TRAUMA IN CHILDREN A PSYCHOEDUCATION MATERIAL
ORTIZ, REYES, PAGUIRIGAN, PENARANDA, RATON
TRAUMA IN CHILDREN
TRAUMA DEFINITION
Trauma is the unique individual experience of an event or enduring conditions in which the individual's ability to integrate his/her emotional experience is overwhelmed and the individual experiences (either objectively or subjectively) a threat to his/her life, bodily integrity, or that of a caregiver or family (Saakvitne, K. et al, 2000).
TRAUMA IN CHILDREN
1 PERSONAL PHYSICAL ABUSE (pinching, hitting) PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE (belittling, humiliation, shouting) SEXUAL ABUSE (rape, taking naked photos or sexual activities without consent) BULLYING
2 PUBLIC witnessing community violence (gangs) war and conflict terrorism natural disasters
SOURCES OF TRAUMA
TRAUMA IN CHILDREN
BIRTH TO AGE 2 Inability to be soothed
IS YOUR CHILD SUFFERING FROM TRAUMA? are these manifestations persistent?
or comforted Frequent and long tantrums Fear of adults who remind them of the trauma Fear of being separated from parent or caregiver Sleeplessness Withdrawal from previously trusted adults Loss of skills such as use of the toilet and/or
AGE 3 - 5 Aggression towards family and peers Poor skills development Imitating the traumatic event Being terrified most of the time especially of things that remind them of the trauma Unusual clinginess Overly obedient because of fear of punishment Regressive behaviors such as wetting the bed
speech (quit speaking)
lifted from recognizetrauma.org
TRAUMA IN CHILDREN
AGE 6 - 12 Unusually high level of anger/excessive temper Acting out in social situations School problems Difficulty concentrating, understanding instructions
AGE 13 - 18 Aggression towards family and others drug/alcohol use risky behaviors (sexual promiscuity, crime) unhealthy romantic relationships engaging in self-harm
Sexual knowledge
trouble relating to
beyond the child’s age
peers
Overreaction to
alienation
situations
inability to see a future
Re-creation of the
or hopelessness
traumatic event during
avoidance of situations,
play
places that remind of
HOW TO KNOW IF A CHILD IS SUFFERING FROM TRAUMA
trauma poor self esteem
lifted from recognizetrauma.org
WHAT CAN YOU DO?
TRAUMA IN THE LONG RUN criminal activities and delinquent behaviors sexual promiscuity at an early age cognitive difficulties: concentration, retaining information, decision-making suicide attempts and completion development of psychological disorders such as PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)
1. Minimize exposure to media (graphic images, social media) 2. Provide opportunities for communication. Encourage but do not force child to talk about the experience 3. Give constant reassurance and sense of safety to child (hugging) lifted from recognizetrauma.org
TRAUMA IN CHILDREN
WHAT CAN YOU DO? 4. Always acknowledge feelings of the child regarding the experience ("It's okay to feel upset or sad") 5. Teach child how to communicate his/her feelings through new words and expressions 6. Establish new routines to replace old ones that may have been disrupted by the traumatic experience
SEEKING PROFESSIONAL - therapy is highly effective in helping HELP people cope with trauma Common types of therapy for trauma: 1. Somatic experiencing 2. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) 3. Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) 4. Logotherapy
TRAUMA IN CHILDREN
SOMATIC EXPERIENCING
1
EMDR
the focus is on bodily sensations rather than thoughts and memories of the trauma. trauma-related energy is released (crying. shaking, etc)
helps in reducing negative memories and creating positive coping mechanisms through a mix of CBT and right-left eye stimulation
TF-CBT
2
3
LOGOTHERAPY
aids in processing thoughts and feelings about trauma. It helps in forming positive responses to trauma and  achieving post-traumatic growthÂ
finding meaning to through life experiences and existence
BOOK REPORT
4
TRAUMA IN CHILDREN
NEED HELP? COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN (CWC)
DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT (DSWD)
COMMITTEE FOR THE SPECIAL PROTECTION OF CHILDREN
Contact details:
Contact details:
Contact details:
+63 2740 8864
(632) 931-8101
(632) 523 8481