If you answered yes to any of these questions, your child or teen may be suffering from post-traumatic stress.
Anxiety and stress are emotions that we all experience from time to time to varying degrees of intensity. Just like joy, disappointment and frustration, anxiety and stress are feelings that are usually in response to an identifiable stressor or experience.
It is when anxiety and stress that are in response to a traumatic event become very intense and remain at that intense level for a significant amount of time that it can affect your everyday functioning. If your child or teen experiences post-traumatic stress and it is impacting their functioning at home, school or in relationships, we are here to help.
Post-traumatic stress can affect anyone. You have an opportunity to help your child or teen take back their life and feel better. We are here to help them take back control.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is diagnosed in about 5% of adolescents between the ages of 13-18 in the United States. Our highly skilled clinical psychologists can help your child or teen regain power over their life and achieve their goals. Through supportive, insight-oriented psychotherapy coupled with cognitive-behavioral techniques and mindfulness-based strategies, we can guide them through this learning and healing process. Several of our psychologists are also trained in EMDR therapy, an evidence-based treatment specifically developed to help individuals recover from traumatic events and integrate those events into their lives so that the events are no longer hurtful but painlessly interwoven into their life narrative.
There is no need for your child or teen to suffer any longer. They are not alone. We are here to help them on this path toward relief and emotional health.
What are common signs of PTSD in children and teens?
Children and teens with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, irritability, and avoidance of places or people that remind them of the trauma. They may also have trouble sleeping or concentrating and become overly vigilant or anxious.
How does therapy help children and teens recover from PTSD?
Therapy helps children and teens process traumatic events and reduce PTSD symptoms. Trauma-focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) are effective in helping young people heal from trauma. Additionally, Brainspotting can access deeply stored trauma and facilitate emotional release, while supportive talk therapy provides a safe, nurturing environment for children and teens to express their feelings and receive ongoing emotional support throughout their healing journey.
How can parents support their child’s recovery from PTSD?
Parents play a vital role in their child’s recovery from PTSD. By providing consistent emotional support, validating their child’s feelings, and collaborating with the therapist, parents can help create a sense of safety and stability at home. Family involvement in therapy also helps parents learn strategies to support their child’s healing.
How long does PTSD treatment take for children and teens?
The length of PTSD treatment depends on the severity of the trauma and the child’s response to therapy. Some children may see improvements within several months, while others might need longer-term support to fully recover and manage their symptoms.
