Overcoming Childhood Trauma
What do We Mean by Bhildhood Trauma?
Academics and practitioners often disagree over definitions of childhood trauma, and about how common it is. Nevertheless there is general agreement that childhood trauma is caused by abuse that falls into three categories. These are: emotional abuse; physical abuse; and sexual abuse. Although sexual abuse has traditionally been considered the most damaging, recent research shows that all three types of abuse can have serious consequences and result in difficulties for the subject which may continue into, or arise in, adulthood.
What Constitutes Abuse?
There is no typical picture of abuse. Both boys and girls are at risk; the victim can be of any age; and the abuser is equally likely to be male or female.
- Abuse may involve physical contact (beating, shaking, masturbation, sexual penetration) or no contact (starvation, humiliation, being photographed for pornographic purposes).
- The abuser may be close to the child (a relative or a family friend) or a complete stranger.
- Abuse might be limited to one episode or it might take place many times over an extended period.
There are many motives for abuse. These include:
- Sexual gratification
- The search for control and power
- Curiosity
Some types of abuse might be innocent, or at least unintentional. Childhood typically involves lots of touching – tickling and teasing, for example – as the child explores its surroundings and its relationships with those around it, both family and friends; the overwhelming majority of this is both innocent and safe. We need to be careful not to become paranoid about our interactions with our children. On the other hand there are grey areas where it's not clear if the interaction is innocent or exploitative, and sometimes this doubt can undermine the young person and lead to trauma.
About the Author
Helen Kennerley is a clinical psychologist and cognitive therapist. As a consultant, she leads a specialist clinic in cognitive therapy, part of the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre. The recovery plan on which Overcoming Childhood Trauma is based has been developed and refined over several years in Helen's clinics.
Overcoming Childhood Trauma is a self-help guide, using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques and based upon research, clinical work and patient feedback. Its approach is very much "step by step", allowing you to build gradually upon solid progress.
The Overcoming Childhood Trauma self-help guide is in three parts.
Part One will give you the background information you need to understand more about childhood trauma, and to equip you for recovery. Sections include:
- What problems are linked with childhood trauma?
- Putting your difficulties into context
- How CBT techniques can help
Part Two will help you prepare for change, learning how to manage your moods and day-to-day stresses, how to build your own self-esteem, and how to look after yourself. It also includes a set of coping strategies in case of setbacks. Sections include:
- Deciding what you want
- Managing problem memories
- Getting a balanced perspective
Part Three examines such issues as dealing with self-blame and feelings of guilt, managing anger, and sorting out relationship problems and the sexual difficulties that might arise. Sections include:
- Understanding blame
- Confrontation, communication and opening up to others
- Looking after yourself from now on