Mental Health

Trauma Focused- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a structured, short term therapy for children who are experiencing symptoms of traumatic stress. TF-CBT provides tools while building the capacity to discuss the traumatic event. In other words, we are slowing wading into the water rather than jumping into the deep end.

TF-CBT involves caregivers in sessions to enhance their ability to support the child and build their relationship. Throughout TF-CBT, child and caregiver will meet with the therapist individually and together to:

• Learn about trauma and common reactions
• Help with parenting skills
• Practice relaxation/coping skills
• Learn how thoughts, feelings, and actions are connected
• Develop creative ways for kids to tell their stories about what happened
• Change unhelpful thoughts about the trauma

Play therapy is not the same as regular play. Play therapy utilizes play, which is a natural and essential part to child development, as a means of communication. Play Therapy is a systematic and therapeutic approach that makes it easier for children to confront what is bothering them.

Play therapy safely distances children from their problems and allows them to express their true thoughts and feelings in a protected environment. Play Therapy allows trained therapists to understand children’s play, assist children in coping with difficult emotions, and facilitate problem solving.

Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing (EDMR), uses rapid sets of eye movements to help the brain update disturbing experiences, much like what occurs during REM sleep.

EDMR helps to organize negative and positive feelings, emotions, and thoughts, and uses bilateral stimulation-such as eye movements or alternate tapping, as the way to help you effectively work through those disturbing memories.

EDMR can be utilized alongside other therapy modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It can also be adapted and integrated into Play Therapy sessions with children.

At the CACSC, we offer EDMR therapy for children, adolescents, and adults!

The Problematic Sexual Behavior-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (PSB-CBT) Program works with families of children with problematic sexual behavior. Our program views all children’s sexual behavior on a continuum, ranging from typical to problematic. After assessment of these behaviors, we can determine where they fall on that continuum and whether the program will be a good fit.

The PSB-CBT program is an outpatient treatment lasting approximately 18 weeks. Children can live at home, attend school and participate in other activities without jeopardizing the safety of other children.

Some of the main components that children and their caregivers learn are:

• Rules about sexual behaviors
• Coping, impulse control, and social skills
• Effective behavior management
• Empathy