Complex and Childhood Trauma Therapy

The effect of childhood trauma and complex trauma can be instantaneous, triggering considerable distress and behavioural changes, however it may also be long lasting. Adults who endured trauma as young children are at an increased risk of mental illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Childhood Trauma Therapy and prognosis of mental disorders in adults ought to include evaluation of the trauma in order that earlier events can be processed and challenged during therapy.

Childhood trauma is a detrimental or distressing event that young people up to 18 years of age experience in person or are witness to. This trauma can evoke intense, adverse emotions along with physical reaction. It induces the instinctive “fight or flight” impulse, which results in an individual either fighting back or fleeing for survival.

A trauma does not automatically trigger long term effects. In many children, however, the impact of a disturbing experiences can cause traumatic stress; a chronic response to the traumas that can include psychological distress, clinical depression, stress and anxiety, variations in behaviour, challenges building healthy relationships and physical disorders such as weight loss or pain.

The notion of trauma is very subjective and may be a distressful or present a danger to a young child or to somebody he or she cares about. Common categories of encounters that are upsetting for children, include:

• Physical or sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Witness to physical violence, such as domestic violence
• Neighbourhood violence
• Sudden loss of a family member
• Mental illness in the household
• Life-threatening illnesses or accidents
• Separation or divorce of parents
• Commercial sexual exploitation

Complex trauma relates to young children’s direct exposure to frequent traumatic events and the varied, long-term impact of this exposure. These events are extreme and permeant, for example abuse or serious neglect. They commonly take place early on in life and can affect many elements of the child’s development and the establishment of a sense of individuality.

Given that these events regularly occur with a primary care provider, they impede the child’s capability to develop a dependable connection. Many facets of a child’s healthy and balanced physical and emotional development depend on this principal source of security and stability.

At Breakthrough Psychotherapy, we specialise in the diagnosis of and the treatment of, intricate psychological and emotional matters particularly childhood trauma. We offer compassionate and beneficial care in a tranquil setting so our clientele can concentrate on their therapy and recovery.