At Palomar Family Counseling Service, we are dedicated to delivering top-tier mental health services to families across San Diego County. We’re excited to recap our recent two-day Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) training, tailored specifically for working with Latiné children and families. This professional development event, held on February 26 and 27, 2026, empowered our therapists and trainees with advanced skills to address childhood trauma effectively.
Expert-Led Instruction from Alison Hendricks, LCSW
Led by renowned expert Alison Hendricks, LCSW, from Alison Hendricks Consulting, the workshop was a game-changer for our team. As a National Trainer for TF-CBT with over 20 years in trauma-informed care, Alison specializes in culturally sensitive approaches for Latiné communities. She’s the lead author of globally disseminated TF-CBT workbooks, co-author of the Child Welfare Trauma Training Toolkit (3rd Edition), and a key figure in the Secondary Traumatic Stress Consortium. Her extensive experience, including roles at the Chadwick Center of Rady Children’s Hospital, brought real-world insights to every discussion.
Key Components Covered in the TF-CBT Training
The TF-CBT training covered essential topics, from initial screening and assessment to the full PRACTICE modelcomponents:
- Psychoeducation
- Parenting Skills
- Relaxation
- Affective Expression and Modulation
- Cognitive Coping and Processing
- Trauma Narration
- In Vivo Mastery of Trauma Reminders
- Conjoint Child-Parent Sessions
- Enhancing Future Safety and Development
Attendees practiced hands-on techniques, incorporating cultural considerations like familismo and developmental factors to ensure inclusive, effective therapy. The session also addressed secondary traumatic stress management, helping therapists maintain their well-being while supporting others.
Why TF-CBT Is Essential for Therapists Working with Children
Why is TF-CBT a must-have skill for mental health professionals? Childhood trauma, including abuse, violence, or loss, affects countless young people in San Diego. As an evidence-based therapy, TF-CBT helps reduce PTSD symptoms, anxiety, depression, and behavioral issues by combining cognitive behavioral techniques with trauma processing. It’s particularly vital for Latiné families, where cultural nuances such as acculturation stress and strong family bonds play a key role in healing. By mastering TF-CBT, our therapists can provide targeted trauma therapy that builds resilience, strengthens family relationships, and promotes long-term mental health recovery—ultimately benefiting the entire community.
Gratitude to Our Community Partners and Host
This impactful TF-CBT workshop was made possible through the generous support of the San Diego Foundation, San Marcos Community Foundation, and Smart & Final Foundation. Their investments in therapist training directly elevate mental health services in San Diego County, fostering a healthier future for local families.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the University of San Diego for hosting us on their stunning campus, which created an ideal environment for learning and collaboration.
Moving Forward: Committed to Trauma-Informed Care in San Diego
As Palomar Family Counseling Service continues to integrate these TF-CBT strategies, we’re committed to expanding access to trauma-informed care. If you’re seeking mental health support for children or families in San Diego, explore our services today. Together, we’re building a more resilient community—one healing step at a time.
