Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
A Complete Resource Guide
Everything you need across all 8 PRACTICE components — free tools, therapeutic songs, companion books, and clinical guides. Curated by Joshua Fisherkeller, MSW.
What is TF-CBT?
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-informed treatment for children ages 3–18 and their caregivers. Developed by Cohen, Mannarino, and Deblinger, it uses the PRACTICE framework to build coping skills, process trauma memories, and restore healthy caregiver relationships — typically delivered in 12–25 sessions.
For Families
“Your child doesn’t have to carry this alone.”
- ✓ Understand what TF-CBT is and what to expect at each stage
- ✓ Find songs and books designed for use at home between sessions
- ✓ Caregiver-focused resources for every stage of the process
For Clinicians
“Session-ready tools across all 8 PRACTICE components.”
- ✓ Free resources mapped to each PRACTICE component below
- ✓ Therapeutic songs for use in session and as take-home practice
- ✓ BRAVE app for child-facing TF-CBT work between sessions
- ✓ Free 10-hour certified web training at tfcbt.org
All 8 PRACTICE Components
Each component includes a free companion song, clinical description, and curated free resources.
Psychoeducation
Teaching children and caregivers about trauma, its effects on the brain and body, and how TF-CBT works. Normalizes trauma responses and builds a foundation for the work ahead.
♪ My Brain Has an AlarmRelaxation
Teaching children and caregivers body-based calming strategies — diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding techniques — to reduce physiological arousal.
♪ Breathe Like WavesAffective Modulation
Expanding emotional vocabulary, identifying feelings in the body, and building a personalized coping menu for different emotional states and intensities.
♪ Name It, Choose ItCognitive Coping
Helping children and caregivers understand the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors — and develop skills to identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns related to trauma.
♪ Maybe, Maybe NotTrauma Narrative
The child creates a narrative account of their traumatic experience — through writing, art, or storytelling — allowing gradual, supported exposure to trauma memories and correction of distorted cognitions.
♪ My Story, My VoiceIn Vivo Mastery
Gradual, supported exposure to safe situations that have been avoided due to trauma-related fear. Used only when trauma-related avoidance is significantly impacting daily functioning.
♪ One Step BraverConjoint Sessions
Child and caregiver sessions held together — the child shares their trauma narrative with their caregiver in a supported, therapeutic environment. Strengthens the caregiver-child relationship and fosters open communication.
♪ Say It With MeEnhancing Safety
Building a personal safety plan — identifying trusted adults, safe places, and what to do if something unsafe happens. Consolidates coping skills into an actionable plan for life after treatment.
♪ My Plan, My PeopleWhen Feelings Get Loud — A Song for Every PRACTICE Component
The only TF-CBT-mapped music album for children — one song per PRACTICE component. Designed for session, take-home practice, and families. Free to stream everywhere.
Also on YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and all major platforms.
Books and Journals for TF-CBT
Designed as companions to TF-CBT work — for use in session, as take-home reading, or as gifts for families.
A Journey of Brave Friends
A storybook that walks children through the Resilient Forest with five animal friends — each chapter maps to one PRACTICE component. Designed as a TF-CBT companion for use in session and at home.
View on Amazon →Resilient Forest Notebook
Writing and drawing activities for each chapter of A Journey of Brave Friends. Structured for use alongside the book or as a standalone clinical journaling tool.
View on Amazon →Mother Earth in the Mountains
A mindfulness-oriented nature journal for children — supports the relaxation and grounding work in TF-CBT’s R component. Encourages sensory awareness and present-moment connection.
View on Amazon →BRAVE: A TF-CBT Companion App
A free Progressive Web App supporting children through all 8 PRACTICE components — with activities, the Resilient Forest story, and a dedicated calm space. For ages 4–18.
Free TF-CBT Training & Clinical Resources
Authoritative training and tools from the model’s developers and the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
TF-CBT Web Training
Comprehensive online training for certified TF-CBT practice. Developed by the model’s creators at MUSC and Penn State. The standard requirement for TF-CBT certification.
tfcbt.org →NCTSN TF-CBT Resources
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network’s full TF-CBT resource library — guidelines, fidelity checklists, adaptations for young children, schools, and group formats.
nctsn.org →TF-CBT for Young Children (Ages 3–6)
Developmentally modified TF-CBT for preschool and kindergarten ages. Includes caregiver-focused adaptations and play-based approaches for the youngest trauma survivors.
View resource →Group TF-CBT Protocols
Structured protocols for delivering TF-CBT in group format — designed for schools, community agencies, and settings where individual therapy is not available.
View resource →