Many people view children as resilient, regardless of the circumstances. While children are very resilient, and it may seem as if negative situations don’t impact them, this is not the case. All children, especially those with PTSD, handle trauma differently, and it’s important to know how to help them in each situation. Here’s a look at the best way to treat children with PTSD through trauma therapy. Calm Again Counseling in San Francisco can help navigate the process of identifying PTSD and provide trauma counseling.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD, also known as post-traumatic stress disorder, is a serious issue that affects your mental health. It is a psychiatric issue that can occur after you see or experience a traumatic incident. Everyone will experience symptoms at different times. Some people exhibit signs of trauma immediately after the event or months later. 

While most people try their best to avoid memories of the incident or distract themselves from dealing with it, this is dangerous to their health. Both mental and physical health can feel the effects of avoiding PTSD symptoms, and it is important to receive trauma treatment. 

What Are the Signs Of PTSD In Children?

If children seem extra sleepy or more irritable than normal after experiencing trauma or complex trauma, this is their way of dealing with PTSD from childhood trauma. Not every child will show signs right away. In fact, some children feel numb for a while because they are trying to process their feelings regarding the event. 

Children or teenagers who experience a traumatic event can feel emotionally depressed when they recall details or memories. A few other common signs include:

• Nightmares

• Insomnia

• Showing a lack of affection 

• Violent or angry outbursts

• Trouble focusing

• Headaches, stomachs, and/or a lack of appetite

• Lack of interest in their favorite activities or hobbies

While these are just a few common signs of PTSD in children, it’s important to remember that each child is different. Each child will show signs at different times and they will vary in length or severity. 

Best Way to Treat Children With PTSD

Children who have experienced certain forms of trauma can also take a long time to recover. Trauma-based focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) is one of the best ways to help children recover from the lasting effects of trauma. This form of psychoeducation uses both the child and the parent to work through the specific incident and help the child recover. By using clear and concise communication techniques, this type of intervention helps the child unpack their unique feelings regarding the traumatic event. 

TF-CBT is also a good way to help the parent understand what their child is experiencing. Relaxation training and recalling are essential components of this treatment method. In these steps, the parent learns how to help their child relax so they can better communicate. This also helps the child recall their traumatic incident and remove the self-negative feelings they feel may have caused the trauma. Over time, TF-CBT reduces the symptoms of PTSD and helps them regain control of their lives again. 

Calm Again Counseling Can Help

The professionals at Calm Again Counseling in San Francisco specialize in mental health counseling. Call us today to schedule your appointment for PTSD counseling in San Francisco, and let us help you reclaim control of your life. We look forward to hearing from you.