Therapy for childhood trauma can provide a safe space for children and young people to talk about previous traumatic experiences and find ways to cope.
Trauma is the term used to describe the impact of early, repeated trauma and loss which happens within the child’s important relationships, and usually early in life.
Common factors leading to Developmental Childhood Trauma include:
- Neglect
- Physical, sexual and emotional abuse
- A child living in unsafe households including domestic abuse
- Multiple adverse childhood experiences
- Multiple placement breakdowns or moves
We know that early trauma creates an assault on a child’s development over time. We know that children who have experienced developmental trauma, experience high levels of distress and are in a state of heightened stress. Traumatised children develop a range of unhealthy coping strategies which are functional for them and are adaptive, which means that these behaviours have helped them survive.
How can childhood trauma affect an individual?
Children who have experienced early trauma are essentially stuck in “survival mode” and small everyday situations can create significant anxiety.
There are a number of ways in which children are impacted by developmental trauma:
- Sensory development
- Attachment and Relational Development
- Emotional Regulation
- Behavioural Regulation
- Cognition
- Self-Identity
Therapeutic input and therapy for childhood developmental trauma is extremely important to help provide children and young people with a sense of safety, with new coping mechanisms, with a safe space to explore experiences and with sensory regulation strategies.
Which types of therapy are available to help those with childhood trauma?
One of our experienced therapists can complete an assessment and recommend an appropriate therapy. Our practitioners are trained in the following approaches:
- Dydadic Developmental Psychotherapy
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Trauma
- Cognitive Analytic Therapy
- Theraplay
- Therapeutic Life Story Work
- Creative Therapies (Art, Drama, Play)
If you know of an individual in need of therapy for childhood trauma, seeking professional help is important. Therapy for childhood trauma can help reduce the impacts of previous experiences and support the development of helpful coping strategies.
Addressing these issues earlier on can also reduce the risk of mental health issues developing such as depression, anxiety, addiction, and other chronic conditions. Contact Meadows Psychology Service today and one of our team will be in touch to answer any questions.
