Breakdown of Services: Specialized Therapy
(Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy [TF-CBT])
Therapy is a supportive and confidential process where individuals work with a trained professional to navigate difficult emotions, process experiences, and develop healthy coping mechanisms. At the Walker County Children’s Advocacy Center, our focus is specifically on addressing trauma. Trauma is the emotional and psychological response to an event that is deeply distressing or disturbing, often leaving a child feeling overwhelmed and powerless. To help children heal from these experiences, the CAC has a specialized therapist on hand who is specifically trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). This evidence-based treatment is designed to help children and their non-offending caregivers process the emotional impact of trauma and reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress.
Following a forensic interview, an interviewer or advocate may refer a child to mental health services if the need for professional support is identified. Many families choose to work with our in-house therapist, who has undergone extensive, specialized training hours in TF-CBT to provide the highest level of care right here at our center. However, we recognize that every family’s situation is unique; if a family prefers to seek help elsewhere or requires services outside our scope, we provide referrals to external agencies that best fit their specific needs, clinical criteria, and geographical location. Our goal is to ensure that every child has access to the right support, regardless of where they receive it.
TF-CBT works by helping the child and caregiver understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to the traumatic event. It is a joint effort that requires the support of all avenues in a child’s life; to facilitate this, the therapist may request signed releases to speak with family members, school staff, or other agencies involved with the child’s well-being. Throughout the process, the child learns to identify “stuck” thoughts and replace them with helpful ones, while also learning relaxation techniques to manage physical stress. This collaborative approach ensures that the child is surrounded by a network of informed and supportive adults who are all working toward the same goal of healing.
The journey through TF-CBT is a significant commitment, and we believe in honoring that hard work. At the end of the program, the child “graduates” with a big celebration at the CAC. They are invited to bring whoever they wish—family, friends, or advocates—to celebrate their resilience and the completion of their therapy services. If a child requires additional support after completing trauma-specific therapy, the therapist will provide appropriate referrals to ensure a seamless transition into the next phase of their growth. At the CAC, graduation isn’t just the end of a program; it is a celebration of a child reclaiming their story and moving forward with strength.
For more information, please contact Alisa Busbin at the Walker County CAC.
alisa.wccac@gmail.com or 205.387.8324