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Trauma Symptoms

Childhood trauma can emerge from child 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 children 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, children 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, children 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 children may suffer immediately following a trauma but within a few weeks are able to move through the trauma without any lingering problems. Other children 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 children with regard to the improvement of PTSD, depression, anxiety, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, sexualized behavior, shame and abuse-related cognitions. In addition, children 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 Health Treatment Models

Mental health services are provided to assist children who are experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health problems related to child abuse including sexualized behavior and aggression. Our therapists are specifically trained to work with children 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 children (aged 4-18). Most children 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 children (2-7 years old). Most children 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 child and better parent-child 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 children (8 to 18 years old). Most children 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 children up to age 13 who have exhibited sexually inappropriate behaviors with other children. The following list are things the child and their caregivers might expect to achieve with this treatment model: Child will accept responsibility for inappropriate sexual behaviors, child will develop empathy for the feelings of others (especially victims of abuse), child will develop and/or enhance social competency skills, child will develop relapse prevention and safety skills, child will learn to manage sexual feelings, thoughts and behaviors to prevent further sexually aggressive behavior, caregiver and child will cope with and resolve feelings related to child’s potential prior trauma, caregiver will improve their relationship skills, regarding communication, discipline, and teaching the child healthy sexuality, caregiver will establish functional boundaries in the home and facilitate child’s responsibility for inappropriate sexual behavior.