Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy:
A Complete Resource Guide
A curated index of the official TF-CBT authorities — organized into a page for every one of the 8 PRACTICE components, with optional companion songs, books, and an app. 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.
What Is TF-CBT? (Video Guide for Parents & Caregivers)
A short, plain-language overview of what TF-CBT is, the evidence behind it, and what to expect — for parents, caregivers, and clinicians.
Rated a “Well-Supported, Effective Practice” — the highest scientific rating — by the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse.
Tested in 25+ randomized controlled trials, with improvement in PTSD symptoms in 8–25 sessions, per the NCTSN.
Created by Cohen, Mannarino & Deblinger. This hub is a curated index — not a substitute for the model owners at tfcbt.org.
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
- ✓ Free 10-hour certified web training at tfcbt.org
Core model resources
Published by TF-CBT’s developers — tfcbt.org and TF-CBTWeb at the Medical University of South Carolina. These are the model’s own materials.
TF-CBT Certification Program
The developers’ home for certification, training, the therapist directory, and model materials.
tfcbt.org ↗TF-CBTWeb online course (MUSC)
The web-based curriculum clinicians complete toward TF-CBT certification, from the Medical University of South Carolina.
tfcbt.musc.edu ↗TF-CBT At-A-Glance (2024)
A one-page overview of the model and the PRACTICE components, from tfcbt.org.
View PDF ↗Your Very Own TF-CBT Workbook
A free child-facing workbook that walks children through the TF-CBT components.
View PDF ↗Dealing with Trauma: TF-CBT Workbook for Teens
A free teen-facing TF-CBT workbook from tfcbt.org.
View PDF ↗Your Very Own TF-CBT Grief Workbook
A free child-facing workbook for the traumatic-grief components of TF-CBT.
View PDF ↗TF-CBT Grief-Focused (GRIEF) components
The traumatic-grief extension of TF-CBT, with free downloadable child and teen workbooks in several languages.
View resource ↗All 8 components & their resources
A one-page directory. Each component links to its full page for clinical objectives, FAQ, and more.
Psychoeducation teaches children and caregivers about trauma — how common it is, how it affects the brain and body, and why their reactions make...
Relaxation gives children practical, body-based ways to calm a stress response — focused breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding. Practiced in session and at...
Affective modulation helps children recognize, name, and manage strong emotions. Through a wider feelings vocabulary, emotion thermometers, and a personalized coping menu, a child...
Cognitive coping introduces the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors — the cognitive triangle. Children and caregivers learn to notice unhelpful or inaccurate thoughts...
The trauma narrative is the gradual, supported telling of what happened — through writing, drawing, or storytelling. Sharing the memory in small, manageable steps...
In vivo mastery means facing safe situations a child now avoids because they are linked to the trauma. With a gradual, planned “ladder” of...
Conjoint sessions bring child and caregiver together with the therapist. Often the child shares part of their trauma narrative, and the family practices open,...
Enhancing safety helps a child build a personal plan for staying safe — identifying trusted adults, recognizing unsafe situations, and knowing what to do...
TF-CBT adaptation manuals
Free implementation manuals from tfcbt.org for adapting TF-CBT to specific populations and settings.
Parental Substance Use
Implementation manual (PDF) ↗Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities
Implementation guide (PDF) ↗IDD — Annotated Supplemental Guide
Annotated guide (PDF) ↗Racial Socialization (Black youth)
Implementation manual (PDF) ↗Commercial Sexual Exploitation (CSEC)
Implementation manual (PDF) ↗LGBTQ Youth
Implementation manual (PDF) ↗Military Families
Implementation manual (PDF) ↗Residential Treatment (RTF)
Implementation manual (PDF) ↗Foster Care
Implementation manual (PDF) ↗Screening tools & the evidence base
Free, validated child-trauma assessments and the independent evidence rating for TF-CBT.
Child & adolescent trauma assessments
The ISTSS home for validated child trauma screening and assessment measures.
istss.org ↗CATS — Child & Adolescent Trauma Screen
A free, validated PTSD screener for children and adolescents (caregiver and youth versions).
View measure ↗CPSS-5 — Child PTSD Symptom Scale
The DSM-5 Child PTSD Symptom Scale, a free self-report measure.
View PDF ↗CEBC — TF-CBT program rating
The California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse record, where TF-CBT is rated “Well-Supported, Effective Practice.”
cebc4cw.org ↗Clinician reference books
The core TF-CBT texts for trained clinicians. (Affiliate links — we may earn a small commission.)
Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief in Children and Adolescents
Cohen, Mannarino & Deblinger’s foundational TF-CBT clinician text.
View on Amazon ↗Child Sexual Abuse: A Primer for Treating Children, Adolescents, and Their Nonoffending Parents
A clinical reference for treating child sexual abuse within a TF-CBT framework.
View on Amazon ↗Tools that bring each skill to life
Original Skills for Children resources, created by an MSW to bring each TF-CBT skill to life and built on the model’s principles. These are not the official TF-CBT model and don’t replace clinical care — they’re current, practical tools to use alongside it.
When Feelings Get Loud — A Song for Every PRACTICE Component
An original Skills for Children album with one child-friendly song mapped to each PRACTICE component — written by an MSW to help the skills stick at home and in session. Free to stream everywhere.
Explore the albumAlso on YouTube, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Pandora, and all major platforms.
Books and journals that build the skills
Original Skills for Children books and journals, written by an MSW to reinforce TF-CBT themes at home or in session. Not the official TF-CBT model; practical companions to use alongside it.
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 →More reading on TF-CBT
A deeper look at the PRACTICE framework — how each component works, what to expect, and how to support a child through it. Check back soon, or subscribe below to be notified when it publishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Resources curated by Joshua Fisherkeller, MSW · About the curator