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Trauma Symptoms

Childhood trauma can emerge from ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ abuse (physical, sexual or emotional) or from being a victim of or witnessing violence such as domestic violence, community violence and or school violence. Trauma can also be suffered through being in accidents, disasters, war/terrorism or being forced to flee from one’s home country. Other types of trauma include trauma related to medical conditions (transplants, cancer etc.) and traumatic grief over the unexpected loss of a loved one.

The way that ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren work through trauma and the symptoms that they can display after being through a trauma vary, but some of these affective (emotional) symptoms include fear, sadness, anger, anxiety, affective dysregulation (emotions all over the map), and emotional numbing.

In terms of behavioral symptoms, ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren who have suffered a trauma can respond by trying to avoid memories, places and other trauma reminders. They may also experience difficulty concentrating, sexualized or violent behaviors, substance abuse, regressive behavior (such as bed-wetting or being extra clingy to parents), self-injury or behaviors that look like ADHD.

Cognitively, ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren who have been through a trauma can have irrational beliefs, distrust of people, a distorted self-image, unhelpful ideas/thoughts and may re-experience the incident in their minds.

Some ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren may suffer immediately following a trauma but within a few weeks are able to move through the trauma without any lingering problems. Other ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren will need the help of a professional to work through the trauma and to address emotional, behavioral and cognitive difficulties that are a result of the traumatic event.

Studies demonstrate the superiority of TF-CBT as a treatment method for traumatized ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren with regard to the improvement of PTSD, depression, anxiety, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, sexualized behavior, shame and abuse-related cognitions. In addition, ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren with strong parental support often have a better chance of recovery than those without support caregiver relationships. See the following section on mental health treatment to learn more about TF-CBT and the other therapeutic modalities that SHF utilizes.

Mental ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ Treatment Models

Mental health services are provided to assist ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems related to ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ abuse including sexualized behavior and aggression. Our therapists are specifically trained to work with ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren who have been abused, neglected, witnessed domestic violence and or other traumatic events. SHF uses evidence-based practices that are based on scientific research and data and have been proven to be effective.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)

This is a short-term treatment typically between 12 to 16 weeks of 60 to 90 minute sessions. TF-CBT helps non-offending caregivers and their ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren (aged 4-18). Most ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren who receive this treatment have emotional or behavioral problems because of traumatic experiences such as sexual abuse or witnessing a traumatic event. Treatment typically fosters fewer negative emotions/behaviors, fewer feelings of guilt/shame, less fear and anxiety, less depression and irritability.

Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

A short-term treatment typically between 12 to 20 weeks of 60 to 90 minutes sessions. PCIT helps caretakers and their ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren (2-7 years old). Most ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren who receive this treatment have behavior problems such as ignoring rules, losing their temper and arguing. Treatment typically encourages fewer oppositional and defiant behaviors, fewer behavior problems, more positive interactions between parent and ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ and better parent-ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ communication.

Alternatives for Families: A Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (AF-CBT)

A short-term treatment typically lasting between 12 and 16 weeks of 60 to 90 minute sessions. AF-CBT helps caretakers and their ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren (8 to 18 years old). Most ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren who receive this treatment have problems related to physical abuse. This treatment typically promotes less hostile and aggressive behavior, fewer negative interactions with family members, better social skills and better developmental abilities.

Treatment for Children with Sexual Behavior Problems

Includes individual and family therapy for ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren up to age 13 who have exhibited sexually inappropriate behaviors with other ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵren. The following list are things the ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ and their caregivers might expect to achieve with this treatment model: Child will accept responsibility for inappropriate sexual behaviors, ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ will develop empathy for the feelings of others (especially victims of abuse), ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ will develop and/or enhance social competency skills, ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ will develop relapse prevention and safety skills, ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ will learn to manage sexual feelings, thoughts and behaviors to prevent further sexually aggressive behavior, caregiver and ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ will cope with and resolve feelings related to ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ’s potential prior trauma, caregiver will improve their relationship skills, regarding communication, discipline, and teaching the ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ healthy sexuality, caregiver will establish functional boundaries in the home and facilitate ÈËÆÞÖгöÊÓƵ’s responsibility for inappropriate sexual behavior.