PROGRAM
Trauma Therapy
Evidence-based, trauma-focused therapy delivered with warmth and patience helping children and caregivers move from surviving to thriving.
Healing, one session at a time.
Our licensed clinicians provide trauma-focused therapy in spaces designed to feel safe and welcoming for children and their caregivers — all at no cost to families.
- Diagnostic assessments for PTSD
- Evidenced-based trauma treatments for children and adolescents
- Caregiver coaching and conjoint sessions
- Long-term follow up and community referrals
- List Item
Signs and Symptoms of Trauma
What To Look For
Trauma can affect children emotionally, physically, and socially. Recognizing these signs early can help connect a child with the support and healing they need.
Emotional Signs
What a child may be feeling inside — even when they can't put it into words.
- Denial or disbelief
- Mood swings
- Guilt or shame
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Difficulty concentrating
- Anxiety and fear
- Withdrawing from others
- Feeling numb
Physical Signs
What the body holds when emotions feel too big to process.
- Insomnia or nightmares
- Easily startled
- Racing heartbeat
- Aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Difficulty concentrating
- Edginess and agitation
- Muscle tension
Social Signs
How trauma can show up in a child's relationships and daily life.
- Trouble in school
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Difficulty trusting others
- Frequent conflicts with peers or adults
- Clinginess or separation anxiety
- Difficulty making or keeping friends
- Avoiding social situations
- Risk-taking or impulsive behaviors
A nine-step healing journey
The Trauma Therapy Process
Children's Advocacy Network uses evidence-based mental health treatment to reduce trauma-related symptoms. Each child moves through nine supportive steps at their own pace.
The Model
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(TF-CBT)
A short-term, evidence-based therapy proven to help children and caregivers heal from the emotional impact of trauma — delivered with warmth, patience, and at no cost to families.
Orientation
Families meet their therapist, tour the space, and learn what to expect.
Step 1 / 9
What happens here
We start by building trust. Children and caregivers meet the team, see the therapy rooms, and learn the rhythm of weekly sessions — no surprises, no pressure.
Education & Reactions
Learning about trauma and the body's natural responses to it.
Step 2 / 9
What happens here
Children and caregivers learn that common reactions — nightmares, big feelings, avoidance — are normal responses to abnormal events. Knowledge replaces shame.
Feelings & Affect Modulation
Building emotional vocabulary and healthy ways to manage big feelings.
Step 3 / 9
What happens here
Kids learn to name what they feel, recognize it in their bodies, and practice tools — like the 'feelings thermometer' — to ride out hard moments safely.
Relaxation
Practicing calming strategies for body and mind.
Step 4 / 9
What happens here
Breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, mindfulness, and grounding techniques become a daily toolkit children can use anywhere, anytime.
Positive Imagery & Thought
Building safe mental spaces and helpful thinking patterns.
Step 5 / 9
What happens here
Children create vivid mental 'safe places' and learn to swap out scary or hopeless thoughts for ones that are kinder, truer, and more useful.
Cognitive Processing
Connecting thoughts, feelings, and behaviors — and reframing what isn't true.
Step 6 / 9
What happens here
Therapists gently help children examine beliefs the trauma left behind ('it was my fault') and replace them with accurate, healing ones.
Sharing the Narrative
Telling the trauma story in a safe, supported way.
Step 7 / 9
What happens here
At each child's pace, they put words to what happened. Saying it out loud — and being heard without judgment — takes away the story's power to hurt.
Enhancing Safety
Building personal safety skills and plans for the future.
Step 8 / 9
What happens here
Children practice body-safety rules, identify trusted adults, and rehearse what to do if they ever feel unsafe again — confidence over fear.
Graduation
Celebrating progress and stepping forward with hope.
Step 9 / 9
What happens here
We mark the end of therapy with a celebration: reviewing skills learned, honoring the courage it took, and sending each family forward with a plan and a team.
Here's What Our Families Are Saying
The healing journey looks different for every child, but the impact is felt by families throughout Central Louisiana.
“Our counselor always took as much time as needed for me and my daughter. We were skeptical at first, but I am more than pleased with the outcome!”
A parent of a CAN client
“Therapist was outstanding. Thank you for your patience.”
A grateful caregiver
“Thanks so much for helping my girls!”
A CAN family
“I thank y'all so much for the help y'all gave my grandchild and the support you provided. My son and I could not have helped her the way y'all did.”
A grandparent
“Thank you so much for not letting her little spirit die in her.”
A parent
Every story of healing reminds us why this work matters.
Thank you to our sponsors!
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