Most people witness or experience a traumatic event at least once in their lives. Often, people first undergo a trauma in their childhood, whether it be experiencing direct maltreatment or witnessing maltreatment, neglect, vehicle accidents, natural disasters, or the traumatic death of a loved one. 

 

For some, the effects of a trauma last for a short amount of time, typically occurring soon after the event. For others, though, past traumas can leave lasting impacts that prevent them from moving forward. 

 

Although there are many types of trauma, we typically think of a trauma disorder as stemming from a single event or ongoing circumstance that caused physical, emotional, or life-threatening harm. That trauma then can trigger persisting psychological symptoms. In children and adolescents, those effects can appear as depression, anxiety, interference with concentration and learning, and the delayed development of brains and bodies. 

 

No matter the trauma, we often carry it with us day after day without realizing just how heavy its weight is. Trauma therapy allows individuals to unpack their past in the comfort of a safe and accepting environment. At New Morning Mercies Counseling, I employ the Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy model (TF-CBT) to teach regulation skills, integrate the trauma, and help clients turn unhelpful thoughts into accurate and helpful thoughts. I will treat children from ages 8-18, as well as adults who may have experienced trauma. 

 

Through therapy, you can initiate healing and loosen the past’s hold on your present and future.