Therapy for Childhood Trauma Can Make a Difference

A traumatic event poses a threat to a child’s life or physical safety. This includes events that are:

• frightening
• dangerous
• violent

Remember, childhood trauma affects everyone differently.

Some common signs and symptoms to watch out for in children and teens include:

• In preschool and elementary-age children:
• In teens:
  • all of the signs mentioned above
  • irritability
  • withdrawal from social activities
  • academic problems
  • self-blame for the event (guilt and shame)
  • feeling depressed
  • difficulty concentrating
  • eating disorders and other self-harm behaviors
  • increase in behaviors like sexual activity and alcohol or drug use

Unresolved childhood trauma can have consequences into adulthood and can take on many forms:

A 2018 study looked at data from 1,420 participants and found that those with childhood trauma experienced adverse outcomes in adulthood, including:

• mental illness
• addiction
• health problems

The participants were interviewed annually as children and four times during adulthood over 22 years. Of the 1,420 participants, about:

• 40% said they experienced one traumatic childhood event
• 23% experienced two traumatic events
• 15% experienced three or more traumatic events

Treatment for childhood trauma can help you identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and decrease the symptoms, all in a safe and supportive environment.

• education around PTSD thoughts and emotions followed by formal processing of the trauma
• skill development to identify and address unhelpful thinking related to traumatic events

TF-CBT is an evidence-based model that combines trauma-sensitive interventions with cognitive behavioral techniques, humanistic principles, and family support that rely on the participation of trusted caregivers in the treatment process.

It’s effective for children, teens, and adolescents who have significant emotional difficulties from a traumatic event. The typical duration is 12 to 15 sessions.

EMDR is a therapy for treating trauma and PTSD. It uses repetitive eye movements and eight phases to re-pattern memories from trauma.

Research shows that EMDR is an evidence-based treatment to address unprocessed memories related to adverse life experiences and trauma.

NET is a short-term individual intervention that focuses on embedding trauma exposure into an autobiographical context known as a timeline. This timeline remains with the patient after therapy is over.

PE is a subtype of cognitive behavioral therapy used to treat PTSD and other mental health conditions. PE often takes place over 3 months.

The therapeutic relationship must be stable before exposure begins in the office and outside of therapy.

During the sessions, the therapist helps individuals talk through and confront trauma-related:

• memories
• fears
• feelings
• situations

Treatment for children will differ from treatment for adolescents and adults. Children need specialized therapy to accommodate their developmental levels and ability to participate.

During a play therapy session, the therapist observes a child through play. They can also use this age-appropriate behavior to address trauma and develop coping strategies.

Art therapy uses creative expression to address and heal the effects of traumatic events. Art mediums include:

• drawing
• coloring
• painting
• collage
• sculpture

• improve cognition
• foster self-esteem and self-awareness
• reduce conflicts and stress
• cultivate emotional resilience

Therapy for childhood trauma can help lessen the effects of traumatic events. Different therapies include art therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, and play therapy, among others.

Addressing trauma during childhood or adolescence can reduce the risk of developing mental health conditions like anxiety and depression or chronic conditions in the future.

Seeking treatment as an adult is also beneficial, helping you identify trauma and cope with its effects.