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Childhood Trauma and the role of Play Therapy in supporting children recovering from adverse life events

What is Childhood Trauma?

 

Childhood trauma refers to any distressing and painful event that a child experiences emotionally, physically, or socially during their developmental years. These events can have a lasting impact on cognitive, emotional, and social development, causing difficulties in mental health, relationships, and behaviour.

 

“Psychological trauma is an affiliation of the powerless. At the moment of trauma, the victim is rendered helpless by overwhelming force. When the force is that of nature, we speak of disasters. When the force is that of other human beings, we speak of atrocities. Traumatic events overwhelm the ordinary systems of care that give people a sense of control, connection, and meaning." Judith Herman (1992, p.33)

 

 


Examples of Childhood Trauma

 

  • Accidents leading to significant physical injury.

  • Bullying/cyberbullying.

  • Chaos or dysfunction in the home (such as domestic violence, mentally ill parents, drug abuse, or incarceration).

  • The death of a loved one.

  • Emotional abuse or neglect.

  • Physical abuse or neglect.

  • Separation from a parent or caregiver.

  • Sexual abuse.

  • The stress caused by poverty.

  • Any sudden and/or serious medical condition.

  • Violence (at home, at school, or in the surrounding community).

  • War/terrorism.

 

When a child experience trauma, their sense of control and belonging gets lost or missing. In their first years of life, children use the external world (relationships, places, objects, and any other events that exist independently of the mind) as a reference to consolidate their identities and sense of “self” and belonging. When the external world turns into a dangerous place, a fragmentation in this sense of identity occurs. This can cause a long-lasting impact in their development and attachment patterns.


Healing often involves rebuilding that sense of safety and connection, helping them to re-establish a coherent identity and a feeling of belonging in the world. Creating a supportive environment based on trust and fostering a secure relationship can be crucial in this process.


Children who experience trauma may exhibit a range of symptoms and presentations. It is always important to explore these symptoms further as this can vary depending on the child, their cultural background and previous experiences. These symptoms can last into adolescence or adulthood. The most significant symptoms that may emerge are:


  • Anxiety and depression: persistent feelings of worry, sadness or hopelessness.

  • Difficulties with attachment and trust: Challenges in forming secure relationships with peers or adults and trusting others.

  • Behavioural issues or aggression: Increase aggression or disruptive behaviours.

  • Learning difficulties: Challenges with academic performance.

  • Sleep Disturbances: Either excessive sleeping or trouble falling and staying asleep.

  • Changes in Appetite: Loss of interest in food or, conversely, overeating.

  • Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing or maintaining attention on tasks.

  • Low self-esteem: Feelings of worthlessness or inadequacy.

  • Physical symptoms: manifestations of stress like headaches or stomach-aches.


When considering challenges in attention, academic performance or learning difficulties, it is fundamental to always explore further, since trauma and other conditions often co-occur, creating a complex interplay that can significantly affect a child’s development. Trauma may manifest as impulsivity, inattention, and hyperactivity, which may look like ADHD. In addition, neurodiverse children are known to be more likely to experience traumatic life events.


It is essential to consider the context in which these behaviour manifest as the impact of trauma can vary widely depending of the child’s environment and support system.

Understanding this context allows caregivers and professionals to develop more effective tailored interventions that address not only the symptoms, but also the underlying trauma. By acknowledging the interplay between these factors, we can better support children's emotional and behavioural needs.


Play therapy

Children communicate primarily through play, which serves as their main language and means of expression. Unlike adults, who typically use words to articulate their feelings and concerns, children convey their thoughts and emotions through play. Play often reveals crucial aspects of children's development, including cognitive skills, motor abilities, language acquisition and social interaction. This playful engagement not only reflects their internal world, but also fosters growth across multiples domains, making it an essential tool for supporting and understanding their development.



What is Play Therapy?

Play therapy is a therapeutic approach specifically designed for children, utilising play as a medium for communication and expression. Unlike traditional talk therapy, play therapy allows children to express their feelings and experiences through play, which is a natural mode of communication for them. Play therapy is a structured, theory-based approach that leverages children's natural communication and learning processes.


Benefits of Play Therapy

Toys, art supplies, games, and costumes serve as the child’s voice, with play functioning as their main form of communication. The therapist leads the child through the session, utilising play scenarios to mirror everyday situations in an environment where the child feels in control and can influence the outcomes of various events. The positive relationships built during these interactions are essential for emotional healing.


Play Therapy is a crucial tool for processing trauma. Children can re-enact traumatic events, helping them process and make sense of their experiences. This also promotes social skills, problems solving abilities and emotional regulation. 


Play therapists also often work with parents and caregivers, providing them with tools to support their child's healing journey.


How Does Play Therapy Work?

When a child is referred to play therapy is often because they have exhausted their own methods for problem solving, leading to behavioural difficulties at home, with friends, or at school. Play Therapy provides a space for a trained mental health professional to observe and interpret the child's play. By addressing their problems in a structured play environment, children can discover more adaptive ways to think and deal with their emotions.

 

When to Seek Play Therapy

 

It’s important to seek play therapy if:

 

  • Your child displays significant emotional or behavioural changes after a traumatic event.

  • Your child struggles with expressing emotions or coping with daily challenges.

  • Other unusual or sudden changes in the child’s functioning occurs.


 

  References and Links

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