Trauma-Focused CBT Workbook: 200 Practical Exercises to Overcome PTSD, Anxiety, and Complex Trauma

This wide-ranging workbook gathers 200 hands-on exercises aimed at helping survivors of post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and painful memories move toward lasting recovery. Based on the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) model, it blends psychoeducation, relaxation methods, cognitive coping tools, structured exposure, narrative development, family-based strategies, progress tracking, and relapse prevention. The result is a user-friendly manual that equips both clinicians and self-guided readers with practical tasks to manage stress, ease flashbacks, reduce negative beliefs, and build stronger emotional health.

Key Features

Accessible Guidance: The content is presented in an approachable manner, with step-by-step instructions and real-world examples. Each module includes worksheets and scripts that can be adapted for children, adolescents, or adults, ensuring the workbook stays relevant across age groups and differing trauma histories.

Comprehensive Array of Activities: With 200 exercises grouped into themed chapters, you can quickly locate what suits your immediate needs—relaxation, grounding, tackling nightmares, rewriting traumatic narratives, or involving family members in the process. This wealth of methods allows therapy to remain flexible and dynamic.

Evidence-Based Foundations: TF-CBT is a recognised model backed by research, especially for addressing PTSD, anxiety, or complex trauma. Readers will find tasks inspired by established cognitive-behavioural principles, ensuring that interventions align with proven approaches.

Structured Format: Many tasks follow a consistent template, outlining the purpose, needed materials, specific instructions, and potential modifications for different clients. This clarity saves time for therapists and helps individuals practise effectively at home.

Range of Application: Though originally designed for child and adolescent trauma, TF-CBT also adapts well for adults facing single-incident or prolonged traumas. The text highlights modifications, so each exercise can be reshaped to match the intensity, triggers, and personal preferences of the user.

Focus on Long-Term Maintenance: Several chapters delve into relapse prevention, encouraging ongoing reflection, booster sessions, and personal safety plans. This ensures that readers do not merely reduce symptoms but also uphold healthier routines in the future.

Supplemental Materials and Measurement Tools: The final sections offer checklists, short scales, and feedback forms to measure progress over time. This fosters accountability and encourages a sense of accomplishment when visible improvements appear.

Who Should Use This Workbook

Mental Health Professionals: Psychologists, counsellors, social workers, and psychiatric nurses can incorporate the worksheets and exercises into therapy sessions. The manual acts as a structured resource, preventing the need to design fresh materials for each new client.

Individuals Working on Recovery: Adult survivors, teens, or families dealing with post-traumatic stress can take advantage of the self-led activities, guided visualisations, and planning exercises. Combining the workbook with supportive contacts or occasional check-ins with a professional can reinforce resilience.

Educators or Support Workers: Those who provide psychoeducational support in schools, shelters, or community centres may adapt child-friendly tasks to help learners reduce fear or confusion linked to past adversity. The collaborative exercises can also strengthen group settings or small support circles.

Peer or Family Caregivers: Parents, partners, or close friends who want to support a loved one can reference relevant sections, ensuring they speak a consistent language of coping and empathy. This shared approach can reduce conflicts at home and increase understanding.