Do memories from your childhood haunt you?
What is Childhood Trauma?
Some children go through one or many experiences that classify as psychological trauma, these might include neglect, abandonment, sexual abuse, and physical abuse.
Childhood trauma can shape detrimental thought-processes and behaviors for years to come. In our adolescent years we seek the support, love and approval of parental figures. When these emotional needs aren’t met, children may learn to create a version of themselves that suppresses actions or thoughts they believe may prohibit them from desired affection, losing their true inner self. This false self can carry over into adulthood and manifest itself in many ways.
What symptoms result from Childhood Trauma?
Experiencing abuse/neglect during the formidable younger years can manifest into:
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Relationship barriers
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Difficulty regulating emotions
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Trouble sleeping
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Higher rates of anxiety, depression, suicide and self-harm
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At-risk behavior of alcohol misuse and drugs
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Develop critical interior voice
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Imitate abusive tendencies
How do we treat Childhood Trauma or Neglect?
Adults who were impacted by physical or mental abuse in their younger years can greatly benefit from the powerful outcomes of EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) to process the trauma and heal.
EMDR can help restore a sense of peace. It’ll also help to understand the feelings and behaviors one is experiencing, and help change the way one thinks about abuse or neglect. You will always remember the things that you experienced, but you will not have hold the same emotional reaction in your body. You will likely feel differently about yourself, and feel more confident in yourself and your ability to have healthy relationships.
We also often use Ego State Therapy in cases of childhood trauma or neglect. We often develop different "parts" of ourselves in order to survive abuse and neglect in childhood. Those parts of ourselves stay with us into adulthood, and are often reactive (especially in relationships.) Ego state therapy can help you feel more in control of your reactions and decisions.
