No one is exempt from emotional scars.  If you went through a traumatic experience in your childhood, those scars of childhood trauma can be particularly painful as an adult.  Apart from the trauma of going through a natural disaster or accident, all trauma takes place within a relationship.  The most common childhood traumas are verbal, physical, or sexual abuse.  But there are also other traumas that can take place in childhood.  The premature death of a loved one from an accident or illness can be traumatic to a child.  Witnessing or experiencing violence or even being in a violent accident such as a car crash is traumatic.  Parents separating through divorce can traumatize a child.  Neglect can be as traumatic for children as abuse.

Childhood Trauma Causes Problems Later In Life

The May 2007 issue of Emotion magazine, published by the American Psychological Association, reported findings of a study showing that high-intensity traumas can have long lasting effects on the brain and behavior without causing a current clinical disorder, but these subtle changes could increase susceptibility to mental health problems later in life.  These changes may sensitize people to such a degree that they overreact to innocuous facial gestures years later.

A January 2010 article published by the National Institutes of Health reports that exposure to traumatic experiences in childhood has been linked to substance use disorders, including abuse and dependence.  High rates of lifetime dependence on various substances were found: 39% alcohol, 34/1% cocaine, 6.2% heroin/opiates, and 44.8% marijuana.  Childhood trauma was also linked to Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and other mood-related psychopathology later in life.

Childhood Trauma Needs A Safe Haven

If you are experiencing these kinds of symptoms of childhood trauma as an adult, the roots of your issues may well go back to a lingering childhood trauma.  However, you don’t have to live with it.  Because trauma is caused by relationship wounds, the therapy model we use at SoulCare Counseling, Emotionally Focused Therapy, is an effective treatment for trauma.  Having a safe and connected relationship with a primary relationship in your life is proven to help to regulate emotions and create a greater sense of wellness. Attachment creates a safe haven and improved emotional and physical health.

If you are struggling with lingering effects of childhood trauma, there is help and there is hope. A caring, trained therapist at SoulCare Counseling can use Emotionally Focused Therapy to get you to that safe haven you long for. I encourage you to read about trauma therapy, and take the first step toward healing by contacting us today to schedule a free thirty-minute consultation.

 Dr. Bernis Riley holds a Doctor of Psychology degree, is a Licensed Professional Counselor – Supervisor, and is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy. She is the Clinical Director/Supervisor at SoulCare Counseling.