Understanding The Past. Reclaiming The Present. Building Safety For The Future.
What Is Trauma-Focused CBT?
At Groundbreaker Therapy, I use Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help clients safely process painful experiences and develop tools to manage their emotional responses. This evidence-based approach integrates traditional CBT with trauma-specific techniques to address how trauma has affected your thoughts, emotions, and body.
The goal is to reduce the power of traumatic memories and build confidence in your ability to feel grounded, calm, and in control. Together, we focus on understanding how trauma has shaped your beliefs and behaviors while creating healthier ways to cope and connect.
Who Benefits From This Approach
Trauma-focused CBT can help if you:
- Have experienced trauma, abuse, neglect, or chronic stress
- Feel stuck in patterns of fear, avoidance, guilt, or self-blame
- Notice that past experiences still shape how you react in daily life
- Want a structured, skills-based approach that helps you feel more stable and less overwhelmed
- Are you ready to process what happened in a way that feels safe and manageable
If you are in acute crisis or currently unsafe, we may begin with stabilization and safety planning before starting trauma processing.
How I Use Trauma-Focused CBT In Sessions
I combine CBT principles with trauma-informed care to help you heal at a pace that feels right for you.
- Building Safety And Trust – We start by creating a sense of safety and stability so you can explore your story without being retraumatized.
- Understanding The Connection Between Thoughts, Feelings, And Behavior – You’ll learn how trauma can shape your thinking and how to recognize patterns that no longer serve you.
- Developing Coping Skills – I help you build tools for emotional regulation, mindfulness, and relaxation to manage distress when triggers arise.
- Gradual Trauma Processing – When you feel ready, we gently work through the memories and beliefs connected to your trauma, reframing them through compassion and perspective.
- Reconnecting And Reclaiming – We focus on strengthening relationships, self-esteem, and your sense of empowerment as you move forward.
What You Can Expect In Sessions
Each session is collaborative and paced with care. We balance learning new coping tools with processing trauma in ways that feel safe and contained. You will always have control over what we discuss and how deep we go.
You can expect to:
- Learn specific grounding and self-soothing techniques
- Identify and challenge unhelpful beliefs linked to past trauma
- Gradually reduce the emotional intensity of painful memories
- Build confidence in your ability to navigate triggers and stressors
- Leave sessions with practical tools for daily life
Why This Approach Matters
Trauma can affect every part of life — your emotions, relationships, body, and sense of self. TF-CBT helps you understand those effects without letting them define you. It offers structure and safety while giving space for real emotional healing.
At Groundbreaker Therapy, I believe recovery means more than just reducing symptoms. It means helping you reconnect with yourself, rebuild trust, and live with greater confidence and peace.
Is This Approach Right For You?
Trauma-focused CBT may be right for you if you:
- Want to process trauma in a structured, supported way
- Are you looking for practical skills to manage anxiety and triggers
- Are you ready to move toward healing and empowerment
- Want therapy that blends emotional work with actionable strategies
If you are unsure or need time before starting trauma processing, we can discuss the right pace for you. Healing does not have to be rushed — it just has to begin safely.
Next Steps
If this approach resonates with you, reach out to schedule a consultation. We will talk about your experiences, goals, and whether trauma-focused CBT is the right fit. Together, we’ll build a plan that prioritizes safety, healing, and long-term resilience.
