Childhood Abuse & Neglect
Trauma-informed care for survivors of childhood abuse and neglect
Understanding the Impact of Childhood Abuse
If you experienced abuse or neglect as a child, you might feel like something fundamental is "broken" inside you. Maybe you struggle to trust people, even those who care about you. Perhaps you find yourself in relationships that repeat painful patterns, or you feel intense shame that you can't quite explain. You might have learned to disconnect from your emotions to survive, and now feel numb or lost. Or maybe you're hypervigilant, always scanning for danger, unable to relax even when you're safe.
Childhood abuse—whether physical, emotional, sexual, or neglect—doesn't just create traumatic memories. It affects your developing brain and shapes how you see yourself, others, and the world. It's called complex trauma or developmental trauma, and it can impact every area of your adult life. But here's the truth: You are not broken. You adapted brilliantly to survive an impossible situation. And with trauma-informed therapy, you can heal, build healthy relationships, and reclaim the life you deserve.
You might be experiencing:
This is a safe space. Whatever you experienced as a child was not your fault. You deserved to be protected, and you deserve healing now. If you're in crisis: 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or text "HELLO" to 741741.
Our Medication Approach
Medication can help manage symptoms that result from childhood trauma—depression, anxiety, PTSD, emotional dysregulation, and sleep problems. While medication doesn't heal the trauma itself, it can stabilize your symptoms enough to engage in the deep therapeutic work needed for healing. Our approach is trauma-informed and focused on your specific needs.
Antidepressants (SSRIs/SNRIs)
Often the first-line treatment for depression, anxiety, and PTSD symptoms that commonly result from childhood trauma.
- Help regulate mood, reduce intrusive thoughts, improve sleep
- Common choices: Sertraline (Zoloft), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Venlafaxine (Effexor)
- Take 4-6 weeks to reach full effectiveness
Mood Stabilizers
Can help with emotional dysregulation and mood swings that often result from complex trauma.
- Help stabilize intense emotional reactions
- Particularly helpful if you experience extreme emotional shifts
Prazosin for Nightmares
If you experience trauma-related nightmares that disrupt sleep, prazosin can be highly effective.
Atypical Antipsychotics (Low Dose)
Sometimes used for severe emotional dysregulation, dissociation, or when other medications haven't been sufficient.
- Used cautiously and at lowest effective doses
- Regular monitoring for side effects
Cautious Approach to Benzodiazepines
Survivors of childhood trauma are at higher risk for substance dependency. We avoid benzodiazepines when possible.
- Only for short-term crisis use if absolutely necessary
- Prefer non-addictive alternatives for anxiety management
Our Prescribing Philosophy
- Trauma-informed approach: we understand medications affect trauma survivors differently
- Target specific symptoms while supporting your therapy work
- Start with low doses and adjust slowly—you stay in control
- Careful screening for substance use history and extra support if needed
- Medication is part of a comprehensive treatment plan, not a standalone solution
Therapy & Lifestyle Changes
Healing from childhood trauma is a journey that requires specialized, trauma-informed therapy. You'll work with a therapist who understands that your behaviors made sense given what you experienced, and who will help you rebuild a sense of safety, develop healthy relationships, and create the life you want. This isn't quick, but it is absolutely possible.
Therapy Approaches We Recommend
Trauma-Focused Therapy (Phase-Based Approach)
Complex trauma requires a three-phase approach: 1) Building safety and stabilization, 2) Processing traumatic memories, 3) Reconnection and integration. Rushing to trauma processing before you're ready can be retraumatizing.
- Phase 1: Learn emotional regulation, grounding, and safety skills
- Phase 2: Gradually process traumatic memories at your pace
- Phase 3: Build healthy relationships and reconnect with life
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)
Highly effective for processing childhood trauma memories. Uses bilateral stimulation to help your brain reprocess traumatic experiences. You don't have to describe everything in detail, which can feel safer.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
Particularly powerful for complex childhood trauma. Helps you work with different "parts" of yourself that developed to cope with abuse—the part that protects you by pushing people away, the part that holds pain, the part that learned to people-please. IFS helps these parts heal and work together.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
Teaches practical skills for emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness. Especially helpful if you struggle with intense emotions, self-harm, or relationship instability.
Schema Therapy
Identifies and changes deeply ingrained patterns (schemas) formed in childhood, like "I'm unlovable" or "People will abandon me." Helps you develop a healthier "inner voice" to replace the critical one you internalized.
Somatic/Body-Based Therapies
Childhood trauma gets stored in the body. Somatic approaches like Somatic Experiencing or Sensorimotor Psychotherapy help you reconnect with your body safely and release trauma held physically.
Attachment-Focused Therapy
Childhood abuse disrupts attachment. This therapy helps you understand your attachment patterns and develop secure, healthy ways of relating to others.
Lifestyle Changes That Make a Real Difference
Create Physical and Emotional Safety (Foundation)
You can't heal if you're still in danger. Prioritizing safety is the first step.
- Remove yourself from abusive situations if possible—we can help with resources
- Set boundaries with people who are unsafe or harmful
- Make your living space feel safe and comfortable
Learn Emotional Regulation Skills
If you weren't taught how to manage emotions as a child, these are skills you can learn now.
- Grounding techniques when overwhelmed
- Deep breathing and mindfulness practices
- Learn to name and identify your emotions
Build Safe Relationships
Healing happens in connection. Start slowly with people who have earned your trust.
- Support groups for survivors of childhood trauma
- Choose people who respect boundaries and are consistent
- It's okay to go slow—trust is rebuilt gradually
Reconnect With Your Body
Abuse often causes disconnection from your body. Gentle reconnection is healing.
- Trauma-informed yoga or gentle movement
- Listen to your body's signals—rest when tired, eat when hungry
- Practice self-care that feels nurturing, not shameful
Address Substance Use
Many survivors use substances to cope with pain. This is understandable, but it blocks healing. We offer compassionate support for substance issues alongside trauma therapy.
Develop Self-Compassion
Replace the critical voice you internalized with kindness toward yourself.
- You did nothing wrong—the abuse was not your fault
- Your survival strategies were brilliant—now you're learning new ones
- Healing isn't linear—be patient with yourself
Structure and Routine
If your childhood was chaotic, creating predictable routines now provides a sense of stability and safety. Start small—consistent sleep schedule, regular meals, simple daily rituals.
You Deserve Healing
What happened to you as a child was not your fault, and you don't have to carry that pain forever. Healing from childhood trauma is possible, and you don't have to do it alone. Our team specializes in trauma-informed care and understands the unique challenges you face. We're here to walk alongside you with compassion, expertise, and hope. You are not broken—you are worthy of healing and the life you want.