
Childhood Trauma
Early experiences that continue to impact emotions, behavior, or relationships in adulthood. Therapy provides a safe space to heal, process memories, and rebuild emotional security.
Overview
Childhood trauma refers to emotionally painful or distressing experiences during childhood that impact psychological, emotional, and physical development. These may include abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, loss of a caregiver, bullying, or unstable environments. These experiences often shape how a person sees themselves, others, and the world well into adulthood.
Symptoms
Difficulty trusting others
Low self-esteem or shame
Emotional dysregulation
Anxiety, depression, or anger issues
Nightmares or flashbacks
Fear of abandonment
People-pleasing or difficulty setting boundaries
Relationship challenges
Hypervigilance (always on alert)
Causes
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Neglect or abandonment
Domestic violence exposure
Parental substance abuse or mental illness
Loss of a parent
Bullying or peer rejection
Unpredictable or unsafe environment
How Therapy Can Help
Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Inner-child healing
Somatic therapy & grounding techniques
Building emotional regulation skills
Reprocessing traumatic memories safely
Strengthening self-worth and secure attachment
Supportive therapeutic relationship







