A traumatic event isn't just hard on your child; it can be difficult for the whole family to work through. Fortunately, there are trauma treatment programs available so that you and your child don't have to face the healing process alone.
1. Healthy Coping Methods
Trauma causes stress, and many children will develop their own coping mechanisms to deal with the stress of the trauma. Unfortunately, these coping strategies may not be healthy and may actually worsen the effects of the trauma over time. A trauma program will teach the child healthy methods for coping with stress and will provide ways to help them relax in healthy ways.
2. Safe Exposure Strategies
Every child processes a traumatic experience differently and at different rates. Although it will help to talk about the trauma, children will likely require guidance to help them process the trauma. A therapist in a trauma program will work at your child's pace to help them slowly face and come to terms with the event so that the child can begin to process their feelings surrounding the trauma. By working through their own narrative, the child can work through the pain and regain the sense of control over their life.
3. Self-Blame Correction
It's not uncommon for a child to develop unhealthy blame habits in regard to trauma. Some children blame themselves or think that if they had done something differently, the outcome that led to the trauma may have been different. It's also not uncommon for a child to think they somehow deserved the trauma, perhaps by thinking they are a bad person. A trauma program can help the child overcome self blame and realize that they are not the cause of the event.
4. Medication Support Options
Although there aren't any medications that "cure" trauma, sometimes medications can help alleviate the side effects of trauma as the child works through it. Medication can help with issues like nightmares, insomnia, and panic attacks, for example. It's important that medication is used with a comprehensive trauma treatment program, though, to ensure healthy recovery.
5. Care Giver Involvement
Family support from parents, grandparents, and other caregivers in the child's life can help greatly with trauma recovery. A quality trauma program will include caregivers and family in therapy sessions, while also providing guidance on exercises to help the child at home. The goal is to create a supportive team that surrounds the child with the love and care they need to work through the traumatic experience.
Reach out to a professional to learn more about trauma treatment programs for kids.
