How Trauma Can Affect a Child and the Benefits of Therapy for Children
Whether the result of abuse, neglect, the sudden loss of a loved one, becoming homeless, a natural disaster, or witnessing or experiencing a frightening, violent, or life-threatening event, childhood trauma can have a lasting impact that lasts a lifetime. In this article, we will look at some of the many benefits of trauma therapy for children. Childhood trauma affects the child’s sense of safety and trust, and left untreated, can lead to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as well as physical problems such as heart disease or diabetes. Childhood trauma therapy is a specialized form of counseling that provides children with a safe, supportive environment in which they can share what they have experienced, as well as process and come to understand their feelings and have them validated as real and important. It uses talk, play, and creative activities specifically designed to promote healing from the impact of the trauma, resilience, teach the child new, more helpful ways of thinking and feeling about the traumatic event, and equip him or her with healthy coping skills that enable them to deal with triggers and challenging situations. Common symptoms of childhood trauma Separation anxiety. Clinginess. Trouble sleeping. Nightmares. Loss of appetite. Avoiding things that are reminders of the traumatic event. Acting out. Angry outbursts. Frequent crying. Hypervigilance. Withdrawing from friends. Loss of interest in social activities. Erratic behavior. Trouble concentrating. Self-harming behaviors. Most effective types of therapy for children Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based form of cognitive behavioral therapy that specifically addresses trauma and the child’s ensuing emotional struggles resulting from his or her memory of the traumatic event. TF-CBT also involves the participation of trusted family members and/or caregivers, by teaching them how to actively listen [...]
