The referral pathways guide
Read with intention
Meet the cliniciansTrauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT).
A structured talking therapy for the effects of trauma. It combines learning about trauma, skills for coping, and gradually working through memories and reminders, at a pace you agree.
Step by step, at your pace.
The parts are set out at the start, so you always know what comes next.
Learning about trauma
How trauma affects the body, sleep, mood and relationships, and why reactions can last.
Skills for coping
Ways to calm the body and manage strong feelings, practised before the harder work begins.
Working through the memory
Gradually talking or writing about what happened, so it becomes less overwhelming. You decide how and when.
Facing reminders
Step by step, returning to places or activities you have been avoiding, when you are ready.
After a traumatic event.
- Adults with post-traumatic stress after an accident, assault, disaster or other trauma
- Emergency workers, first responders and veterans
- Trauma that happened recently, or many years ago
- People who want a structured plan with clear steps
TF-CBT is one of several trauma therapies we use, with EMDR and cognitive processing therapy. See trauma and PTSD.
How it usually runs.
Sessions are 50 minutes, usually weekly, in Parramatta or by telehealth.
- 1
Starting out
Your clinician asks what you are going through and explains TF-CBT. Together you decide whether it suits you.
Early sessions - 2
Weekly sessions
TF-CBT often runs over about 8 to 16 sessions. Your plan is shaped around you, and it can change.
The sessions that follow - 3
Practice between sessions
Short exercises to try at home, which you go through together at the next session.
Ongoing
Who offers this approach.
TF-CBT is offered by clinicians who have trained in it. The clinicians below list it on their profile.
Fees and other options.
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, Medicare pays a rebate for each individual session and there is usually a gap. Our fees are set out before you book.
Check in with yourself.
Free, private tools to try before or alongside sessions. They are not a diagnosis.
Free · 5 to 10 min
Take the Mind Health Check
Short questionnaires, scored privately in your browser. We have ticked the ones most related to this page, and you can change them.
Fact sheet: Trauma and PTSD
A plain-language guide with practical steps. Free to download.
Try this week
- Keep a regular sleep and wake time, even on weekends.
- Practise one grounding skill: name five things you can see and four you can hear.
- Write down the reminders you avoid, to talk through with your clinician.
Need help now? Our urgent help page has who to call, day and night.
Before you book, answered.
What is trauma-focused CBT?
Who is TF-CBT for?
Do I have to talk about the details of what happened?
How is TF-CBT different from EMDR?
How long does TF-CBT take?
Do I need a referral?
Can I have sessions by telehealth?
What if I need help now?
Take the first step, at your pace.
Tell us a little about what is going on, and that you are interested in TF-CBT. We will suggest a clinician and a time.
