What is the primary focus during sessions that address the trauma narrative?

The primary focus during sessions that address the trauma narrative is to help the child recount their trauma in a safe environment. This aspect of Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is integral because it allows children to express and process their traumatic experiences in a supportive context. By recounting their trauma, children can engage in cognitive restructuring—challenging and reframing negative thoughts that may have developed as a result of their experiences.

This process is designed to give children the space to articulate their feelings, thoughts, and experiences surrounding the trauma, which can help them make sense of what happened. Furthermore, recounting their narrative contributes to emotional processing, reducing feelings of isolation and shame that often accompany trauma. A safe environment is crucial, as it fosters trust and security, enabling the child to explore their memories without fear of judgment or re-traumatization.

The other options do not align with the core purpose of the trauma narrative in TF-CBT. Suppressing emotions would hinder emotional processing and recovery. Goals unrelated to trauma would distract from addressing the core issues affecting the child's well-being. Discussing future aspirations, while important, is not the primary focus during trauma narrative sessions, which are more geared towards understanding and processing past traumatic experiences.