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Addressing Roots of Childhood Trauma

teenage boy seated on floor and staring sadly out of window in need of therapy addressing roots of childhood trauma

Childhood trauma is a pressing issue that affects millions of children worldwide. Untreated childhood trauma often leads to long-term emotional and psychological problems like depression and anxiety. Sadly, many children never get the chance to get the help they need due to limited access to resources or a lack of understanding of their condition. Without professional childhood trauma therapy for teens and adolescents, many children will struggle as adults in their personal and professional lives.

At Imagine Omaha, our trauma therapy program is dedicated to helping children who have experienced childhood trauma by providing trauma therapy for teens that addresses their unique needs. The team at Imagine Omaha works to create a safe and supportive environment for teens so that they can begin to heal from the trauma they have experienced. Our therapists provide individual, family, and group therapy sessions and opportunities for creative expression, such as music therapies.

We understand that each child is unique and has different needs. We provide tailored treatment plans to meet those individual needs and goals and give each patient the best opportunity for healing and improved mental health. Call 888.306.2681 today to learn more or enroll your child in our trauma therapy program.

Understanding Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma refers to terrifying or distressing experiences that significantly impact a child’s sense of safety and well-being. These adversities can range from physical and emotional abuse to neglect, loss of a loved one, or witnessing violence.

  • Childhood trauma is widespread in the United States, affecting children across all socio-economic, racial, and cultural backgrounds.
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) such as abuse, neglect, or household dysfunction are considered a significant risk factor for trauma in children.
  • The impact of childhood trauma extends into adulthood, often leading to mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
  • Many children with traumatic experiences often underperform academically and may struggle with forming healthy relationships.
  • Early intervention and therapy can greatly help children recover from trauma and lead healthier, more productive lives.
  • Barriers to treatment include lack of access to mental health services, stigma associated with seeking help, and insufficient understanding or recognition of the signs of trauma.

There is no doubt that unaddressed childhood trauma can lead to significant behavioral health issues later in life. Imagine Omaha offers trauma therapy for teens and adolescents to address these behavioral health issues as early as possible.

Characteristics of Childhood Trauma

Childhood trauma can manifest in various ways, affecting mental health and development:

  • Emotional symptoms – Feelings of constant fear, anxiety, sadness, or irritability.
  • Behavioral changes – Aggression, defiance, withdrawal, or changes in school performance.
  • Physical symptoms – Difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, or unexplained aches and pains.
  • Developmental impacts – Delays in speech, motor skills, or social interaction.

If these symptoms are not addressed through professional childhood trauma therapy, they can lead to long-term problems such as depression, substance abuse, and even suicide.

The Importance of Therapy for Childhood Trauma

Early intervention and personalized treatment for teens and adolescents who have experienced childhood trauma are crucial:

  • Personalized treatment – Therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), can help teens process their experiences and develop healthy coping mechanisms.
    • Cognitive-behavioral therapy – CBT can help address childhood trauma by identifying and changing negative thought patterns, managing behavioral responses, and developing healthy coping skills.
    • Dialectical behavior therapy – DBT is an effective childhood trauma therapy because it focuses on building skills such as distress tolerance, communication, and interpersonal effectiveness.
  • Early intervention is crucial – The earlier children receive help for childhood trauma, the better chance they have of developing healthy coping mechanisms that can last a lifetime. Early therapy for childhood trauma can prevent long-term psychological effects, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rates of PTSD are statistically higher among children who have experienced trauma.

At Imagine Omaha, our experienced team of trauma therapists understands the importance of early intervention and provides tailored treatments to address the individual needs of the patient and promote healing.

Trauma Therapy for Teens at Imagine Omaha

At Imagine Omaha, our trauma therapy program is dedicated to helping children who have experienced childhood trauma by providing comprehensive care that addresses their unique needs. Our team of therapists works with teens and adolescents to create a safe and supportive environment for healing and growth.

Our trauma therapy program includes individual, family, and group therapies that focus on building trust, improving communication skills, and developing coping strategies for addressing traumatic experiences. We also offer creative expression therapies such as art or music to help kids express themselves in a safe space. If your child is struggling with childhood trauma, call 888.306.2681 or reach out online today.