Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on June 24, 2024What happens in childhood doesn’t always stay in childhood. Whether it’s abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, or growing up in a chaotic environment, early trauma can leave a lasting imprint on how we feel, think, and relate to others. The good news? Healing is possible—at any age. Therapy for childhood trauma can help you reclaim your story, release pain, and build a life that feels safe and whole.
Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW)
100 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94105
Auto Provider is a Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW) in San Francisco, California. They treat Childhood Trauma, Childhood Abuse.
A very good mental therapist.
Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW)
100 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94105
Auto Provider is a Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW) in San Francisco, California. They treat Childhood Trauma, Childhood Abuse.
A very good mental therapist.
Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW)
100 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94105
Auto Provider is a Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW) in San Francisco, California. They treat Childhood Trauma, Childhood Abuse.
A very good mental therapist.
Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW), Licensed Clinical Addictions Counselor (LCAC), Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor (LCMHC), Hypnotherapist
Remote only
Lacota Mckee is a Certified Clinical Social Worker (CSW) in undefined, undefined. They treat Childhood Trauma, Childhood Abuse, Chronic Illness/Pain.
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Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW)
100 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94105
Auto Provider is a Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW) in San Francisco, California. They treat Childhood Trauma, Childhood Abuse.
A very good mental therapist.
Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW)
100 Mission Street, San Francisco, California 94105
Auto Provider is a Academy of Certified Social Workers License (ACSW) in San Francisco, California. They treat Childhood Trauma, Childhood Abuse.
A very good mental therapist.
Childhood trauma therapy is a specialized form of counseling that helps people process and heal from adverse experiences that occurred in early life. These might include:
These experiences can disrupt development, self-esteem, and a sense of safety. In therapy for childhood trauma, the goal is not to relive the past—but to understand it, process the pain, and change how it continues to affect you now.
Even if your trauma happened decades ago, its effects may still show up in subtle or surprising ways. Signs you might be living with unresolved childhood trauma include:
You may not even consciously remember the trauma—but your body and emotions may still carry the imprint. Childhood trauma therapy can help you connect the dots between past and present and give you tools to move forward.
Yes. Therapy for childhood trauma is often life-changing, even years after the events occurred. The brain and nervous system are incredibly adaptable—meaning healing is possible even if the trauma happened long ago.
In therapy, you can:
It’s never too late to begin healing. Overcoming childhood trauma is a process—but with the right support, change is possible.
Several approaches are proven to be effective in treating early trauma. The best approach depends on your needs and comfort level. Common options include:
Talk Therapy (Psychodynamic or Humanistic)
Helps you explore the roots of your trauma, process emotions, and develop insight over time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns, managing triggers, and building new coping strategies.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
EMDR for childhood trauma is highly effective. It uses bilateral stimulation (like eye movements) to help your brain reprocess traumatic memories so they lose their emotional intensity.
Somatic Therapy
Addresses how trauma is stored in the body through gentle movement, breathwork, and awareness of physical sensations.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy for childhood trauma accesses the subconscious mind to uncover hidden emotions or beliefs and promote healing through suggestion and visualization.
Intensive Therapy for Childhood Trauma
Some people benefit from intensive trauma therapy, which involves longer or more frequent sessions over a shorter period. This can help accelerate healing, especially when trauma is complex or long-standing.
Your childhood trauma therapist will collaborate with you to find the approach that feels safe, effective, and empowering.
Yes—EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is one of the most research-supported treatments for trauma, including childhood trauma. It helps you reprocess distressing memories without becoming overwhelmed by them.
In EMDR sessions, your therapist will guide you to recall a traumatic event while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation (usually guided eye movements or tapping). This helps your brain “re-file” the memory so it no longer triggers such intense emotional or physical reactions.
Many people find EMDR for childhood trauma leads to rapid and lasting relief—even for events they haven’t been able to talk about in detail.
Hypnotherapy can be a powerful complementary approach for healing childhood trauma, especially when traditional talk therapy feels overwhelming or stuck.
During hypnotherapy, you enter a deeply relaxed state—like guided meditation—where your subconscious mind is more accessible. This can allow you to:
Hypnotherapy for childhood trauma should always be done with a trained, licensed professional who understands trauma-informed care. It’s often used in combination with other therapies for deeper integration.
Trauma-informed care means your therapist understands the impact of trauma and approaches your healing with compassion, safety, and empowerment at the center. It’s not just about what happened—it’s about how it continues to affect you and what you need now.
A trauma-informed therapist for childhood trauma will:
This approach makes all the difference in feeling understood, supported, and safe throughout your healing journey.
Your first session is mostly about building trust and getting to know each other. You don’t need to share everything—or anything traumatic—right away.
A childhood trauma therapist might ask:
You’ll also learn about how the therapy process works, what to expect in future sessions, and how your therapist handles safety and confidentiality.
It’s okay to feel nervous, skeptical, or unsure. A good therapist will meet you where you are—with no pressure to rush or disclose more than you’re ready for.
Healing timelines vary. Some people feel significant relief in a few months. Others engage in childhood trauma counseling over a year or more—especially when the trauma was complex or long-term.
Factors that affect healing time:
Intensive therapy for childhood trauma may accelerate progress, but long-term healing takes time. The goal is not to “fix” you quickly—it’s to rebuild trust, stability, and emotional freedom step by step.
Yes. Unresolved childhood trauma can have lasting effects on emotional health and relationships, often showing up in adulthood as:
Trauma doesn’t just live in memory—it lives in the body, the nervous system, and our relationships. Overcoming childhood trauma involves addressing all these levels, and therapy offers a safe, structured way to do that.
It is never too late. Many people don’t recognize the full impact of their childhood trauma until years—or decades—later. Some seek therapy in their 30s, 50s, or even after retirement.
The brain and body remain capable of healing throughout life. Therapy can help you:
If you’re asking whether it’s too late—it means you’re ready. And that’s a powerful beginning.
No. While some therapeutic approaches involve discussing memories, many do not require reliving the details of trauma.
A trauma-informed therapist will never force you to share more than you’re comfortable with. Healing can happen through:
Childhood trauma therapy is about what works for you—not about reliving the past, but about reclaiming your future.
Look for someone who:
You can search for a therapist for childhood trauma on directories like Psychology Today, TherapyDen, or Open Path. You can also explore intensive therapy for childhood trauma centers if you want immersive or accelerated support.
If in-person care isn’t accessible, many providers now offer online trauma therapy—bringing care to your home when you need it most.
You are not broken. You are not to blame. And you are not alone.
The effects of childhood trauma can run deep—but so can your capacity for healing. Whether you’re just beginning to acknowledge the pain or have spent years trying to push it away, now is the time to reclaim your life.
Connect with a trusted therapist for childhood trauma, explore options like EMDR for childhood trauma or hypnotherapy, or begin your journey with intensive therapy for childhood trauma. You deserve to feel safe in your body, your relationships, and your story.
Healing starts with one brave step. Take it when you’re ready.
Remember, recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive network, and the right professional care, you can overcome the challenges of Childhood Trauma and build a fulfilling life. We are here to help you find care.
