Trauma can leave lasting emotional scars, especially when experienced during childhood. At Weston Family Psychology, we understand how challenging it can be for children to cope with the aftermath of traumatic events, whether it's from abuse, neglect, witnessing violence or other distressing experiences.
Our compassionate, evidence-based approach helps children process their trauma, develop healthy coping skills, and build resilience. Together, we can guide your child toward healing and reclaiming a sense of safety and joy in their lives.
Start your child’s trauma recovery journey with compassionate experts today.
Traumatic experiences, such as abuse, neglect, witnessing violence or other distressing experiences, can deeply affect a child's emotional and social development. These events can lead to anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and difficulties forming healthy relationships. Early intervention is crucial in helping children navigate their trauma by teaching them coping skills, supporting the integration of their traumatic experiences, and moving towards recovery.
Recognizing the signs of trauma is the first step in getting your child the help they need. Look for these common symptoms:
Traumatic Event: Exposure to trauma can occur through direct experience, witnessing it firsthand, learning about a close family member or friend's violent or accidental trauma, or through repeated exposure to distressing details
Intrusive Memories and Flashbacks: Distressing thoughts, nightmares, or flashbacks that repeatedly bring your child back to the traumatic event.
Avoidance Behaviors: Avoiding reminders of the trauma, such as people, places, or activities, often accompanied by withdrawal from social interactions.
Emotional Numbness: Difficulty feeling positive emotions, disinterest in activities, and a sense of detachment from others.
Hyperarousal: Increased irritability, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, and being easily startled or on constant alert
At Weston Family Psychology, we use a structured, evidence-based approach tailored to your child’s unique needs. Our trauma treatment follows the “Three Phase Model of Treatment,” which focuses on creating safety, processing trauma, and reconnecting with oneself and others.
Safety and Stability: We start by establishing a safe and trusting environment. During this phase, we teach children emotion regulation skills and healthy coping mechanisms to help them manage symptoms of PTSD or Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Therapy is paced to your child’s comfort level, ensuring they feel secure as they begin their healing journey.
Trauma Processing: This phase involves using evidence-based therapies such as Prolonged Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) to help children process and make sense of their traumatic experiences. These therapies are adapted to suit each child’s age and developmental level, reducing the emotional impact of trauma.
Reconnection: The final phase helps children rebuild connections with family, friends, and their community. We support children in understanding how their trauma has affected them and work toward restoring their confidence, setting personal goals, and fostering a renewed sense of hope.
Here are the evidence-based treatments that Weston Family Psychology uses for our trauma therapy for children:
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): Specifically designed for children and teens, TF-CBT combines cognitive-behavioral techniques with a focus on trauma processing. It helps children and parents develop skills to manage distressing thoughts and behaviors. Our approach incorporates games, activities, and parental involvement to create a supportive, engaging environment.
Prolonged Exposure (PE) Therapy: PE therapy helps children confront trauma-related memories in a controlled setting. Gradual exposure reduces avoidance behaviors and teaches children that they can handle distress without fear, reducing the power of traumatic memories over time.
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): CPT helps children identify and challenge negative thoughts stemming from their trauma. By reframing these thoughts, children learn healthier ways to view themselves, others, and the world, promoting emotional healing.
Choosing the right therapy is a critical step in your child’s trauma recovery. At Weston Family Psychology, we provide a nurturing and safe space where your child can explore their feelings, gain insight into their experiences, and develop the skills they need to move forward.
Child-Centered Approach: We tailor our therapies to meet each child’s unique needs, ensuring they feel understood, supported, and empowered throughout their recovery.
Family Involvement: We actively involve parents in the healing process, equipping families with the knowledge and skills to support their child’s progress at home and beyond.
Expert Clinicians: Our experienced therapists specialize in trauma and abuse recovery, using the latest evidence-based methods to guide children through their healing journey.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward a brighter future for your child.
