Therapy for Adults: Healing Childhood Trauma through Counselling
Updated: May 29, 2024Childhood trauma can leave imprints on people (including teens, adults and seniors) long after the events have passed. It can profoundly impact a person's mind and body, behaviours, and relationships.
At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we see a variety of childhood trauma histories. From neglect and abuse to witnessing domestic violence or experiencing the loss of a loved one, childhood trauma can take many forms. Each trauma leaves its unique scars. No matter how old your trauma is (or what happened), trauma treatment can be effective (Van der Kolk, 2014).
Prevalence of Childhood Trauma
A large part of the population has experienced at least one childhood trauma. Studies have shown that about 61% of adults report exposure to at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE). This can be abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2021).
A meta-analysis found a variety of statistics (Stoltenborgh et al., 2015):
1 in 4 children experience physical abuse
1 in 5 girls
1 in 13 boys experience sexual abuse before the age of 18
Impact of Childhood Trauma on Mental Health
For many, the impact of childhood trauma isn't immediately clear. Instead, it simmers beneath the surface. The aftermath of trauma can look like anxiety, depression, addiction, or relationship difficulties. These symptoms often serve as a mask, hiding the underlying wounds that need healing.
Childhood trauma increases the risk of developing mental health disorders later in life. People with a history of childhood trauma are about 3 times more likely to experience depression and anxiety (Teicher et al., 2016). Childhood trauma also increases the risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)(Kessler et al., 2010). Learn how trauma can impact the brain.
Long-term Health Outcomes from Childhood Trauma
Adverse childhood experiences lead to a range of negative health outcomes in adulthood. They can cause chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer (Felitti et al., 1998).
People who have experienced childhood trauma are more likely to engage in risky health behaviours. This could include smoking, alcohol or drug use, and unprotected sex. These behaviours increase their risk of poor health outcomes (Dube et al., 2003).
Educational Impact of Childhood Trauma
Children who have experienced trauma are more likely to struggle in school. They may have difficulties focusing and show behavioural problems. Studies show they are more likely to have lower grades, drop out of school, and get into trouble (Felitti et al., 1998; Anda et al., 2006).
Interpersonal Relationships
Childhood trauma can impair the development of healthy interpersonal relationships. They may struggle with intimacy, trust, and communication. This can lead to forming and maintaining relationships (Teicher et al., 2016).
Learn how a past trauma can impact your thoughts (also known as “stuck points”).
Healing from childhood trauma is not only possible, but with the right support and treatment, it can lead to profound growth and a renewed sense of self. Every step you take towards healing is a victory, bringing you closer to the peace and strength that lies within you.
Book a free consultation with us to learn more about counselling options for trauma and PTSD. Our Clinical Directors will match you with a therapist. * Servicing all of Ontario.
Therapy for Childhood Trauma
Healing from childhood trauma is a journey you don't have to take alone. As therapists, we are here to help you navigate through the pain. We listen with compassion and understand how to create a safe space. Many therapies have proven to help people overcome the aftermath of trauma.
In therapy, we look at the roots of your childhood trauma. We help you explore the painful moments of betrayal or loss that took away your sense of safety. By understanding these experiences, you can begin to make sense of your past. You will then be able to take control of your story of what happened to you.
Healing from childhood trauma isn't a straight path. It takes courage, patience, and a willingness to face the past. You might encounter setbacks, triggers, and intense emotions along the way. But with the steady support of a skilled therapist and a commitment to healing - you can reclaim your life.
To get started with therapy, you will want to begin your journey with a comprehensive mental health assessment.
7 Tips for Dealing with Childhood Trauma
Dealing with childhood trauma can be tough, but you don't have to face it alone. Here are seven tips to help you on your journey to healing:
Connect with a Professional: Start by seeing a mental health professional for an assessment. They can help you understand what you're going through and guide you on the best path forward. You will want to find a mental health professional who understands different mental health diagnosis, especially PTSD. Learn more about who can develop PTSD, and PTSD vs depression treatment.
Talk to Someone: Don't keep your feelings bottled up. Talking to a trusted friend, family member, or therapist can make a big difference. Sharing your experiences can lighten the load.
Explore Different Therapies: Many therapies can help, such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Each one offers unique ways to process and heal from trauma. Learn more about the effectiveness of trauma therapies, and how do I know if I need therapy for a past trauma?
Connect with Loved Ones: Spend time with people who care about you. Their support can provide comfort and strength. Sometimes just being with someone who understands can be very healing.
Practice Self-Care: Take care of your physical and emotional needs. This might include exercise, healthy eating, meditation, or hobbies that you enjoy. Self-care helps build resilience.
Be Patient with Yourself: Healing from trauma takes time. It's okay to have setbacks and to feel overwhelmed. Be kind to yourself and acknowledge every small step forward.
Stay Informed: Learn about trauma and its effects. Understanding what's happening can help you feel more in control and less alone. Reading books or articles on trauma can be very empowering.
Remember, healing is a journey, and it's okay to ask for help along the way.
Connect with a Trauma Therapist
If you or someone you know is struggling with childhood trauma, know that help is available. At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we specialize in trauma treatment and trauma-informed care. We can help you process your trauma so that you don't have to live in the past.
Book a free consultation by clicking the button below to see if our therapy clinic would be a good fit for you. Our Clinical Directors, Celissa and Melissa, will match you with a therapist. Learn about our trauma therapy and therapists. * Must be an Ontario resident.
References:Anda, R. F., et al. (2006). The enduring effects of abuse and related adverse experiences in childhood: A convergence of evidence from neurobiology and epidemiology. European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience, 256(3), 174-186.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/aces/index.htmlDube, S. R., et al. (2003). Childhood abuse, household dysfunction, and the risk of attempted suicide throughout the life span: Findings from the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study. JAMA, 286(24), 3089-3096.Felitti, V. J., et al. (1998). Relationship of childhood abuse and household dysfunction to many of the leading causes of death in adults: The Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) Study. American Journal of Preventive Medicine, 14(4), 245-258.Kessler, R. C., et al. (2010). Childhood adversities and adult psychopathology in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys. British Journal of Psychiatry, 197(5), 378-385.Stoltenborgh, M., et al. (2015). A global perspective on child sexual abuse: Meta-analysis of prevalence around the world. Child Maltreatment, 20(4), 203-216.Teicher, M. H., et al. (2016). Childhood maltreatment and psychopathology: A case for ecophenotypic variants as clinically and neurobiologically distinct subtypes. American Journal of Psychiatry, 173(10), 981-993.Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The body keeps the score: Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books.
