Stonewater Therapy
Specialized Trauma Therapies
Evidence-Based Approaches to Healing and Recovery
Traumatic experiences can affect how children and teens understand themselves, manage emotions, and connect with others. At Stonewater Therapy, we provide specialized, evidence-based treatments, including Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), to help children and families process difficult experiences, strengthen emotional well-being, and build a greater sense of safety and connection.
Understanding Specialized Trauma Therapy
Traumatic experiences can affect emotional regulation, behavior, relationships, and a person's sense of safety. For children and teens, these effects may look different depending on their age, developmental stage, experiences, and available support systems.
Specialized trauma therapies use structured, evidence-based approaches that recognize these developmental differences and address the emotional and relational effects of trauma. At Stonewater Therapy, we offer Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), two approaches that support healing through developmentally appropriate interventions, emotional understanding, and supportive relationships.
We tailor treatment to each child's or teen's individual needs, experiences, and goals. Our approach emphasizes emotional safety, collaboration, and building on existing strengths to support healing and recovery.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is an evidence-based treatment for young children from birth through age six who have experienced trauma, significant stress, or disruptions in their early relationships. Because young children often express distress through their behavior, emotions, play, and interactions with caregivers, CPP focuses on strengthening the caregiver-child relationship as a foundation for healing.
In CPP, children and their parents or primary caregivers participate in therapy together to explore how difficult experiences may affect emotional regulation, feelings of safety, and everyday interactions. Treatment emphasizes understanding the child's experiences, strengthening emotional connections, and supporting more secure relationships.
CPP may be particularly helpful for young children who have experienced:
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Abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence
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Loss, separation, or disruptions in caregiving relationships
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Frightening or overwhelming experiences
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Family instability or significant stressors
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Trauma-related emotional or behavioral difficulties
Through developmentally appropriate play, caregiver support, and shared therapeutic experiences, CPP helps children and caregivers strengthen their connection, build a greater sense of safety, and develop healthier patterns of interaction.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is a structured, evidence-based treatment designed to help children and teens recover from traumatic experiences and the emotional and behavioral difficulties that may follow. TF-CBT combines trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral strategies to help young people understand their experiences, manage distressing emotions, and develop healthier ways of thinking and responding.
Treatment typically includes individual sessions with the child or teen, caregiver participation when appropriate, and shared sessions that strengthen communication and support. TF-CBT emphasizes developing coping skills, processing traumatic experiences, and addressing thoughts and emotions that may contribute to ongoing distress.
TF-CBT may be helpful for children and teens experiencing:
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Anxiety, fear, or persistent worry related to traumatic experiences
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Intrusive memories, nightmares, or distressing trauma reminders
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Feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame
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Difficulties with emotional regulation, avoidance, or behavioral changes
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Challenges with trust, safety, or relationships following trauma
Treatment progresses at a pace appropriate to the child's developmental needs and readiness. Skills for emotional regulation, relaxation, and coping are introduced before more direct trauma processing. Caregivers also learn strategies to understand trauma-related reactions and support their child's recovery.
Through this structured and supportive approach, TF-CBT helps reduce trauma-related distress, strengthen coping skills, and support a greater sense of safety, emotional well-being, and confidence.
Finding the Right Approach to Trauma Therapy
Every child and teen experiences trauma differently, and selecting an appropriate treatment involves considering their age, developmental needs, symptoms, relationships, and individual circumstances. Both CPP and TF-CBT provide evidence-based approaches to trauma recovery, but they differ in their therapeutic focus and structure.
Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)
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Primary focus: Young children from birth through age six and their caregivers.
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Treatment approach: Strengthening the caregiver-child relationship through shared therapeutic experiences that support emotional security, connection, and healing.
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
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Primary focus: Children and adolescents, typically ages 3–18, with developmentally appropriate caregiver involvement.
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Treatment approach: Developing coping skills, processing traumatic experiences, reducing trauma-related distress, and strengthening caregiver support.
At Stonewater Therapy, we consider each child's developmental needs, experiences, and family circumstances when recommending treatment. Our goal is to identify an approach that supports emotional well-being, strengthens relationships, and promotes meaningful recovery.
What to Expect During Trauma Therapy
Beginning trauma therapy can raise questions about what treatment involves and how your child will be supported. At Stonewater Therapy, we take a thoughtful, developmentally appropriate approach that considers each child's experiences, needs, and relationships. Although CPP and TF-CBT differ in their structure, both emphasize emotional safety, supportive relationships, and meaningful recovery.
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Strengthening Relationships and Supporting Progress
As treatment progresses, we reinforce developing skills, strengthen supportive relationships, and help children and caregivers apply what they have learned in everyday life.
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Addressing Trauma-Related Experiences
Using developmentally appropriate interventions, therapy helps children process difficult experiences and develop healthier emotional and behavioral responses. This may involve play, shared caregiver-child interactions, or structured trauma-processing activities, depending on the treatment approach.
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Building Safety and Emotional Support
Treatment focuses on establishing a supportive therapeutic relationship and strengthening emotional security. Depending on the approach, this may involve developing coping skills, supporting caregiver-child connections, or helping children better understand and manage difficult emotions.
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Understanding Your Child's Experiences
We begin by exploring current concerns, developmental history, relationships, and treatment goals. Parent or caregiver perspectives help us better understand your child's experiences and identify appropriate treatment approaches.
The length and structure of treatment vary depending on the therapeutic approach, your child's needs, and progress toward treatment goals.
Additional Approaches to Trauma Therapy
In addition to CPP and TF-CBT, Stonewater Therapy offers other therapeutic approaches to support individuals experiencing trauma-related difficulties. These approaches may be used independently or incorporated into individualized treatment planning, depending on each person's needs and goals.
EMDR is a structured, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps children, teens, and adults process distressing memories and reduce their ongoing emotional impact.
Somatic approaches focus on the connection between physical sensations, emotions, and nervous system responses. These interventions can support emotional regulation, grounding, and greater awareness of the body's responses to stress.
Frequently Asked Questions
The most appropriate approach depends on your child's age, developmental needs, experiences, and symptoms. CPP focuses on young children and their caregivers, while TF-CBT is designed for children and adolescents experiencing trauma-related difficulties. During an initial consultation or assessment, we can discuss your concerns and explore which approach may be the best fit.
Not necessarily. CPP often uses play and caregiver-child interactions to support healing, while TF-CBT incorporates structured trauma processing after children develop coping and emotional regulation skills. Both approaches consider your child's developmental needs and readiness.
Caregiver involvement is an important part of both treatments. In CPP, caregivers typically participate directly in sessions with their child. In TF-CBT, caregivers participate in separate and shared sessions when clinically appropriate to support their child's recovery.
Treatment duration depends on your child's needs, experiences, and therapeutic progress. TF-CBT is generally a structured, time-limited treatment, while CPP may involve a longer course of therapy focused on the caregiver-child relationship. We will discuss treatment expectations and review progress throughout the process.
Yes. Both CPP and TF-CBT can help children who have experienced multiple traumatic events or ongoing adversity. Treatment is individualized to address your child's experiences, emotional needs, and available support systems.
Yes. Stonewater Therapy provides trauma treatment for children, teens, and adults. While CPP and TF-CBT primarily focus on younger populations, adults may benefit from other approaches, including EMDR and somatic therapy, depending on their needs and treatment goals.
Supporting Healing and Recovery After Trauma
Traumatic experiences can affect children, teens, and families in different ways, but healing is possible with appropriate support. At Stonewater Therapy, we provide specialized, evidence-based trauma treatments that support emotional well-being, strengthen relationships, and promote meaningful recovery. Whether you're ready to begin therapy or would prefer to talk first, we can explore your concerns and identify an approach that fits your child's and family's needs.