Childhood Trauma
Childhood traumas result from mistreatment, abuse, neglect, or manipulation during childhood and can lead to unexplained psychological or neurological disruptions in adulthood. Midnight Sun Wellness offers effective therapies like attachment therapy and narrative therapy to help individuals process developmental trauma. Such traumas stem from seemingly normal yet harmful childhood experiences like ongoing mistreatment, verbal abuse, neglect, manipulation, inconsistency, and emotional abandonment.
Unlike more recognized forms of trauma, developmental traumas and their profound impacts often go unnoticed. Children in such situations cannot escape or control the maltreatment, leaving them perplexed by the resulting psychological and neurological issues. Adults with developmental trauma may struggle in relationships and their self-perception.
Signs of experiencing developmental trauma
a profound sense of shame often surfaces, manifesting as self-doubt ("there is something wrong with me"), inadequacy ("I am not good enough"), or self-condemnation ("I am bad").
a pervasive feeling of vulnerability or powerlessness emerges, resulting in rapid overwhelm.
challenges arise in effectively managing one's emotions.
feelings of isolation and struggles in connecting with oneself and others become apparent.
an inexplicable, persistent fear of impending negative events looms.
the individual remains constantly vigilant and in a hyper-aroused state.
Treatments
Unresolved developmental trauma can absolutely be healed. Therapies like attachment therapy and psychodynamic therapies are particularly useful in working with developmental trauma.
These therapy modalities have a focus on relationships and help adults understand the kind of developmental trauma they experience and the effects of the trauma. Moreover, as clients heal, these therapies also help clients to form new associations with themselves, others, and the world around them.