Childhood Trauma & TF-CBT Therapy in Texas
At Dana Waknin Counseling, I help adults (spotlight on ages 18 to 45) and teens (ages 12 to 65 welcomed) across Frisco, TX and statewide Texas telehealth heal from unresolved childhood wounds, relational trauma, and PTSD. Using a person-centered approach alongside cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Trauma-Focused CBT (TF-CBT), we build emotional safety and daily stability first so deeper trauma work never feels overwhelming.
Recommended First Step: Start with a brief 10 to 15 minute consultation call so we can talk through what you are looking for, discuss how we pace trauma therapy, and make sure you feel comfortable with my style.
How Early Experiences Show Up in the Present
Childhood trauma is not always a single event. Often, it includes growing up in unpredictable family environments, emotional neglect, or relationships where it did not feel safe to express your needs.
Hypervigilance & Walking on Eggshells: Constantly scanning other people's moods, tone of voice, or reactions to anticipate conflict before it happens.
People-Pleasing & Boundary Guilt: Putting everyone else's comfort ahead of your own because saying "no" triggers intense guilt or fear of rejection.
Harsh Self-Criticism & Shame: Carrying old internal messages from childhood that make you feel like you are never doing enough.
Difficulty Trusting or Feeling Safe: Wanting close, connected relationships while simultaneously feeling guarded or afraid of being let down.
Why You Never Have to Unpack Deep Trauma on Day One
You always dictate the speed of our work. I pay close attention to your cues and readiness across three clear stages:
Stabilizing Daily Life
We start with whatever is interfering with your day-to-day routine right now, whether that is daily anxiety, sleep disruption, or relationship stress.
Emotional Regulation First
Through collaborative CBT psychoeducation, you build a clear grasp of how your thoughts, emotions, and nervous system interact so you know how to ground yourself safely.
In-Depth Trauma Healing
Once daily symptoms are managed and you feel safe, comfortable, and emotionally regulated, we move forward into deeper childhood or past trauma work using TF-CBT.