2020 has been a weird year. The pandemic has been a trauma event for the whole world: we are all going through it together. As Covid continues on and case counts rise and fall, regular life carries on, too. Kids are experiencing traumas like accidents, illnesses, and violence just like they were before the pandemic began. How do you get your child the trauma therapy they need while staying at home? In this post, I want to talk about online TF-CBT, and why it’s a great option for kids’ trauma therapy both now and in the future.
Why Consider Online Trauma Therapy?
Families may consider online trauma therapy for a variety of reasons, some of which are not unique to 2020. Depending on where you live, it might be hard to find a counselor who knows how to treat childhood PTSD. Other life circumstances can make it hard to find time to drive to a counselor’s office in the middle of a 9-5 work day. Health conditions might also prevent a child or parent from easily being able to travel. Here are a few situations where online trauma therapy can help:
You really connect with a therapist who lives in your state, but not your town
You live in a rural area where it’s hard to find a trauma specialist
You or your child is living with a chronic illness or disability
You and your ex-spouse have joint custody, so your child travels between two far-apart homes
Your child’s schedule is extremely busy, and it’s hard to squeeze in another appointment
Doing therapy online means you can see therapists all over your state. You have way more options! If you’re looking for someone who specializes with a specific age group or a particular problem, online therapy broadens your horizons.
What is TF-CBT?
TF-CBT stands for Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. It’s a form of therapy that was created to help kids with PTSD symptoms following a trauma. If you imagine a stereotypical therapy session, what comes to mind? Do you picture going into a room and talking about your earliest childhood memories while a therapist nods and says “How does that make you feel?” If so, that’s not what happens in online TF-CBT.
This style of therapy is skill-based, meaning kids learn coping tools they can use in the here-and-now to get some relief quickly. It is also fairly short-term, meaning that children will usually attend therapy for a matter of months. TF-CBT is designed for children from age 3 to age 18. Any child who can put their trauma experience into words is likely to be a good fit for this therapy approach.
How Does TF-CBT Work Online?
TF-CBT is divided into three parts. Here’s how each of them works online:
In the first phase of TF-CBT, kids learn about trauma symptoms and practice coping skills to manage them. Children learn that many other kids have gone through similar experiences, and felt the same way they do now. They rediscover how to soothe their body and mind when trauma symptoms send them into high alert. A TF-CBT counselor can model how to practice relaxation skills on video chat, email handouts to families to practice at home, and share educational books and videos online.
In the second phase of TF-CBT, children gradually begin to face their fears. Many children are bothered by upsetting memories or flashbacks after a trauma. They may also be fearful of situations or people that remind them in some way of what happened. In this middle part of the therapy process, the therapist helps the child gradually expose themselves to scary situations or memories in a careful way. Children can use their new coping skills to manage strong feelings as they arise.
An important way children face their fears is by creating a trauma narrative: a story about their trauma experience from their own point of view. This can be done online using a shared Google Doc for older kids, or by using online comic strip or art programs for younger children. Either way, the therapist is there at all times to make sure the child isn’t overwhelmed.
Finally, children and parents meet together. Kids have an opportunity to share their story with their parents. Meanwhile, parents have the change to show children that nothing they think or feel is too scary to be mentioned. This helps children and parents strengthen their bond after trauma, and paves the way for the child to graduate from therapy. I really enjoy seeing families curled up together on the couch to read their child’s story: it’s much more comfortable than being in my office!
The Benefits Of At-Home Therapy for Trauma
While I love seeing children for face-to-face therapy, online counseling has a few distinct benefits to offer. Until I started practicing online, I’d never considered its hidden perks! Here are a few advantages to consider if you’re considering at-home trauma therapy for your child:
Online therapy can feel less overwhelming than being face-to-face. This can be especially helpful for shy children who are nervous about talking to a strange adult. When kids are in my office, they’re very aware that I’m close by and looking at them. Online, though, I seem a bit more removed. This makes it easier for some children to open up.
Being at home means being close to comfort objects. If a child gets overwhelmed during a home session, they are already in a place that likely feels safe and comfortable to them. Pets, stuffed animals, siblings, and photos of loved ones can all be brought into sessions for emotional support.
As a therapist, I’m able to watch children write and create their stories in real-time. A shared Google Document allows me to observe a child’s thought process as they’re writing, without having to awkwardly peek over anyone’s shoulder. This can be really helpful when children are sharing memories of trauma, because I can spot important details quickly.
Looking for an Online Child Trauma Therapist in North Carolina, New York, or Florida?
I’m a Davidson-based children’s counselor who specializes in childhood trauma and anxiety treatment. I’m also a big proponent of online therapy for kids! I love online counseling because it gets rid of many barriers that make it hard for kids to get good quality therapy. If you’re not local to the Charlotte area, I offer online TF-CBT throughout North Carolina, New York, and Florida.
If you’re looking for an online trauma counselor for your child, you can learn more about me or reach out to schedule an appointment. I’m always happy to chat and answer questions before scheduling.
You can also learn more about TF-CBT and trauma here or by checking out my blog posts on the subject.
