When a child goes through something traumatic—a medical emergency, accident, natural disaster, abuse, violence, loss, separation or another frightening experience—it can shake their sense of safety in the world.
As a parent, it’s natural to want to make everything better. But trauma doesn’t heal with a hug, a Band-Aid, or time alone. And that’s where therapy can make a difference.
What Trauma Can Look Like in Children
Not all trauma looks like crying or talking about the event. In fact, many kids struggle in silence or show changes in unexpected ways:
Regression (bedwetting, clinginess, tantrums)
Reenacting the trauma through play
Nightmares or sleep disruptions
Mood swings or emotional outbursts
Withdrawal or shutting down
Self blame
Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches
Hypervigilance or intense fear of reminders
These are the brain and body’s way of trying to process something overwhelming. Therapy can gently help children understand what happened, regain a sense of safety, and learn new ways to cope.
At Thrive Kirkland, our therapists are trained to work with children and we use developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed approaches like:
Play therapy: for younger children to express feelings they may not have words for, which might include art, games, books, sandtray, puppets, music
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): to address anxious or unhelpful thoughts
Trauma-focused CBT (TF-CBT): an evidence-based approach to help children develop coping skills, process and share trauma, and build resilience
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing): to help children process trauma using bilateral stimulation (eye movement, taps, sounds), which allows the brain to reprocess the memories more effectively and in a less overwhelming way
Parent-child sessions: to strengthen attachment and communication after trauma
Therapy isn’t about making a child talk about the event before they’re ready. It’s about creating a safe space where healing can unfold at their pace.
Your Role as the Parent
Parents/Caregivers are children's most important support. Therapy is most effective when parents:
Validate feelings without pushing for details
Create consistent routines and safe boundaries
Are open to participating in sessions when invited
Get support for their own emotional process (yes, your healing matters too)
Therapy is not a sign you’ve failed—it’s a sign you’re showing up with love, courage, and care.
Healing Takes Time, But It’s Possible
There is no single timeline for healing from trauma. Some children are able to open up quickly; others need more time to trust again. That’s okay.
What matters most is that they have a safe space to:
Be seen and heard
Learn skills to manage big emotions
Rebuild a sense of safety and confidence
Therapy provides that space—and we’re honored to walk alongside families through this delicate journey.
We're Here When You're Ready
If your child has experienced something traumatic and you’re unsure what to do next, you’re not alone. We offer a warm, supportive approach to trauma therapy for children, teens, and their families.
Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation or simply ask questions—we’re here to help, no pressure, no judgment.
Healing is possible. Let’s take the first step together.