Healing from Childhood Trauma: Where to Start

This blog is on healing from childhood trauma: where to start. You could be at any point in your journey towards healing from childhood trauma. Whether you are a young adult, reflecting back on events of your adolescence. Or, you’re an older adult, and some things are resurfacing in recent times. 

 

The term “childhood trauma” can have uncertain definitions. What truly classifies as childhood trauma? How do I know that I have childhood trauma? What if there are things I don’t consider traumatic, that professionals do? 

 

Generally, trauma is defined as a response to a distressing or life-threatening event(s). Our bodies store trauma in different ways. Trauma can affect our memory, our nervous system, or perceptions of the world around us. It doesn’t go away on its own – it needs to be expressed and healed.

 

There is no time limit on healing from childhood trauma. When you are able to make time for it, you can see benefits play out in your everyday life. You may see improvements in your relationships, your everyday functioning, and more. 

 

When you’re working with a therapist for trauma therapy, you can begin feeling relief from your symptoms. Make sure to read our blog on 3 Reasons to Start Childhood Trauma Therapy!

 

Healing from Childhood Trauma: Where to Start – Find ways to increase your self-compassion

The lasting effects of trauma can affect us in our daily lives. It affects how we view ourselves, how we view the world, and how we view our worth in the world. After we’ve experienced trauma, it can be difficult to feel that we have a life worth living. We may be struggling with regret, shame, depression, anger, and more. 

 

Finding ways to increase your self-compassion can start at understanding how we talk to ourselves on a regular basis. Does your inner critic tend to take over and negatively dominate your perception of self? How can we reaffirm positive or safe beliefs about ourselves?

 

Increasing self-compassion does not happen overnight. It’s a process that can be hard to build upon, or maintain hope in. However, over time, you’ll notice ground-breaking moments. Maybe you praised yourself instead of focusing on only the negative in a situation. Perhaps a small voice in your head perked up to advocate for you, instead of further putting you down. 

 

When you’re in trauma therapy in Simi Valley, you’re paired with a trauma-informed therapist. Our therapists specialize in tailoring treatment goals to your needs and level of readiness. Make sure to read our blog on Having Self Compassion (When You Don’t Want To).

 

Healing from Childhood Trauma: Where to Start – Build a safe, stable and supportive environment

As much as physically possible, build a safe, stable and supportive environment. What is a safe, stable and supportive environment? Well, it entails a few different aspects of your environment. This pertains to your present environment, the people in your life, and steps you can take to protect or empower yourself. 

 

This may not be easily possible for some of us. You may be someone living in an environment that is unsafe, unstable, or not supportive – but have limited options of what you can do. Therefore, being able to prepare yourself by knowing what to seek out, and working towards your goals, can help you feel hopeful.

 

Within this environment, you want to focus on forming healthy and supportive relationships. You’re in a consistent living situation. Finally, you’re working to obtain financial stability as well. When we are able to reduce stressors in major aspects of our lives, we can focus more on the small details. 

 

It’s difficult to actively heal from trauma when we are in current stressful situations. It can feel overwhelming to juggle both the past and the present. Therefore, working with a therapist can help you manage that.

 

Individual therapy in Simi Valley works with you from your first session to identify daily stressors, and ways to cope. Make sure to read our blog on How to Process Trauma.

 

Healing from Childhood Trauma: Where to Start – Seek out professional help

Healing from childhood trauma can be an overwhelming and exhausting experience. It’s difficult reliving the events, memories, or emotions during that time. Furthermore, the effects of those experiences still linger with you today, as an adult. It could be that for years, you’ve kept this information private within yourself. 

 

You may have coped with childhood trauma in maladaptive ways. This includes abusing substances, engaging in self-harm, or otherwise distracting yourself. You may be doing whatever you can to avoid flashbacks, and aim to push them down further. 

 

However, this will not help you ultimately heal and grow from those past experiences. In connecting with professional help, you can begin to feel free from the distress it causes upon you. By working with a professional, you can discover things about the inner workings of your mind. With this newfound knowledge, you’ll increase your self-compassion and drive to be the best version of yourself.

 

You’ll have your own space free of judgment with your therapist. They’ll likely guide you at your own pace, to process and discuss difficult events of the past. You’ll find that your therapist will normalize the feelings you’re having as a result of childhood trauma. 

 

Healing from childhood trauma is not a linear process. It can’t be laid out step by step. However, these three ways help you begin the process. Continue it with one of our amazing therapists in Simi Valley, CA!

 

In-person therapy in Simi Valley is ideal for those seeking a separate, safe space from their home. Check out our blog on Online Therapy or In Office Therapy to understand what format is best for you. Another great blog to read is ours on if you need Therapy or Medication to address your issues.

 

By seeking out support, you can begin your journey to feeling relief. You don’t have to go through finding the right level of support alone, either. By clicking here, you’ll read our blog on Information About Simi Valley Therapists.

 

Consider calling our therapy group at (805) 774-1506 for a free consultation on how you or a loved one can get started today!

 

Seek out a validating, safe environment with us today. We will help you get to where you want to be. Our therapists provide trauma therapy, teen therapy, individual adult therapy, LGBTQIA+ therapy, anxiety therapy, depression therapy, family therapy, and more in-office in Simi Valley, CA.