Trauma Essay

2221 Words5 Pages

Children's brains are still developing and therefore, trauma has a much more extensive influence on their self, the world and their ability to regulate. The results of a traumatic event Children suffering from symptoms of trauma have difficulty coping and therefore, cannot regulate their behaviors and emotions. They may be clingy and fearful of new situations, easily frightened, difficult to console, and/or aggressive and impulsive. They may also have difficulties with sleeping, acquired developmental skills, and functioning and behavior (NCTSN, 2014). Children who have problematic results from trauma such as child abuse, neglect, death of loved ones or other traumatic experiences may receive a variety of diagnoses (APA, 2000). In order to better understand the impact of traumatic experiences, it’s important to learn about the roots of trauma-related problems and the adaptive responses to threats that occur during the traumatic experiences. Trauma can be categorized into two categories: Type 1 or Type II. Type 1 trauma is an unexpected stressor with detailed memories. Type II trauma is long-standing and includes dissociation. We shouldn’t imply that trauma should be dismissed or assumed when considering the results of a traumatic event may run along a continuum for some children (Sweeney, 2001). The most popular response to threat is the fight or flight response. Sometimes when fight or flight isn’t possible, the child will use dissociative fleeing mechanisms. Disassociation is a mental mechanism when one focuses on the inner world and withdraws from the outer world. People use dissociative mental mechanisms all the time such as daydreaming. Children dealing with trauma respond with hyper arousal and disassociation mechanisms. Du... ... middle of paper ... ...puppet, remarking that the puppet is sad. The therapist should ask for the help of the child in comforting the puppet. The puppet will then become a sign of safety for the child throughout therapy. Another way to utilize puppets is to have a puppet present a specific feeling. A therapist may ask for the child’s help in finding ways to solve the puppet’s problems. This way, the feelings are projected on the puppet while the child can still apply them to his or herself. Children suffering from symptoms of trauma have difficulty coping and therefore, cannot regulate their behaviors and emotions. Through play therapy, children are given the opportunity to express themselves. By providing children who have experienced a traumatic event an appropriate environment, the child is also given a chance to process feelings without in a way that is familiar and non-threatening.

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