a child who has experienced a traumatic event and is struggling during the aftermath, please contact our intake coordinator at 203-756-8317. You will be matched with a trained TF-CBT clinician and both the child and parent will begin their healing process.
For further information regarding this form of therapy, or ways that you can help a traumatized child, contact Laurie Reisman, LCSW at 203-756-8317, ext 3004.
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