Healing Childhood Trauma: The Role of PTSD Therapy in Recovery

Childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects that carry into adulthood. According to those at Aspire Psychological Group, events like abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, and other adverse experiences in childhood are linked to an increased risk for mental and physical health issues. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common psychological effects of trauma exposure. Research shows that evidence-based PTSD therapies can be instrumental in healing and recovery for survivors. 

The Link Between Childhood Trauma and PTSD  

Studies consistently demonstrate a strong connection between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and post-traumatic stress disorder. The original ACE study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Kaiser Permanente found that the higher an individual’s ACE score, the more likely they were to develop PTSD later in life. Specific types of childhood trauma that are linked to PTSD include:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse  
• Emotional abuse
• Physical neglect
• Emotional neglect
• Exposure to domestic violence
• Household mental illness 
• Household substance abuse
• Parental discord or divorce
• Incarcerated household members

Additional research has shown that early life trauma interferes with normal brain development and creates changes in brain structure and function. Trauma exposure during childhood can lead to an overly reactive sympathetic nervous system and impairments in being able to regulate emotions. Survivors often develop post-traumatic stress symptoms as a result of these brain changes. 

PTSD Therapies

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and trauma-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) are three evidence-based therapies widely used in the treatment of PTSD. 

CBT for PTSD really focuses on changing unhelpful thought and behavior patterns that develop following trauma. It helps survivors challenge distressing trauma-related thoughts and replaces them with more balanced perspectives. CBT also targets avoidance behaviors by gradually exposing clients to trauma memories and feelings in a safe therapeutic setting. Relaxation techniques are very often taught to help manage trauma-related arousal and anxiety.

 EMDR follows a quite similar approach by activating trauma memories through bilateral stimulation like eye movements or taps. This helps to desensitize survivors to traumatic memories and change the brain’s storage of those memories. EMDR basically reduces trauma-related emotions and reshapes negative beliefs.

TF-CBT is a conjoint child-parent psychotherapy developed specifically for children with trauma histories. It uses cognitive-behavioral techniques to teach coping skills while also addressing maladaptive beliefs and providing psychoeducation to parents. TF-CBT helps create a safe space for children to process trauma through gradual exposure. 

Additional therapies with emerging evidence include play therapy for kids, group therapy, and mindfulness-based therapies that teach emotion regulation skills. Medication is not used as a frontline treatment but may help to alleviate comorbid issues such as depression. Combining psychotherapy with family support, parent education, and case management leads to the best outcomes.

The Importance of Rapport in PTSD Therapy

One of the most important factors in successful PTSD treatment is establishing trust and rapport between the client and therapist. The deep emotional pain brought up in trauma therapy requires a caring, compassionate, and nonjudgmental environment. Therapists must demonstrate warmth, empathy, and unconditional positive regard for clients to feel safe examining painful trauma memories. 

Conclusion

The journey of healing from childhood trauma and PTSD is a long but hopeful process, particularly when evidence-based therapies are used. Treatment helps survivors to process their trauma memories, regulate their emotions, reshape harmful beliefs, and build coping skills as time progresses. A strong therapeutic alliance provides the safety that is needed to approach this challenging work. While PTSD symptoms can be extremely disruptive, children and adults who engage in therapy often experience life-changing growth when they come out the other side of the healing process.