What is Childhood Trauma? Understanding the Signs with a Trauma Therapist in Falls Church, VA
A Deep Dive into Childhood Trauma from a Trauma Therapist in Falls Church, VA, & Colchester, CT
Did something happen to me? It’s a question you often wonder to yourself. Not because you don’t know the answer (you know your childhood did not always feel safe), but because you are constantly doubting yourself, your judgment, and even your reality. You are afraid to admit it because what if that means you have not been grateful enough? What if that would make other people mad at you? But, honestly, you feel like it’s time to come to terms with the past and how it keeps you stuck in your present. Is it all from childhood trauma? And how can childhood trauma therapy in Falls Church, VA, make a difference?
How is Childhood Trauma Defined? A Trauma Therapist Explains
Trauma is anything that overwhelms your body and nervous system beyond the point at which you are able to manage. The end.
It is not defined according to what someone else says “is enough.” Trauma is defined by the impact on you, according to what was overwhelming for you at a certain space, time, situation, and age.
Childhood Trauma is Not Necessarily a Single Event. It Occurs Over Time.
When we think about how to define trauma, a lot of times, we think about one specific incident. But childhood trauma does not have to be isolated to one specific event. Instead, it can be a mishmash of multiple confusing, insidious, murky, and overwhelming moments. That is because the experiences that fall under the category of childhood trauma are both relational (happening between people) and systemic (created by external, oppressive forces).
What Are the Different Types of Childhood Trauma?
Childhood trauma can show up in a number of ways. It can include:
Physical abuse
Sexual abuse
Emotional abuse
Emotional neglect
Domestic violence
Parental incerceration
Growing up with parent(s) or caretaker(s) who struggled with substance use
Food or housing insecurity
Homelessness
Immigration trauma
Intergenerational trauma
Attachment trauma
Acculturation trauma/challenges
This is not a fully exhaustive or prescriptive list, but includes some examples of what trauma during childhood can look like. Many of these examples change the way that you need to live and survive over an extended period of time. There is not necessarily a clear “before” and “after.” Again, trauma all comes down to what impacted you and overwhelmed you. No one else gets to define it for you.
Other Experiences Common in Childhood Trauma
Oftentimes, there is an inherent power dynamic and role associated with having experienced childhood trauma. You were likely made to feel wrong and bad often. No matter what you did or how you navigated around others, it felt like the goal posts kept moving, and every move still landed you in the blameworthy spot.
The adults around you likely used a lot of power and control. Maybe they even had an “emotional temperature,” where if they walked into the room, suddenly the mood changed…something shifted. You couldn’t laugh or be silly. You had to be on guard because you never knew which version they were going to be…and how they were going to react towards you.
How Does Childhood Trauma Impact You in Adult Life?
Your Childhood Trauma Probably Shows up in Your Relationships.
The experiences of childhood trauma impact behavior so much—you had to learn to relate to others who were frightening and unpredictable. Because of that, you learned to function and react, and respond in survival mode. That way of relating can carry over into other relationships or other moments when interacting with others.
For example, you may fear someone will be angry at you when they seem “neutral” or not overly ecstatic, so you work hard to people-please them to make sure they are happy. You fear saying no to someone because you worry that they will get furious at you and take it out on you. You may be afraid of sharing your most vulnerable emotions or your “true self” because it’s overwhelming, and you worry about what someone else will do with that information. You get resentful of taking care of someone else because you may feel like you are not feeling seen or getting the credit you deserve.
What is a Surprising Impact of Childhood Trauma?
You Did Not Realize It Was Childhood Trauma. It Took Time to See It.
It can be very scary to admit that you experienced childhood trauma, especially when your parents/caregivers were responsible. In childhood, you needed to stay in a relationship with them: they created fear and confusion, but you also depended on them for survival and for the hope that they would be the loving people that you needed (or perhaps they were even sometimes capable of being).
It makes sense and is absolutely okay to hold care, anger, fear, love, and resentment all at the same time for those who surrounded you while growing up. And realizing that you experienced childhood trauma does not negate or invalidate other wonderful experiences or capabilities you have had. At Nurturing Willow Psychotherapy, we create a safe, compassionate space for you to navigate the full spectrum of your emotions.
Find Support with Childhood Trauma Therapy in VA & CT at Nurturing Willow Psychotherapy
Realizing that you have some growth or healing to do does not make you weak. Your softness and desire to grow are strengths. And so is your willingness and your curiosity to evolve into a fuller version of you. This is where childhood trauma therapy in Falls Church, VA, comes in. Processing your past can be frightening and full of bumpy moments, but with a compassionate trauma therapist in Falls Church, VA, you can feel more at peace with your past. You can feel welcome and loved while embracing all the incredible parts of you. Your healing is possible.
Follow the steps below to get started:
Alice Zic, MPH, LCSW | Trauma Therapist & Owner of Nurturing Willow Psychotherapy, LLC
Click the button below to schedule your free 15-minute consultation phone call.
Complete the pre-consult form.
Consult with Alice Zic, your trauma therapist in Falls Church, VA.
Begin your therapeutic journey toward healing childhood trauma.
Childhood Trauma Therapy in Colchester, Connecticut
Online Therapy in CT
My virtual practice is located in Colchester, CT and I see clients online throughout Connecticut. All you need is a private space, wifi, and your device—and we are all set for our session! Learn more about online therapy for childhood trauma in Connecticut and get started below:
Childhood Trauma Therapy in Falls Church, Virginia
Online Therapy in Virginia
Why waste time in Virginia traffic when you can easily get to your therapy session online? I offer online therapy for childhood trauma throughout Virginia. Simple, convenient, and no hassle! Learn more and get started below:
About Childhood Trauma Therapist in Falls Church, VA & Colchester, CT: Alice Zic, LCSW
Alice Zic is a licensed clinical social worker in Connecticut and Virginia. She is a childhood trauma therapist who specializes in helping adult daughters of emotionally immature mothers and parentified children of immigrants heal from their pasts and lean into the confidence of their futures. Alice is an attachment-based therapist who is trained in Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. IFS is a trauma-informed and evidence-based modality that supports childhood trauma healing through healing the body’s and nervous system’s processing and understanding of information and safety. Because Alice is an attachment-based and trauma-trained therapist, she is highly equipped to support you in working through relational wounding and historical/systemic trauma. Alice is also a child of immigrants and pays special attention to and focuses on how immigration and intergenerational trauma surrounding culture and identity exist within one’s body and community.
As a trauma-informed therapist, Alice welcomes all genders, identities, and bodies. If you would like to work with Alice, please click here to schedule your free consult call today.