Orion therapists earn National TF-CBT certification

February 20, 2020
Tia Long and Melissa Pruett

Orion Family Services is excited to announce that Tia Long and Melissa Pruett have both earned their National TF-CBT certification!

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents who have been impacted by trauma, and their parents or caregivers. TF-CBT trained therapists work with both the child and their caregivers to help develop the skills and resources necessary to help overcome the devastating effects of trauma. Therapists use a variety of structured techniques, for example, psychoeducation about trauma and the impact of trauma, relaxation, regulation, cognitive processing, parenting strategies for dealing with behaviors, and writing of the trauma narrative.

To earn the National TF-CBT certification, a therapist must be a fully licensed clinician with a minimum of a master’s degree, complete the introductory course, participate in multiple in-person days of training and subsequent follow-up trainings, have consultation meetings monthly for a year, complete three different TF-CBT cases under supervision and after meeting all of the above requirements, pass a knowledge-based exam.

Tia and Melissa both earned their National TF-CBT certification in 2019 while two other therapists, Amber VanFossen and Jennifer Hawley had previously been certified. Orion is pleased to now have four therapists certified in this important and effective treatment method!