Childhood trauma is an experience or an event that can have a lasting and damaging effect on a child’s mind, body and soul. It can range from physical or emotional abuse, neglect, witnessing domestic violence, being a victim of bullying, or experiencing a traumatic event such as a natural disaster or the death of a loved one. All of these experiences can lead to long-term psychological and physical symptoms and can affect a person’s development and well-being both in the short term and long-term. Child counselling from a trauma perspective aims to address these issues by providing a safe and supportive space for children to express themselves and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

The effects of childhood trauma can manifest in a variety of ways and can be difficult to recognize due to the nature of trauma as a hidden problem. Common symptoms of childhood trauma include depression, anxiety, behavioral problems, learning difficulties, low self-esteem, relationship problems, and physical health problems.

It is important for people to understand the impact of childhood trauma and the need for counselling, in order to address and resolve these issues. Counselling is a type of therapy that can help individuals to understand and process their experiences, allowing them to gain insight and insight into the root cause of their distress. Through counselling, individuals can become aware of any unresolved issues or conflicts that may be contributing to their symptoms, and learn how to manage their emotions in healthier ways. 

Counsellors can use a variety of techniques to help individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. These techniques can help individuals to recognize and challenge any unhelpful thought patterns, become more self-aware, and develop healthier strategies for coping with difficult emotions. 

Another Light Counselling is a counselling organization founded by Aanchal Narang, which offers a range of mental health services to individuals struggling with depression, gender, sexuality, addiction, and trauma-related issues. Our goal is to provide a safe and supportive environment where clients can seek help and support for their mental health concerns, regardless of their background or circumstances.

Counselling psychologists at Another Light Counselling have undergone extensive training and have the expertise to address a wide range of mental health issues. ALC offers sliding scale therapy slots, which allow clients to choose their payment options based on their budget. Additionally, clients can choose from two unique therapy alternatives with session costs ranging from ₹800-₹1200 (taxes included).

ALC is committed to providing quality mental health services to all individuals who seek support and assistance. We prioritize creating a warm and welcoming environment that promotes healing and recovery for our clients. Our trauma care services provide a safe space for individuals who have experienced trauma to work through their emotions and feelings in a supportive and non-judgmental setting.

At Another Light Counselling, our expert counselling psychologists understand that children who have experienced trauma may have unique needs and require specialized support. We take a trauma-informed approach to child counselling, which means that we acknowledge the impact of trauma on a child's brain, body, and behaviour. We recognize that children who have experienced trauma may feel a sense of helplessness and lack of control, which can result in feelings of shame and self-blame.

One of the key components of counselling children is creating a safe and supportive environment. We prioritize building a trusting and positive relationship with the child, which is essential for establishing a foundation for effective therapy. We aim to create an environment where children feel comfortable expressing themselves, knowing that they are being heard and understood without judgement. This can help children feel a sense of control and safety in their interactions with others, which can be a powerful tool for building resilience.

Counselling for children also focuses on helping children develop healthy coping mechanisms. Children who have experienced trauma may struggle with regulating their emotions and behaviour, leading to difficulties in their social interactions and relationships. Counselling can help children develop skills and strategies for managing their emotions, such as mindfulness techniques, deep breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques. These skills can help children to feel more in control of their emotional responses and reduce feelings of overwhelm.

Additionally, counselling can help children process their experiences and emotions related to the trauma. This may involve exploring the child's thoughts and feelings, identifying triggers, and discussing ways to cope with traumatic memories. We may also use play therapy or other expressive therapies to help children communicate their emotions and experiences in a safe and non-threatening way.

Our counselling psychologists take a collaborative approach to counselling. We work closely with parents and caregivers to ensure that they have the tools and knowledge they need to support their child's healing process. This may include providing education about trauma and its impact on children, as well as strategies for managing behaviour and supporting emotional regulation.

We also recognize the importance of working within the child's broader support network, such as teachers, social workers, and other healthcare providers. We aim to coordinate with these professionals to ensure that the child is receiving holistic and integrated support.

Child counselling can be incredibly beneficial for children who are struggling with a wide range of issues. Here are ten benefits of counselling for children:

1. Improved emotional regulation: It can help children learn how to identify and manage their emotions, which can lead to improved emotional regulation.

2. Increased self-esteem: Counselling can help children develop a positive self-image and increase their self-esteem.

3. Enhanced problem-solving skills: Through counselling, children can learn effective problem-solving skills that they can apply to a variety of situations.

4. Improved communication skills: Counselling can help children learn how to communicate effectively with others, which can improve their relationships with family and friends.

5. Reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms: Counselling can help children cope with anxiety and depression symptoms, reducing their severity and frequency.

6. Better academic performance: Counselling can help children manage stress and anxiety related to school, which can lead to improved academic performance.

7. Increased resilience: Counselling can help children develop resilience, which can help them cope with future challenges and difficulties.

8. Improved social skills: Counselling can help children develop social skills and improve their ability to form and maintain positive relationships.

9. Increased self-awareness: Through counselling, children can develop a better understanding of themselves and their emotions, which can lead to increased self-awareness.

10. Improved overall well-being: Child counselling can have a positive impact on a child's overall well-being, leading to improved mental, emotional, and social health.

The impact of trauma can be particularly devastating when it occurs during childhood, as it can interfere with the development of a child's brain and lead to long-term consequences. Childhood trauma can impact a person's ability to form healthy relationships and maintain them throughout their lives. Trauma can lead to difficulties with trust, intimacy, and communication, making it challenging to build and maintain healthy relationships with others. Healing childhood trauma can help individuals develop the skills and tools they need to build healthy relationships and form meaningful connections with others.

Healing childhood trauma through child counselling is crucial for improving mental, emotional, and physical health outcomes. It can lead to improved relationships, reduce the risk of developing mental health disorders, and improve overall well-being. Seeking professional help from a qualified therapist or mental health provider can be a valuable step in the healing process. It is never too late to begin the journey of healing childhood trauma and improving the quality of one's life.