Childhood Abuse

Exposure to traumatic experiences, especially childhood ones, has been linked to adult mental health issues including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, PTSD, attachment issues, and more. Childhood trauma chips away at a child’s stability and sense of self, undermining self-worth and often staying with the child into adulthood. This trauma can also impact a person into adulthood as they experience feelings of shame and guilt, feeling disconnected and unable to relate to others, trouble controlling emotions, heightened anxiety and depression, and anger.

Our therapists help survivors make sense of their memories and reduce the emotional impact of the abuse. We use cognitive behavior therapy, EMDR, Brainspotting, and/or Flash techniques to lower the distress of the painful memories so the intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares are significantly lowered or diminished. Using these counseling techniques, survivors do not need to discuss their trauma in detail, which can help prevent retraumatization by retelling the events.

Our therapists also teach survivors relaxation techniques, coping skills, anger management, assertiveness training, and communication training, depending upon the individual’s needs.