When most people think about post-traumatic stress disorder, they picture veterans having flashbacks of dramatic, violent scenes of war. However, many people who experience this disorder are dealing with the effects of a very different type of traumatic event. Childhood trauma is often a precursor to developing posttraumatic stress disorder and can range from the effects of being raised in poverty to growing up around substance abuse to acts of emotional, sexual, or physical violence.
But how does one deal with childhood trauma? What type of healing process is required, and is there a type of therapy that can offer the most effective treatment? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the effects of childhood trauma as well as explore some of the most effective ways to process and move past a traumatic event.
Childhood trauma is a common experience that can have lifelong effects on mental health and well-being. According to the Mental Health Services Administration (MHSA), traumatic events can include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. Early childhood trauma can lead to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health symptoms.
Early intervention and treatment through trauma therapy can be crucial for healing and recovery.
Childhood trauma can impact brain development, leading to changes in emotional regulation, behavior, and cognitive function. Traumatic experiences may increase the risk of developing mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
Childhood trauma can also affect physical health, leading to chronic diseases and health problems. Unresolved childhood trauma symptoms can manifest differently in children, including behavioral problems, emotional dysregulation, and difficulty with relationships that can follow them into adulthood.
Treating trauma is incredibly important to promote healthy development and improve overall mental health and wellness. A trauma informed therapist may specialize in one or more of a wide range of therapeutic approaches.
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) is a type of trauma-focused therapy that helps individuals process and cope with traumatic memories by identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs associated with the traumatic event.
CPT is a recommended treatment for PTSD and can be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma by allowing the client to recognize the traumatic event in a nuanced way, processing their feelings, and offering coping skills to help them manage the stress response.
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) is a type of therapy that helps children and adolescents process and cope with traumatic experiences and is commonly used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder. Trauma-focused CBT involves teaching coping skills, processing traumatic memories, and promoting emotional regulation.
Trauma-focused therapies are a common form of trauma therapy that can be effective in reducing symptoms of childhood trauma and improving mental health outcomes.
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that helps individuals process and integrate traumatic memories by talking through the trauma while simultaneously experiencing bilateral stimulation through a specific set of eye movements. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing is controversial in some psychiatric circles, but many who have experienced childhood trauma have found it helpful.
Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a type of trauma therapy that helps individuals manage emotions and behaviors associated with trauma and is another common treatment approach for those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder. Dialectical behavior therapy was developed for treating personality disorders, which can also have roots in childhood trauma.
Somatic therapy is a type of trauma therapy that focuses on the mind-body connection and can be effective in reducing symptoms of trauma by exploring the how the body processes deeply painful traumatic memories. Somatic therapy uses a deep mind/body approach to processing a traumatic event.
Internal family systems therapy is designed to approach childhood trauma and resolve problems within the context of the family unit, which is often the source of these traumatic experiences.
Prolonged exposure therapy is a type of PTSD treatment that exposes the individual to their trauma-related memories, feelings, and situations gradually and with supervision. Over time, prolonged exposure therapy can build endurance and allow them to face traumatic memories without overwhelming fear, anger, or other negative emotions.
Trauma-focused therapies, such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), are specifically designed for children and adolescents. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy allows the therapist to facilitate shifts in unhelpful thoughts and behavior around their traumatic memories and improve mental health symptoms over time.
Play therapy or art therapy is commonly used for children who have experienced a traumatic event. This type of therapy uses play and creative arts to help children process and cope with their traumatic experiences.
Alongside other forms of individual therapy like trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, prolonged exposure therapy, or dialectical behavioral therapy, family therapy is also often effective in promoting healing and recovery for children and families affected by trauma and may be part of treating trauma.
Trauma treatment should be tailored to the individual’s needs and circumstances. Creating a bond of trust can be essential, especially when working with individuals who have experienced early childhood trauma.
Talk to your child's pediatrician about what types of therapy you should seek out for PTSD treatment for your child. Or, if seeking help as an adult, do some research into the different types of therapy that deal with traumatic experiences. Trauma therapy can be a highly personal process, and which trauma therapy will work best can depend on a variety of factors. Dialectical behavior therapy, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, somatic therapy, and prolonged exposure therapy have all shown positive outcomes for treating traumatic memories.
A trauma-informed therapist can provide a safe and supportive environment for healing and recovery. Trauma treatment modalities, such as medication, individual talk therapy, and family therapy, may also be recommended in reducing symptoms of trauma.
Childhood trauma, whether being addressed directly after the traumatic event or years down the road, can be essential in protecting and/or improving mental health. A trauma treatment plan should be developed in collaboration with the individual and their therapist. This plan should include goals, objectives, and strategies for promoting healing and recovery. Regular assessment and evaluation can help ensure the effectiveness of the treatment plan.
At Williamsburg Therapy Group, our team of doctoral-level Brooklyn psychotherapists offers a number of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to talk therapy for traumatic experiences, including complex trauma. Traumatized children can grow into traumatized adults, so it is important that PTSD treatment take place as soon as possible to protect mental health.
If you are seeking trauma therapy for traumatic memories, call our service coordinator to be matched with a mental health professional that can offer trauma therapy, address any underlying mental health condition that may have resulted as a result of ongoing childhood trauma or a single traumatic event, offer tools for healthy communication and conflict resolution, process traumatic memories, share healthy coping skills, and in general improve mental health outcomes and quality of life.