We all want to think of childhood as a time of carefree happiness, nurturing, and good memories. But many adults have a history of growing up in a dysfunctional family or a family that experienced difficult times such as divorce or separation of parents, economic hardship, and/or parental mental illness and addictions. Family relationships and trauma often go hand in hand as our early years have a lasting impact on how we view ourselves and our closest relationships.
The effects of difficult childhoods can follow us into adulthood. Dysfunctional families can expose children to physical, sexual, mental, and emotional abuse or neglect which results in early and ongoing trauma.
Unfortunately, many adults do not even know they are dealing with the effects of early trauma. They may struggle with anger and bad memories over things that have happened, but may not consider seeking help for symptoms of early trauma.
The prevalence of childhood trauma
Studies conducted in the United States demonstrate that childhood adversity is more common than many of us believe. Data collected across the U.S. found economic hardship and divorce and separation are the most common adversity in childhood. The study also found that one in ten children experienced three or more adverse experiences, placing them at extremely high risk for negative effects in adulthood.
The effects of childhood trauma are serious and lasting. Children exposed to fear, terror, and helplessness over a prolonged period of time have great difficulty managing stress and emotions as adults. Often adults with a history of childhood trauma develop problems with alcohol, drug abuse, depression, and suicide ideation. Further, these adults are also more likely to report poor physical health, poverty, and lower educational attainment.
Many adults who grew up in dysfunctional and abusive families do not know they have been abused. They may suffer from shame, self-blame, depression, and/or anger. They can have trouble with current relationships and families.
Therapy for early trauma from family relationships
Therapy for trauma is unique for each individual. If you are dealing with a crisis, we will first work to manage what’s happening now so we can bring you to a place where you feel stable and balanced again. Once things are calm, we can pursue deeper work.
Often in therapy, we are able to connect the dots of past and present. Adults who have grown up in abusive or traumatic situations can find themselves in relationships that are similar to the kind of unstable environment they grew up in.
The therapeutic relationship is stable and supportive. It is through this connection that you can begin the process of healing. Therapy can help you develop increased self-awareness with the goal of building on your strengths.
When living with the effects of childhood trauma, it is essential to understand and acknowledge the strength and resilience you already have. In therapy, we work to help you create a healthy and fulfilled future.
Penny Justus, LMSW, is a psychotherapist and life coach serving areas of Manhattan, Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, as well as online and on the phone. If you would like to learn more, you are welcome to call and book an appointment or fill out the contact form and click Send.