Healing from Childhood Trauma
The Prevalence of Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma is an almost universal experience. The latest studies place 70% of the American population to have experienced at least one Adverse Childhood Experience. With most individuals experiencing some form of trauma entering into their adult life, avenues for understanding the healing process are needed.
The Experience of Childhood Trauma
For many, childhood trauma can feel like a life sentence. They believe either it is unhelpful to address it or that even if addressed nothing will heal it. This resigned attitude leaves them with the idea that all they can do is learn to cope and build a life around the trauma. This means choosing experiences where they will not be retriggered and finding ways to compensate for the unpleasant feelings within.
In some situations, the person may have chosen to seek out help, but were left feeling hopeless when the treatment did not help.
Advances in the Field of Trauma Therapy
Thankfully, in the past 15 years the field of trauma therapy has developed, and funding towards research in childhood trauma has led to advances in the field. We now have many forms of specializations in trauma therapy using modalities like EMDR, somatic therapies, IFS, and others to heal childhood trauma. We now understand the complexity and sensitivity that is required to address trauma and create safety.
With leaders in the field that paved the way including Judith Herman, Bessel Van Der Kolk and others, trauma therapy is now mainstream.
The Healing of Trauma Therapy
Healing from childhood trauma requires us to find safety in the present moment and in relationship to others. In therapy, finding safety in the relationship with the therapist and in the therapy itself is of primary importance. This lays the groundwork for the work to come. Working with a licensed trauma therapist that uses evidenced based modalities can also help create security and safety when doing this sensitive work.
Clients will often practice grounding exercises and resourcing calm/safe experiences while beginning trauma work with a trauma therapist. Part of the work may also include developing healing relationships and coping skills as resources for trauma work.
Addressing the Traumas Themselves
When the client is ready, a therapist will help the client to address the wounds of the past and heal emotionally. A therapist’s goal is to help a client understand what they experienced and move forward with deeper insight.
Often this can be paired with desensitization as in EMDR or unburdening the trauma using IFS/parts work. Younger parts of us can often be stuck in the past and reacting to present day things as if they are still experiencing or under the threat of past trauma. Helping those parts of us find safety and peace in the present day is all part of the healing.
The After-Effects of Trauma Healing
Mourning our losses is an inevitable part of trauma healing. It allows us to move forward with a deeper understanding of our experience and a certain acceptance with what happened. We may choose to take new actions and become more present and open to our experience.
Trauma Healing and Spirituality
Healing from trauma is spiritual as much as it is psychological in its healing. We begin to form new meanings and create a path where our past does not define our future choices. We can now truly be free to choose to live in the present.
Mendel Toron, LCSW, CCTP, EMDR is a licensed trauma therapist specializing in childhood trauma. To learn more about Mendel and his work please visit mendeltoron.com/bio.