Developmental Trauma

Developmental Trauma

Developmental trauma refers to experiences of chronic stress or adversity during childhood. It can manifest in various forms, including:

• Physical Abuse

  Physical violence or harm inflicted on a child by a caregiver or authority figure.

• Emotional Abuse

  Persistent verbal abuse, threats, or constant criticism that undermines a child's self-esteem and emotional well-being.

• Neglect

  Failure of caregivers to provide basic physical or emotional needs, such as food, shelter, emotional nurturance, or supervision.

• Sexual Abuse

  Inappropriate sexual behavior or contact imposed on a child by an adult or older individual.

• Abandonment

  Physical or emotional abandonment by caregivers, leaving the child feeling unloved, unworthy, or insecure.

• Humiliation or Rejection

  Consistent experiences of shame, humiliation, or rejection by caregivers or peers, which can deeply impact self-esteem and social development.

• Inconsistent Parenting

  This can range from erratic emotional responses to changing rules and expectations to showing and withdrawing attention and affection without clear reasons. Caregivers’ unpredictability may lead to confusion and difficulty forming secure attachments.

• Witnessing Violence

  Exposure to domestic violence, community violence, or traumatic events that threaten the child's sense of safety and security.

• Grief & Loss

  The death of a loved one or another significant loss can lead to deep emotional upheaval, disturb a child’s sense of stability and security and interfere with their developmental milestones.

• War & Forms of Violence

  Exposure to conflict or violence severely impact a child’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being, compromising their sense of safety and security.

• Intergenerational trauma

  Trauma can be passed down through generations when historical injustices, discrimination, cultural displacement or family struggles with mental health or substance use affect, leading children to inherit their caregivers’ emotional pain and stress.