Are You Concerned For Your Child’s Mental Health And Development After A Traumatic Event?
After a traumatic experience, is your child displaying erratic behavior you do not understand? Are they suddenly having nightmares, refusing to go to bed or sleep in their own room? Do they regularly have unexplained headaches, upset stomachs or ailments that prevent them from going to school or participating in play and fun activities? Perhaps you’re worried that a lack of interest in making friends is a sign that they’re being bullied at school or struggling to fit in. It may be that your child is exhibiting symptoms of separation anxiety or seems unable to trust anyone but you and you don’t know why. Or maybe you’re going through a rough divorce and worry that your child’s exposure to arguments, loss and grief are harmful in unseen ways?
Do you worry that your child is repressing the memory of a traumatic event, and you wonder how to help them process what’s happened and recover? Maybe your child is having problems with undressing, bathing, exercising independence and sleeping or eating normally, and you don’t understand why. Perhaps a pattern of physical or sexual abuse has come to light, and you don’t know how to begin the recovery process. It may even be that your child has become confused about appropriate boundaries, what is safe and unsafe touching and are imitating the traits of their sexual trauma. Do you wish you could find a way to break down the communication barrier, reach your child emotionally and alleviate the suffering?
Childhood Trauma Has A Significant Impact On Children’s Development
Growing up is a difficult process for all children, and almost no one gets out of childhood without some grief. And while most kids experience stress, extreme stress of a traumatic nature is much more severe and potentially damaging. Some examples of extreme, traumatic stress are bullying, high-conflict divorce, and physical or sexual abuse. The responses to each of these can be complex and misunderstood. Bullying can challenge a child’s ability to trust in their own competence; divorces can lead to fear of abandonment and guilt; and sexual trauma can impair their ability to form healthy and trusting relationships in adulthood. Because children are not born with a context in which to frame their experiences, they neither have the ability to recognize that something out of the ordinary is happening nor possess the aptitude to articulate their emotions. Some of their actions may even be completely incongruent with their experience. As a result, childhood trauma can be difficult for parents to identify, understand or address. The comforting reality is, your child doesn’t have to suffer: there is hope. A skilled and compassionate childhood trauma therapist can successfully treat trauma in children and help your son or daughter get back to living a healthy and empowered childhood.
Trauma Treatment For Children Is A Powerful Way To Help Your Child’s Recovery
Because kids often lack the ability to fully understand and express their feelings and experiences, warning signs of trauma can go unnoticed. Child counseling gives children the tools needed to narrate and understand their experiences. In the security of a comforting environment, a safe witness can serve as a guide, validating and exploring you child’s emotions while giving them a voice and a safe place to nurture it.
In our sessions, I begin by building a strong rapport and alliance with your child, showing them that the office is a safe place of trust where they don’t have to fear judgment or embarrassment. In doing so, we’ll be tackling the underlying distress that defines ongoing trauma, which is fear and lack of safety. I’ll always move at your child’s pace, coaxing just enough to guide them through what happened, but not enough to overwhelm them. No matter how scary their ordeal was or how much they are struggling now, I give them a safe place to be themselves and investigate their trauma honestly. In time, your son or daughter will learn how to manage their trauma in the present, and navigate challenges the future.
In a compassionate and confidential space, I can teach your child strategies for regulating strong emotions through guided relaxation techniques, belly breathing exercises, meditation and play activities. For example, I may ask your child to draw how they feel when distressed, which can help them express something they find difficult to articulate. They’ll learn the basics of exploring emotions, naming feelings accurately and knowing the difference between being confused about or sure of their feelings, as well as how to properly respond to those emotions. I can show them how to set healthy boundaries, acknowledge their self-worth and be comfortable with themselves, other people and their environment.
Children are naturally resilient creatures overflowing with wisdom, but they need guidance in order to realize that wisdom and resilience. While early childhood trauma therapy can’t erase the painful memories, together, we can break them down so your child no longer feels controlled by them. With the tools they learn in the room, they will be able to give a voice to the narrative of their experience without shame or distress. With help, your child can reclaim power over their life.
Perhaps you’re considering trauma treatment for your child but still have a few questions or concerns...
How do I know you, personally, can help my child through therapy?
While there are many different types of counseling, childhood trauma therapy is a uniquely tailored approach. Most college graduates and health professionals specialize in general mental health. However, for children with trauma, especially sexual trauma, there is a specific method of treatment that can target painful experiences gently and directly. Trauma treatment for children is a highly specialized niche because it requires such careful handling. That’s why I’ve been specifically trained in child counseling for trauma and sexual abuse, the EMDR method and play therapy. In addition to providing counseling, I regularly speak on the topic professionally and train other clinicians in the same field.
How do I know that trauma treatment won’t hurt my child more?
Initially, as we begin to explore the roots of your child’s trauma, there may be some slight discomfort. However, that is a sure sign that they are willfully breaking down barriers, which leads to a greater sense of closure and resolution. This discomfort will eventually give way to improved communication, openness and a sense of freedom from their burden, which is what we want. Keep in mind that your child is already internalizing their pain in a place of confusion and fear. Although you may have an inclination of what they are experiencing, most of it is a mystery that needs unraveling. By bringing the trauma to the surface in an environment of safety and trust, both you and your child can watch the distortion fade and understand what is truly going on.
I think my child is handling it pretty well, but I want to be sure.
Kids who are dealing with childhood trauma will often try to protect a parent from additional stress or embarrassment—so you may not be seeing the whole truth. Children will naturally try to minimize their experience or act like nothing is wrong while sacrificing their own comfort and health. In order to access those hidden emotions, they require a safe space in which to find a voice. In therapy sessions you and your child can find that voice together, establish a connection and eventually cultivate strength, security and comfort for themselves. By investing in child counseling, you are mitigating the effects of childhood trauma and preventing them from resurfacing in unhealthy ways years down the road.
You Don’t Have To Figure This Out On Your Own
Interpreting the complex feelings and behavior of a son or daughter dealing with childhood trauma can be a confusing and trying experience. I invite you to call me at 443-340-0505 for a free 15 minute consultation. I would be honored to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your child’s unique situation, my practice or my approach to childhood trauma therapy.
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