Therapy for Childhood Trauma

Therapy for childhood trauma can help you understand and manage the effects of difficult experiences from your early years. Childhood trauma can affect your mood, relationships, and even your physical health as you grow. With the right support, it’s possible to process these experiences and begin to heal.

You may feel nervous or unsure about exploring therapy, but you are not alone. Many people find that trauma-focused therapy and counselling provide useful tools to cope and begin healing. Working with a trauma-informed therapist can make a significant difference in your recovery, helping you break the cycle of pain and rebuild trust in yourself and others.

Getting help for a traumatic event or childhood abuse isn’t always easy, but support is available. If you’re ready, a trauma-informed assessment and tailored therapy can guide your path towards recovery, often involving your family for a supportive and collaborative approach. 

Understanding Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma happens when a child experiences events as overwhelming, frightening, or harmful, even if others may not perceive them that way. Some experiences may be obvious, while others are less visible but still carry a real impact on mental and physical health.

Common Causes of Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma can stem from many sources. Abuse, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, is a well-known cause. Neglect is another—when a child’s basic needs for food, shelter, or emotional support are not met.

Witnessing violence, either at home or in the community, can also lead to trauma. Serious accidents, natural disasters, or sudden loss of a loved one are other examples. Sometimes, chronic stress, like living in poverty or with a family member who struggles with addiction or mental illness, can also be traumatising.

But not all trauma is caused by a single event. Long-term exposure to stressful situations, bullying, or even medical procedures in early life can have lasting effects. Each child responds differently, so even events that seem minor may be traumatic for some.

Long-Term Effects of Early Trauma

The impact of early trauma can last for years, with many developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or complex PTSD (C-PTSD) due to traumatic childhood experiences. Children who have gone through traumatic events can have trouble trusting others or forming relationships. They may struggle with low self-esteem, poor school performance, or issues with anger and impulse control.

Some develop mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Adverse childhood experiences also raise the risk of addiction and can affect physical health, leading to problems like headaches or stomach aches.

Research has shown that trauma in childhood is linked to ongoing problems with stress response, which means higher sensitivity to challenges such as substance abuse and mental health disorders. The effects of childhood trauma in adults can show up in many ways, emotionally, behaviourally, socially, and even physically.

Identifying Trauma Symptoms in Children

Trauma may not always be obvious. Common signs include sudden changes in behaviour, such as becoming withdrawn or unusually angry. Nightmares, trouble sleeping, and new fears are also frequent.

Pay attention to unexplained aches, ongoing sadness, or constant worry. Some children may talk about the event often or act it out while playing. If you notice these signs, it could be helpful to seek support.

Types of Therapy for Childhood Trauma

Different therapies for childhood trauma can help in unique ways. You may find that one method works better for you or your child, depending on individual needs, age, and the type of trauma experienced.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for childhood trauma is structured and especially helpful for children and young people who have experienced abuse, neglect, or loss and developed complex trauma as a result. The therapist works with you to identify negative thought patterns and replace them with healthier ways of thinking.

This therapy often uses talking, drawing, and role-play. Sessions may include relaxation skills, coping techniques, and gradual exposure therapy for past trauma in a safe environment. Familial involvement is a key part of the process, regardless of what form of therapy is used.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing is a structured therapy designed for trauma recovery. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, tapping, or sounds, while your child focuses on traumatic memories.

The goal of EMDR therapy for childhood trauma is to help the patient’s brain process memories differently, so distress lessens over time. EMDR does not require telling the trauma story in detail, which can make it easier for some children who are unwilling or unable to explain their experiences.

Finding the Right Trauma Therapist

Choosing the best therapist for childhood trauma is an important step. You want someone qualified, who communicates openly, and who supports partnership with families.

Qualifications to Look For

Look for a therapist who has experience and training in treating childhood trauma. Check if they are registered with a professional body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or the UK Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP). In other countries, national licensing boards or trauma-specific training certifications may be applicable. 

Ask about their background in supporting both children and adults with experienced trauma in their childhood. Consider therapists who have worked in clinics or organisations focused on trauma. It can also be helpful to look for professionals who include regular supervision and ongoing training in their work, as this shows a commitment to best practise.

Involving Family in the Therapy Process

Family involvement can be very helpful in childhood trauma treatment. Many experts recommend a collaborative approach, where the therapist, the affected person, and the family work together to create a safe and stable environment to heal from trauma and PTSD.

Mental health professionals may offer family sessions, guidance for parents, or provide support on how to handle difficult memories at home. You should ask how the therapist will support your family, balance privacy, and help everyone understand the healing process. A good therapist should be transparent about the role family can play in your child’s recovery.

Move Forward from the Effects of Childhood Trauma

Healing from childhood trauma often requires professional guidance and support. At Liberty Home, we use a variety of therapies for childhood trauma and PTSD so you can move on from what happened to you when you were young.