Colorado Measures of Academic Success (CMAS) Practice Exam

What is the primary goal of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy?

1. To manage physical health

2. To enhance academic performance

3. To help children process and cope with trauma

4. To reduce family conflict

The correct answer is: To help children process and cope with trauma

The primary goal of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is to help children process and cope with trauma. This therapeutic approach is specifically designed to address the unique needs of children and adolescents who have experienced traumatic events. Through TF-CBT, children learn to understand their feelings related to the trauma, develop effective coping strategies, and gradually work towards healing. The therapy incorporates cognitive behavioral techniques to alter negative thoughts that may stem from traumatic experiences, enabling children to develop a healthier perspective and improve their emotional well-being. The focus on trauma processing is central to TF-CBT, distinguishing it from other therapeutic approaches that may address physical health, academic performance, or family dynamics but do not specifically target the processing of trauma itself. Thus, the essence of TF-CBT is rooted in facilitating healing from traumatic experiences, emphasizing the importance of this goal in the therapeutic process.