When to Seek Therapy for Childhood Trauma

More than 60% of children experience a traumatic event by the time they reach the age of 16. Childhood trauma can affect people in different ways. Fortunately, treatments do exist to help children, teens, and even adults manage them.

Different mental health services in WI at KBPsychotherapy can help individuals cope with the negative experiences they had in their childhood. They can find healthy coping mechanisms and heal from their traumatic experiences. In this guide, you’ll learn about seeking help for childhood trauma.

What is Childhood Trauma?

Childhood trauma can be due to any traumatic event in a child’s life. These events can harm the child emotionally or physically. It can pose a threat to their safety.

While some kids may heal, many aren’t able to—especially if these traumatic events happen repeatedly . Children can be under constant stress or trauma, and this can shape their personality in future.

Childhood trauma can be in the form of:

●Sexual abuse

●Physical abuse

●Emotional and psychological abuse

●Neglect

●Homelessness

●Racism

●Natural disasters such as earthquakes, fires, hurricanes, or floods

●Loss of family

●Life-threatening diseases or serious accidents

●War experiences

●Violence

How Childhood Trauma Affects Children and Adults

Childhood trauma affects each individual differently. However, you can look out for some signs or symptoms that are common in most children and adults. For children, these signs are:

●Separation anxiety

●Difficulty sleeping or recurring nightmares

●Becoming fearful and anxious

●Crying, acting out, or feeling irritated

●Moodiness

●Increased anger and aggression

Symptoms and signs in teens and adults:

●Social anxiety

●Irritability

●Academic problems

●Depression

●General anxiety

●Self-blame, guilt, shame

●Poor concentration

●Substance abuse or alcohol addiction

●Eating disorders

●Self-harm

●Panic attacks

●Fatigue

●Isolation

●Suicidal ideation

Many adults also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They have a distorted perception of themselves and they experience chronic pain, feelings of guilt, shame, fear, humiliation, and self-blame. This can cause problems in their career and interpersonal relationships and lead to mental health issues.

When To Seek Therapy

Childhood trauma is complex—it affects everyone differently. However, early intervention can minimize the impact and prevent symptoms from worsening or lingering negative effects and emotional issues. If you notice the above-mentioned signs in any child, teen, or adult, know that finding the right help for them is crucial.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are two treatments available at KBPscyhotherapy. Our experts will guide and help you regulate your emotions, control stress, manage symptoms, and heal from negative past experiences.

Our CBT and DBT therapists in Wisconsin will work with the client and identify their thoughts and emotions. Through multiple sessions, they will be able to identify and heal the unprocessed trauma . We also offer anxiety counseling, family counseling, and depression therapy in WI.

To reach our psychotherapists in Lake Geneva, visit our website today and contact us for more information. Visit our Facebook page today for more updates and book an appointment today.