Childhood Trauma + Adulthood: How to Move Forward
Childhood trauma can have a profound impact on our lives, shaping the way we view ourselves and those around us. It can leave us feeling stuck, disconnected, and overwhelmed by emotions that seem to come out of nowhere. But it doesn't have to be this way. With an open heart and a holistic approach, we can find healing and move forward.
Here, I explore how childhood trauma affects us in adulthood, as well as some practical steps you can take toward healing.
What is Childhood Trauma?
Childhood trauma is a term that refers to negative experiences children face during their formative years. These experiences can have long-term effects on mental and physical health, leading to issues such as anxiety, depression, and even chronic diseases.
Childhood trauma can take many forms, including:
Abuse (physical, sexual, or emotional)
Neglect
Witnessing violence
Accidents
Substance misuse in the home environment.
According to research by the National Survey of Children’s Health, almost half of all children in the United States have experienced some form of adversity or traumatic event before they turn 18.
Rewriting Your Story: Letting Go of Childhood Trauma's Hold
Whether it's abuse, neglect, or other forms of trauma, it can be challenging to cope with the aftermath of childhood trauma.
But the good news is that you don't have to let your past define you forever. The following steps can get you started on your healing journey:
#1. Recognize the Trauma
The first step in healing from childhood trauma is recognizing it as such. You may not even realize that certain experiences from your childhood were traumatic until you start exploring the impact they've had on your life as an adult. Once you've identified these experiences, it's important to understand how they've affected you personally and emotionally.
Acknowledging your trauma doesn't mean dwelling on it or wallowing in self-pity. Instead, it means giving yourself permission to feel the emotions that come up when thinking about those difficult memories. It also means accepting that there is healing work to be done if you want to move forward healthily.
#2. Be Patient
Healing is a process, and one of the most important things to remember is that you were not responsible for what happened to you. It's NOT your fault, and you should never blame yourself for something that was out of your control.
Be patient with yourself as you
navigate your healing journey.
Remember that healing takes time, and there is no timeline or deadline for when you should feel completely "over" your trauma.
Remember, healing is not linear and there will be setbacks along the way. It's okay to take breaks when needed and give yourself grace throughout this process.
#3. Journal It Out
Journaling can be a powerful tool to help move forward from childhood trauma. It allows you to reflect on your thoughts and emotions in a safe and private space.
Writing down our experiences can help us process them and
gain a deeper understanding of how they have affected us.
By putting pen to paper, you can express yourself freely without fear of judgment or shame. Journaling allows people to explore their thoughts and feelings in a non-threatening way that can lead to healing and growth.
If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed by your past experiences, consider starting a journaling practice. You don't need any special equipment—just grab a notebook or even use your phone's notes app. Start writing down whatever comes to mind, you’ll be surprised at how cathartic it can be.
#4. Reach Out for Help
Holistic therapy like the Emotional Polarity Technique™, takes an integrative approach to healing by addressing not just the physical symptoms of trauma but also the underlying emotional and spiritual aspects of it as well.
My goal when using EPT™ with my clients is to help them identify and release negative emotions and limiting beliefs that may be holding them back from living their best life. By using various tools such as tapping on acupressure points and guided visualization, my practice provides a safe space for individuals to process their past childhood traumas in a gentle yet effective way.
More Healing > Reclaim Your Power: Healing from Trauma
Break Free from Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma can have a long-lasting impact on your life, but it doesn't have to define it. With my help, you can break free from the grip of your past and find healing through forgiveness and self-love.
By acknowledging the impact of past experiences on present behaviors and emotions, individuals can begin to shift old patterns and create a more fulfilling life. Sounds amazing, right?!
Don't let childhood trauma hold you back any longer. Let me guide you toward a path of healing and transformation. Schedule a free 30-minute EPT™ consultation with me today!