Recalibration Station:
A TF-CBT Master Class

About this Training

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Clinicians, supervisors and agency directors understand that kids can’t get better from the evidence-based treatment they don’t receive; so what happens when we as clinicians deliver a great evidence-based model like TF-CBT in name only?

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Clinician attitudes toward Evidence-Based Practices impact TF-CBT clinicians’ openness to directly addressing the trauma with children, the importance we place on caregiver engagement, and our overall comfort delivering the model (Ascienzo et al., 2020; Finch et al., 2020; Hanson et al., 2014.) The TF-CBT Stuck Points Questionnaire examined clinician beliefs and attitudes impacting implementation (Patel et al, 2022). Research shows that caregivers who are engaged in TF-CBT find talking about their child’s trauma to be more helpful than discussing other problems in treatment, that the skill building portions of the model are more helpful than other supports, and that treatment enhances caregivers’ relationship with their children (Brumley et al, 2022).

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Whereas some clinicians incorrectly believe TF-CBT to be a prescriptive, even somewhat limiting model, TF-CBT offers a great deal of flexibility for implementing treatment in an individualized way. Research has shown that flexibility within fidelity is a key facilitator for effective evidence-informed interventions for post-traumatic stress disorder (Finch et al, 2019; Kendall & Beidas, 2007). Additionally, therapists’ self-reports of higher competency with TF-CBT predicted positive outcomes (Espeleta, H.C. et al, 2021). Understanding and applying the key elements of TF-CBT builds competence, helps clinicians overcome bias and drift associated with less promising outcomes, and helps clinicians make correct judgments about where we need to hold to fidelity and where flexibility is necessary.

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This 2-day Master Course uses interactive activities to invite clinicians to self-reflect on their personal stuck points and areas for growth. It provides resources clinicians can use to monitor their fidelity to TF-CBT as well as interventions that support best practice. We will begin by reflecting on our understanding of what it means to implement TF-CBT to effectively individualize interventions for a unique child and caregiver. Next, you will apply these insights to your own TF-CBT practice – where do you need some recalibration? Where do you need more fidelity or more flexibility? Where might you benefit from beefing up your case conceptualization skills or leaning into developing more effective session agendas so you can work smarter, not harder (and keep those cows out of your session)? We will practice these strategies and more to help you recalibrate yourself.

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Day 2 is an Advanced Trauma Narration workshop. We’ll start by reviewing where trauma narratives fall short of the goals and teach you strategies for more effectively cleaning out the wound using examples for young children and teens, with and without complex trauma. Using case examples provided by trainees, we will together examine what is working well, what needs revision, where the client is avoiding and what strategies would be most effective for addressing the individual concerns. We will practice ways to help the client identify and correct distortions as well as make new, healthy meaning about their experiences. Leave feeling equipped, re-energized, and committed to achieving even better outcomes with the children and families you serve!

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Note: Participants are requested to submit an example of a client’s de-identified Trauma Narrative along with the TF-CBT Case Presentation Outline form to my HIPPA-compliant, secure ShareFile portal at least two weeks prior to the training. I will select excerpts from your submissions and tailor training activities and small group breakouts facilitated by experienced TF-CBT consultants to meet the audience’s needs.