Understanding TF-CBT PSB
What is TF-CBT PSB?
What TF-CBT PSB is
TF-CBT PSB is an enhancement of the regular TF-CBT model, tailored specifically for children and adolescents whose trauma symptoms include problematic sexual behaviors. It uses the same foundational TF-CBT structure: psychoeducation, parenting and coping skills, gradual exposure, trauma processing, and integrating sexual behaviors as trauma symptoms rather than treating them as standalone behavioral problems.
When children's trauma symptoms include problematic sexual behaviors, TF-CBT PSB helps clinicians address the full picture: the trauma underlying the behavior, the behavior itself, the family system around the child, and the path toward safety and healthy development.
Like standard TF-CBT, the PSB enhancement emphasizes caregiver involvement. Conjoint sessions build communication, expand the skills learned in treatment, and create a supportive environment for working through trauma-related issues of connection and trust (ATSA, 2023).
What TF-CBT PSB is Not
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It is not a separate model from TF-CBT; it's an enhancement built on the same foundation.
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It is not what people sometimes call a "sex offender treatment program". This is a trauma treatment for children whose trauma includes sexually reactive or harmful behaviors.
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It is not just about the behavior; it addresses the trauma underneath the behavior.
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It is not for clinicians without TF-CBT training. Prior completion of Basic TF-CBT training and consultation by a developer-endorsed national trainer is a prerequisite.
A note on language: Throughout this work, we refer to those we serve as children and adolescents, not as "offenders". Their behavior is a trauma symptom, and our language reflects that.
About Our Approach to This Training
This intensive training builds on your TF-CBT foundation while developing the additional clinical skills you need to assess and treat children and adolescents whose trauma symptoms include problematic sexual behaviors. You'll learn how to engage these young people and their families in treatment using approaches grounded in adult learning principles.
I bring 30+ years of TF-CBT expertise. Geoff brings deep PSB specialization. Together we're offering something you genuinely won't find anywhere else - an integrated, advanced training that treats these two approaches the way they were always meant to work: together.
Instead of thinking there's only one way to treat sexualized behaviors in children, Geoff and I have developed a process for addressing PSB within TF-CBT; it's the same model, but a tailored approach where we teach you how to think about these children and their families in a new way. Integration comes down to how you conceptualize cases where kids have experienced trauma and are demonstrating sexualized behaviors. We start with comprehensive assessment and individualized safety planning, and then build your knowledge and case conceptualization skills for intervening appropriately with children's sexualized behaviors.
Format
Both age versions follow the same structure: 3 days of live training + 6 group consultation calls. Co-facilitated by Ashley Fiore, LCSW and Geoff Sidoli, LCSW.
In Graduate School or Pre-Licensure?
Many of my trainees complete TF-CBT training and consultation while they're still in school or building toward licensure, then meet the remaining requirements as they advance in their careers. The full licensure path typically takes 2–3 years after graduate training, so starting your TF-CBT training now gives you a real head start on your career helping trauma-exposed children. Once you are fully licensed in your state or province, you'll have everything you need to apply for national certification. There are some additional fees from the TF-CBT developers along the way; details on the destination pages.
You may register for this course as long as you have completed TF-CBT Basic Training and Consultation with a developer-endorsed national TF-CBT trainer.
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