Overview

Summary

This 2-day live 'virtual' workshop aims to increase the knowledge, skills and confidence of mental health professionals in the application of Trauma-focused CBT to Autistic children & adolescents.

Course Overview

Research indicates that autistic people are more likely to experience trauma and report symptoms of PTSD. Although research has yet to establish clear prevalence rates, the rates of probable PTSD in autistic people (32-45%) are significantly higher than those in the general population (4-4.5%) (Rumball et al. 2020; Rumball et al. 2021; Haruvi-Lamdan et al. 2020).

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT), developed by Drs Anthony Mannarino, Judy Cohen and Esther Deblinger, is an evidence-based intervention that helps children, adolescents and their families with emotional and behavioural difficulties associated with experiences of one or more traumatic events. TF-CBT is recommended as a first line intervention for children and adolescents experiencing PTSD by Australian and international guidelines (Phoenix Australia, 2021; NICE 2018). Adaptations have been developed for utilising TF-CBT with Autistic children and adolescents experiencing trauma symptoms. This workshop will take participants through the assessment of trauma and implementation of the TF- CBT model whilst incorporating Autism sensitive adaptations throughout. To facilitate active learning, the workshop will utilise role-plays and follow case studies to highlight the application of adaptations to TF-CBT for Autistic children and adolescents.

 

What is this course for?

This course is designed for practicing mental health clinicians with an interest in supporting autistic and other neurdivergent populations who have trauma symptoms to receive evidence-based mental health treatment. Clinicians will be eligible to attend if they have some previous experience/knowledge of trauma and previous skills and experience in working from a CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) framework. Previous training/experince in TF-CBT is not essential.

• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Mental Health Nurses
• Mental Health Occupational Therapists
• Social Workers
• Counsellors
• Other mental health professionals with relevant previous knowledge, skills and experience

 

PROGRAM:

DAY 1: Wednesday 20th May 2026 (9-4.30pm AEST)

• An overview of childhood trauma and prevalence of trauma in Autistic people
• Review of evidence for TF-CBT including the evidence for Autism
• Introduction to the TF-CBT model
• Assessment of Trauma and its application to Autism
• Learn TF-CBT skills and how to set up therapy and ‘PRACTICE’ components
• Follow 2 case studies of Autistic children
• Practice implementation of the TF-CBT model using case studies of Autistic children:
• Psychoeducation
• Affective Modulation
• Relaxation

 

DAY 2: Wednesday 27th May 2026 (9-4.30pm AEST)

• Practice implementation of the TF-CBT model using case studies of Autistic children:
• Thoughts, feelings, and behaviours
• Trauma Narration
• Cognitive Processing
• Safety

 

Also includes

• Certificate of participation on completion.
• 14 hours of CPD

 

For more information and to register:

Autism and Trauma

Learning Outcomes

• Gain an understanding of the impacts of trauma for Autistic children and adolescents
• Learn about the evidence for TF-CBT
• Understand the TF-CBT model and adaptations to TF-CBT for Autistic children and adolescents
• Focus on the implementation of TF-CBT.
• Follow case studies of Autistic children and adolescents and use role plays to practice the implementation of each TF-CBT module including assessment.

 

 

Presenter(s)

Natalie Cabrera
Clinical Psychologist, Educational and Developmental Psychologist

Gavin Moffitt
Clinical Psychologist

About the presenter(s)

Natalie Cabrera
Clinical Psychologist, Educational and Developmental Psychologist

Natalie is a Clinical Psychologist and an Educational and Developmental Psychologist based in Sydney. She is Director of TF-CBT Australia and Psychology Training and Supervision. Natalie has over 14 years of experience working with children, adolescents and families experiencing acute and complex mental health conditions in outpatient and inpatient public health settings. Before working in mental health services, Natalie worked in disability and child protection. After receiving initial training in TF-CBT in 2015, she went on to engage in TF-CBT training with developers Drs Anthony Mannarino and Judith Cohen in the United States in 2018. As an accredited TF-CBT Trainer, Natalie now has the privilege of training mental health clinicians throughout Australia. She also supports individuals and teams in their

Gavin Moffitt
Clinical Psychologist

Gavin is a Clinical Psychologist based in Sydney and Director of TF-CBT Australia and

Notes

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Website/s

https://courses.theemotionsclinic.com.au/courses/may-20th-26th-2026-autism-and-trauma-a-2-day-masterclass-in-trauma-focused-cbt-with-natalie-cabrera-and-gavin-moffitt-clinical-psychologists-psychologists