Trauma-Focused CBT
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What is Trauma-Focused CBT, and who is it for?
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based approach that helps children, adolescents, and adults process and heal from traumatic experiences. It combines trauma-sensitive care with proven cognitive and behavioural techniques to reduce distress and build healthy coping.
Experiencing a traumatic event, such as abuse, neglect, loss, an accident, or witnessing violence, can leave lasting emotional, behavioural, and physical effects. If left unaddressed, trauma can show up as severe anxiety, escalating anger, withdrawal, significant sleep disturbances, difficulty trusting others, and it doesn’t stop there. These symptoms may continue to affect daily life long after the event itself.
At Brock Counselling, our therapists provide a safe, structured space for you and your family to work through traumatic experiences at a manageable pace. Whether you are an adult looking for individual support, or a parent who is seeking guidance for their child, we work collaboratively with both the individual and their caregivers to build understanding, develop coping skills, and support long-term healing.
Common signs of trauma
Emotional & Cognitive
- Difficulty trusting others or feeling safe
- Emotional numbness or difficulty identifying feelings
- Fear of situations that resemble the trauma
- Guilt, shame, or self-blame
- Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
Physical & Behavioural
- Avoidance of people, places, or reminders of the traumatic event
- decreased appetite or low energy
- Hypervigilance or an exaggerated startle response
- Sleep disturbances or nightmares
- Withdrawing from social activities, responsibilities or previously enjoyed activities
How we support your healing
Our therapists use evidence-based, trauma-informed treatment approaches. Therapy is tailored to each person’s individual goals and needs.
No two journeys look the same, and neither should therapy.

Build Safety &
Skills
Therapy begins with psychoeducation about trauma and its impact on the brain and body. You will then learn coping and regulation skills, relaxation techniques, and affect management, so you feel equipped before processing difficult memories.

Process the Trauma Narrative
Together, we gradually and safely explore the traumatic experience at your own pace, helping to reduce its emotional intensity and correct unhelpful beliefs that may have developed as a result.

Strengthen & Move Forward
As healing progresses, we focus on rebuilding trust, strengthening safety, and supporting you and your family in moving forward with confidence.
core principles
The core components of Trauma-Focused CBT
Psychoeducation
Understanding trauma and its impact on the brain and body, as well as learning adaptive behaviour management.
Cognitive Coping
Identifying and reframing unhelpful thoughts connected to the traumatic experience.
Relaxation & Regulation
Techniques to calm the body and manage overwhelming emotions.
Trauma Narrative
Safely processing and making sense of what happened, at a pace that feels manageable.
Caregiver Involvement (Child/teen trauma)
Strengthening communication and support between you and your family throughout treatment.
Enhancing Safety
Focusing on future safety and healthy development.
The Process
What to expect when you reach out
Starting therapy can feel like a big step. You’re right – it is! Here’s how the process works at Brock Counselling, so you know exactly what to expect.
1
Brief Consultation
Therapy starts with an initial 15-min phone consultation to discuss your family's needs, as well as explore fit with a therapist.
This is also a good place to ask your questions about the TF-CBT process.
2
Your First Session
During this appointment, your therapist will spend time getting to know you and your family, your background, how trauma symptoms are showing up in your life, as well as explore your goals for therapy.
This appointment requires you to bring nothing, other than a willingness to participate.
3
Ongoing Support
At the end of the first session, you and your therapist will discuss frequency of sessions. However, TF-CBT recommends that sessions begin on a weekly basis to ensure adequate momentum and skill retention.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Choosing to reach out is the hardest part. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you find the right fit — no pressure, no commitment.
Ready When You Are
Book a Free Phone Consultation
Book a 15-minute phone consultation with one of our therapists. During this call, we’ll discuss your needs and goals and explore how our tailored approach can support your healing journey.
FAQs
How do I book an appointment?
There are many ways to book an appointment:
NEW CLIENTS: If you are a NEW client to Brock Counselling, please follow this link to send us a message: Contact Brock Counselling for Support and Therapy Services.
You can also book directly by e-mailing info@brockcounselling.ca or calling us at 905-320-2342.
EXISTING CLIENTS: If you are a CURRENT client, please use the Owl Portal link on the top right-hand side of the page. This will take you to the online booking platform: OWL, where you can book an appointment.
Alternatively, you can reach out to your therapist directly to book an appointment or contact info@brockcounselling.ca.
Therapy may be a good fit if:
- You have a problem that is interfering with your daily life;
- You have unresolved negative feelings that are affecting your work, home tasks, parenting, or relationships;
- Your family doctor recommended that you speak with a social worker or psychotherapist;
- You have been diagnosed with a mental health condition;
- Your coping strategies are harmful to your health and well-being (drinking alcohol in excess, using drugs, disordered eating, isolation, ‘doom scrolling’); OR
- You are looking for impartial feedback about your life and life choices.
People begin therapy for many different reasons. You do not have to have everything figured out before reaching out for support.
Therapy welcomes all individuals and requires no prior experience.
You do not need to bring or prepare anything for your first appointment – other than a willingness to participate and engage in the therapy process.
Your therapist will guide and support you through the first appointment. At the end of this appointment, your therapist will help you with setting goals and discussing what your hopes are for your therapy journey.
The primary differences between an RSW (Registered Social Worker) and a Psychologist are their education and the services they provide.
RSWs hold a Bachelor of Social Work or a Master of Social Work. This allows them to provide psychotherapy in Ontario.
Psychologists hold of Doctor of Psychology. While they can provide psychotherapy, most psychologists exclusively provide mental health assessments (i.e., Psychoeducational assessments, ADHD assessments, autism assessments).
It is best to speak directly with the professional about what services they provide.
Yes! Evening appointments are offered most nights of the week.
Weekend appointments are offered on Saturday morning and early afternoon.
Yes. What you share is confidential and your privacy is prioritized.
The information you share during a therapy session is protected by the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA), ensuring a safe and trusting therapeutic relationships between you and your therapist.
If you chose to share information with your spouse, family, employer, or other individual, you would sign a written consent. You have the right to revoke this written consent at any time.
Short answer, no.
Services are not offered outside of Ontario.
Registered Social Workers and Registered Psychotherapists are governed by separate regulatory bodies.
The Ontario College of Social Workers restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
The College of Registered Psychotherapists also restricts services to clients located in Ontario.
Absolutely!
In fact, fit is very important as it reflects the compatibility between you and your therapist.
Research consistently supports that the relationship between a client and therapist is the single most predictor in therapy success – as opposed to treatment type used, number of sessions, and diagnosis.
It may be a good fit if:
- You feel comfortable opening up, especially about the hard or embarrassing stuff;
- You feel heard, understood, and respected;
- You feel comfortable with your therapist challenging you in healthy ways;
- You genuinely want to attend sessions, even when what you’re talking about is difficult.
Yes, some insurance companies allow for direct billing. Please reach out to the practice directly at info@brockcounselling.ca to inquire if your insurance company is on the list of approvals.
Contact
Get In Touch
We are here to answer your questions and help you begin your healing journey. Contact us via phone, text, email, or fill out the form on the right hand side to get started.
We look forward to helping you become the best version of you!
Address
3344 Mainway, Burlington, ON, L7M 1A7