Skills first
Relaxation, emotion regulation and coping skills before any memory work.
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Evidence-based therapy approach
Trauma-Focused CBT in Bangladesh
A structured, evidence-based therapy that helps children, teens and adults recover from trauma by safely processing what happened and the beliefs it left behind. Work with a licensed psychologist online across Bangladesh, or in person in Dhaka.
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Trauma-focused CBT at a glance
- Typical length
- Often 8–16 weekly sessions
- Each session
- About 60 minutes
- Who it helps
- Children, teenagers and adults after trauma
- Parents
- For children, a parent or caregiver usually joins part of each session
- Structure
- Coping skills first, then the memory, at your pace
- Format
- Online or in person, Bangla or English
Meet the psychologists →In plain language: Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT) combines coping-skills building with gently processing the trauma memory, so it stops feeling dangerous. It is done in careful stages, always at your pace, and is strongly evidenced — especially for children and teens.
The basics
What is trauma-focused CBT?
TF-CBT is an adapted form of CBT designed specifically for people affected by trauma.
After trauma, the brain can store the memory in a raw, unprocessed way, so reminders trigger fear, flashbacks or avoidance as if the danger is still present. TF-CBT helps by first building safety and coping skills, then gradually and safely processing the trauma memory and the unhelpful beliefs it created (such as guilt or “the world is dangerous”), until it becomes a memory that no longer overwhelms. It was developed for children and adolescents and involves caregivers where appropriate, and it is also used with adults. It is one of the most evidence-based trauma treatments, alongside EMDR.
How TF-CBT is structured
The PRACTICE steps
TF-CBT moves step by step. Skills for calm and coping come first, so a child can later tell their story safely. Parents or carers take part throughout.
- Skills firstP, R, A and C build understanding, calming and coping skills before any trauma work.
- The story, safelyT: with those skills in place, the child gradually puts what happened into words or pictures.
- Back to daily lifeI, C and E: facing safe reminders, sharing with the parent and planning for safety.
Based on the PRACTICE components of trauma-focused CBT (Cohen, Mannarino and Deblinger). Illustration.
A structured path
The phases of TF-CBT
Understanding trauma
Learning how trauma affects the mind and body, reducing shame.
Managing feelings
Tools to handle strong emotions and reminders safely.
Processing the memory
Gradually telling and reframing the trauma narrative at your pace.
Challenging beliefs
Replacing guilt or “it was my fault” with balanced understanding.
Safety & future
Building confidence, safety skills and looking forward.
Why people choose it
What are the benefits?
Strong evidence
One of the best-researched trauma treatments, especially for young people.
Paced & safe
Skills come first; nothing is rushed.
Reduces PTSD
Eases flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance and hyper-alertness.
Lifts guilt & shame
Reframes the beliefs trauma leaves behind.
Involves caregivers
For children, parents are part of the healing.
Lasting recovery
Skills and understanding that stay with you.
Choosing well
Is trauma-focused CBT right for us?
A good fit if you
- are worried about a child or teenager who has changed after abuse, an accident, violence or a sudden loss
- notice nightmares, fear, anger or withdrawal that started after a frightening event
- want a structured approach that builds coping skills before talking about what happened
- have a parent or carer who can take part and support the work at home
Another approach may suit first if
- a child is still in an unsafe situation or abuse is ongoing: safety comes first, call 999 in an emergency
- you are an adult troubled by one specific memory and prefer to talk less about details: EMDR may suit
- the main difficulty is grief without trauma symptoms: grief counselling
- the child is very young or finds it hard to put things into words: play therapy
Not sure? A first assessment session helps the psychologist suggest the right approach for you or your child.
Inside the work
What sessions involve
Build safety
Grounding and coping skills so you feel steady first.
Understand trauma
Making sense of your reactions without shame.
Process gently
Working through the memory in small, safe steps.
Reclaim the future
Restoring safety, confidence and hope.
Where it helps
What it can help treat
Trauma & PTSD
Single-event and repeated trauma, in children and adults.
Childhood trauma
Abuse, neglect or frightening early experiences.
Traumatic grief
Loss that is sudden, violent or especially distressing.
Trauma-linked anxiety
Fear and panic rooted in past events.
Nightmares & flashbacks
Intrusive memories that disrupt daily life.
Guilt & shame
The heavy self-blame trauma can leave behind.
Who can help
Psychologists you can talk to about trauma-focused CBT
These licensed psychologists can assess whether trauma-focused CBT suits you and, if a specialist fits better, refer you to the right colleague. Not sure who to choose? We will match you.
Shaheen Nafisa Siddique
From ৳4,500
Mesbahul Islam
From ৳3,500BCPS-verified
Tamima Tanjin
From ৳3,500BCPS-verified
Salma Parveen
From ৳4,500BCPS-verified
Hazera Khatun
From ৳3,500BCPS-verified
Dr. Tarun Kanti Gayen
From ৳4,500BCPS-verified
Ishrat Shermin Rahman
From ৳4,000BCPS-verified
Nazme Ara
From ৳3,000BCPS-verified
Samsun Nahar
From ৳2,200BCPS-verified
Mst. Hasina Khatun
From ৳4,000
Afroja Sultana
From ৳2,500
Mst. Swampa
From ৳3,000BCPS-verified
Choosing safely
Questions to ask a therapist
- What training and experience do you have in TF-CBT?
- How will you make sure I (or my child) feel safe?
- How are caregivers involved for a child?
- Roughly how long might treatment take?
- What alternatives, like EMDR, should I consider?
- Can it be adapted to my language and culture?
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Will I have to relive the trauma?
Not before you are ready. TF-CBT builds coping skills first, and the memory is processed gradually and safely, at your pace — never forced.
Is TF-CBT only for children?
It was developed for children and teens, with caregivers involved, and is strongly evidenced there — but it is also used effectively with adults.
How is it different from EMDR?
Both are leading trauma treatments. TF-CBT uses structured skills and a trauma narrative; EMDR uses guided bilateral stimulation. Your psychologist helps choose what fits you best.
How long does it take?
TF-CBT is usually a structured, time-limited course, though complex trauma may take longer. Your psychologist plans this with you.
Can it be done online in Bangladesh?
Yes, when suitable and safe, over secure video in Bangla or English. Suitability is assessed first. In-person sessions are available in Dhaka.
How much does a session cost?
Chum Wellness sessions start from BDT 1,000 and vary by psychologist. The exact fee is confirmed before you book.
Read more
Related articles & guides
Practical, Bangladesh-specific reading from the Chum blog on this topic.
Trauma Triggers and Flashbacks: How to CopeRead article →How Trauma Therapy Works: Healing After TraumaRead article →PTSD & Trauma: Signs, Causes & Recovery in BangladeshRead article →Emotional Numbness: Why You Feel Nothing and Cannot CryRead article →Complex PTSD (C-PTSD): Signs, Causes and HealingRead article →Best Psychiatrists in Dhaka: Chum’s BMDC-Registered Doctors (2026)Read article →
Ready when you are
Your healing comes before the technique
Tell Chum what you or your child has been through, and we will match you with a licensed trauma-trained psychologist — online across Bangladesh, or in person in Dhaka.
