Effects Of Developmental Trauma

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There are many types of developmental trauma that children experience. Though not the most popular form, early loss of a parent or caregiver can be of major concern. Emotional trauma is the result from this and can be devastating to the child as well as leave long-lasting effects. . Externally, we see the behaviors that stem from something more serious biologically. The child, during critical brain develop, can remain in a state of fight, flight, or freeze for extended periods of time, altering the brain development The consequences of this type of trauma are high in number. Children can internalize blame or develop depression or anxiety. Maladaptation later in life is also prevalent. Fortunately, the plasticity of the brain allows for intervention …show more content…

Bath (2008) said that the foundation for treatment of childhood trauma included three key concepts for trauma-informed care. The child must be safe and feel safe, form healthy connections with parents or caregivers, and learn how to manage emotions (p.18). Once those foundations are established, treatment is more likely to be successful and long lasting. Intervention must focus on the child’s strengths and weaknesses and then cater to the specific needs of the child. There are several methods of treatment and intervention. Executive functioning improvement should be the main goal. Executive functioning includes self-regulation, problem solving, reasoning, and other high order functions. These are important for mental health (Diamond & Lee, 2011, p. 2). Counselors must also educate parents and other caregivers, such as teachers, on these …show more content…

If Jim and Pam were to seek counseling services from Oasis for Emma, they would set up a meeting with a play therapist. Emma would not be present in this meeting. The play therapist would then assess what is needed for this family in regards to family structure, trauma, support systems, and historical information. The therapist also takes the clients’ developmental level, culture, and personality into account when deciding which treatments are suitable. It was stressed that the parents are always involved to some degree during therapy. Play therapy would be helpful for Emma so that she could learn to process grief, adjust to changes, and feel as though she has control of her environment. After she improves with these things, Jenkins suggests that the family engage in filial therapy to strengthen healthy attachment with her new parents. She then suggested that Pam join a support group so that her thoughts of isolation would diminish. This would help her to normalize her situation, according to Jenkins. If additional clinical help is needed, the therapist will search for services needed, obtain permission to release information and make a referral. This type of service is ideal in helping the mental health of both Pam and Emma (V. Jenkins, personal communication, November 2,

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