Trauma-Focused CBT: Online Therapy for Healing Trauma

Trauma-Focused CBT: Online Therapy for Healing Trauma

Written and clinically reviewed by Sian Jones, Founder & CBT Therapist.

Last reviewed: 2 August 2026

What is Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT)?

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) is a specialised form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It helps individuals recover from the impact of traumatic experiences. Unlike standard CBT, TF-CBT directly addresses the thoughts, feelings, and behaviours associated with a specific trauma. This approach is grounded in evidence. It is often recommended for those experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Our goal is to help you process difficult memories and reduce the distress they cause. TF-CBT works by teaching you specific skills to manage your emotional responses. It also helps you challenge unhelpful thoughts linked to the trauma. We aim to help you build resilience and improve your daily functioning.

Trauma does not define you; TF-CBT offers a structured, safe pathway to reclaim your narrative and your peace.

How Does Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Work?

TF-CBT follows a clear, phased structure to ensure safety and effectiveness throughout the healing process. The therapy typically begins with psychoeducation. This involves understanding trauma, its effects on the mind and body, and normalising common reactions.

Next, we focus on developing emotional regulation skills. This phase equips you with practical tools to manage overwhelming feelings like anxiety, fear, or anger. Techniques might include relaxation exercises, mindfulness, and grounding methods. These skills are important for maintaining stability as we progress to more direct trauma processing.

The core of TF-CBT involves gradual exposure and cognitive restructuring. This means safely and systematically confronting trauma-related memories, thoughts, and situations. We help you reframe unhelpful beliefs that may have developed as a result of the trauma. This controlled processing helps to reduce the emotional intensity and impact of the memories over time.

Key Elements of TF-CBT

• Psychoeducation focused on normalising trauma responses
• Development of practical emotional regulation skills
• Gradual exposure to safely process difficult memories
• Cognitive restructuring to reframe unhelpful trauma beliefs

Who Can Benefit from Trauma-Focused CBT?

TF-CBT is beneficial for individuals who have experienced a single traumatic event or multiple traumatic experiences. This includes those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders stemming from trauma, or aspects of complex trauma. Symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviours, heightened arousal, and persistent negative thoughts about the trauma can all be addressed through this therapy.

If you find that past events continue to affect your present life, Trauma-Focused CBT can provide the tools needed to move forward. Our therapists are experienced in supporting individuals who feel stuck or overwhelmed by their past. This therapy is about building a sense of safety and capability within yourself. We aim to help you regain control of your life. For a broader overview of how we support individuals with trauma, you can also explore our trauma-informed online counselling services.

Standard CBT vs Trauma-Focused CBT

Feature	Standard CBT	Trauma-Focused CBT
Primary Focus	Current thoughts, feelings, and behaviours	Processing specific past traumatic events
Core Technique	Cognitive restructuring and behavioural activation	Imaginal exposure and trauma integration
Pacing	Flexible, focused on day-to-day challenges	Structured phases emphasizing safety first

Our Approach to Online Trauma-Focused CBT

We provide a secure and confidential environment for online TF-CBT sessions. Our accredited therapists are experienced in delivering this specialised therapy remotely, ensuring you receive high-quality care from your own home. Online therapy offers flexibility, fitting around your schedule and removing the need for travel. This can be especially important when addressing sensitive topics such as trauma.

Our team includes therapists such as Beth West, who holds a Diploma in Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) and works with trauma. Daniella Ellis, with a Level 5 Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), also supports clients through trauma recovery. Shireen Maclennan, holding a PGCert in Existential Psychology and Psychotherapy, helps individuals navigate feelings related to past trauma. Other therapists working with trauma include Kaye Barney, who has 8 years of experience, and Katrina Voysey, with 31 years of experience in psychotherapy. Michelle Fussell is an accredited BACP member. Denese MacDonald has 25 years of experience. Jackie Hare is EMDR Europe accredited. Victoria Greenwood is an accredited NCS member. Jo Walmsley has 16 years of experience. Our practitioners are registered with professional bodies such as the BABCP, UKCP, or NCPS, ensuring ethical practice and high standards of care. We are committed to creating a safe and supportive space for your recovery journey.

Starting Your Recovery Journey Today

Beginning your journey to recovery with Trauma-Focused CBT is straightforward. We offer a transparent and client-focused booking process. Our online platform allows you to find a therapist and book sessions at your convenience. Individual Counselling sessions are 60 minutes and cost £68. Couples Counselling sessions are 60 minutes and cost £80.

To begin, use our "Find the Right Therapist for You" tool. You will answer a few short questions online about your needs, preferred session format, and availability. You will then see matching therapists with their live availability. This allows you to choose your preferred therapist and book a slot directly from their calendar. You will receive an email confirming your session details and a secure video link for online appointments.

We believe in direct access to therapy without unnecessary delays. Our aim is to connect you with a qualified therapist quickly. This ensures you can begin your work towards healing and improved wellbeing without waiting. Our commitment is to provide accessible, professional support when you need it most.

Ready to start? Find the Right Therapist for You — answer a few short questions, see matching therapists with live availability, then choose your therapist and time.

Please remember that OnlineCBTCounselling.com is not a crisis service. If you are in urgent need of support, please contact Samaritans on 116 123, NHS 111, or the emergency services on 999.