Trauma is often described as a distressing, overwhelming event that often evokes feelings of powerlessness and fear.
As much as we would like to live in a world where such events do not happen, unfortunately that is not the world we live in. Studies have found that potentially traumatic experiences are much more common than we think for both adults and children. Recent studies have found that by the time a child comes of age, 61% of them have been exposed to potentially traumatic events. Another study found that the average age a child first experiences such traumatic events was at the age of nine. In addition to causing distress, trauma exposure has also been found to be a risk factor for various physical and mental health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, PTSD, addiction, depression, and anxiety. As such, it is useful for parents, caregivers, and educators to know of trauma, what it looks like, and potential treatments.
Types of Trauma
Trauma can often be broken down into different categories. For example, Acute trauma results from a single distressing event, such as an accident, natural disaster, or violent incident. It typically leads to immediate and intense emotional and physical reactions but may subside with time and appropriate support. Complex trauma, on the other hand, stems from prolonged or repeated exposure to distressing experiences, such as chronic abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. Unlike acute trauma, complex trauma affects a child’s long-term development, relationships, and sense of safety, often requiring more intensive therapeutic intervention to address deep-seated emotional and behavioral challenges. In the case of both Acute and Complex trauma, the more support and resources a child receives, the better the outcomes.
Therapy for Children and Adolescents with Trauma
Although there are many treatments for trauma that exist, many of them are geared to working with adults or have limited research to support them. Below are three types of therapy that have been specifically adapted and developed for working with children and adolescents.
Trauma Focused-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT is an evidence-based treatment designed to help children and adolescents process and heal from traumatic experiences. It combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive interventions to reduce distress, improve coping skills, and reshape negative thought patterns. TF-CBT typically involves both the child and their caregiver, ensuring a supportive environment for healing. Key components include psychoeducation about trauma, teaching relaxation and emotional regulation skills, gradually processing traumatic memories, and helping children develop healthier beliefs about themselves and their experiences. By addressing both emotional and behavioral responses to trauma, TF-CBT empowers children to regain a sense of safety and resilience.
Child Centered Play Therapy (CCPT)
CCPT is a trauma-responsive and culturally sensitive therapeutic approach designed for younger children. In CCPT, therapists create a safe and consistent environment where children can express themselves through play, their natural mode of communication. This non-directive method allows children to lead the sessions, facilitating self-exploration and emotional processing. Research indicates that CCPT is effective in addressing various childhood concerns, including those stemming from traumatic experiences. By empowering children to navigate their feelings and experiences at their own pace, CCPT fosters healing and promotes healthy development.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is a therapy designed to help individuals, including children, heal from traumatic experiences. In EMDR sessions, a therapist guides the child to recall distressing memories while engaging in specific eye movements or other forms of bilateral stimulation, such as tapping or auditory tones in order to activate both sides of the brain hemisphere. This process aims to help the brain reprocess traumatic information, reducing the emotional impact of the memories. Over time, the distress associated with these memories diminishes, allowing the child to develop healthier coping mechanisms and integrate the experiences without ongoing psychological harm.
It may also be helpful to consider other forms of therapy that have been indicated to be helpful for specific conditions or types of trauma. For example, Exposure Therapy has been found to be highly effective for acute trauma as well as dealing with phobias that may have developed from traumatic experiences (such as fear of dogs, cars, etc…). Family Therapy has also been found to be helpful for children who have experienced various forms of trauma, particularly physical or sexual abuse, and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy is useful for helping teenagers who have experienced complex trauma.
Other Treatments
- It may be helpful to consult with a psychiatrist. Although there are no medications that address trauma directly, many medications can help alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, sleep dysregulation, and strong emotions that can emerge after a traumatic incident.
- Art and music therapy is also helpful for mitigating feelings of depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
- Treatments for sleep disturbance and Insomnia may also help children recover.
- Structured exercise routines have also been found to play a positive role in minimizing symptoms of PTSD, Depression, and Anxiety that can result from trauma.
If you are interested in learning more about tor trauma-related therapies, you can reach out to Dr. Robokos to learn more.