What is Childhood Trauma, Abuse and Neglect?
Childhood trauma is any negative experience in childhood that feels overwhelming for the child. Trauma can look like something an adult might consider ‘not a big deal’, but a child is not equipped with the same capacity as an adult to deal with difficult situations. The younger the child, the more important it becomes to take negative experiences seriously, as the presence of a caring and trusted adult makes a big difference in how the child experiences upsetting events in general and traumatic events in particular. It is never too early nor too late to begin to heal the damage done by childhood trauma. Child abuse can take many forms, including (but not limited to) physical, sexual, and verbal abuse. Neglect is another form of child abuse, specifically the failure to take care of a child’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, and hygiene. All forms of child abuse are damaging and need to be taken very seriously, as the experience of abuse can have a lifelong effect on the child’s experience of self and others. Counselling can help to mitigate or reverse the damage done by child abuse.
Provides a safe, supportive space to talk about painful or confusing experiences
Helps process trauma in a way that feels manageable and healing
Teaches emotional regulation skills to manage fear, anger, or sadness
Reduces symptoms of PTSD, such as nightmares, flashbacks, or anxiety
Improves self-esteem and self-worth often damaged by early trauma
Supports building trust in others and forming healthy, safe relationships
Helps identify and change negative beliefs developed in response to trauma
Encourages healthy coping strategies instead of avoidance or self-blame
Promotes long-term emotional growth and resilience