The child who is not embraced by the village will burn it down to feel its warmth.” – African Proverb
Have you ever wondered why you react strongly to certain things? Or why, even after doing so well in life, something still feels missing?
Many women carry painful experiences from their childhood. These experiences may be buried deep inside, but they still affect how we think, feel, and behave as adults. Childhood trauma therapy helps bring those old wounds to light, so you can heal and feel better.
In this blog, we will talk about how childhood trauma affects adult life and how therapy can help you heal, grow, and feel more in control.
What Is Childhood Trauma?
Childhood trauma means any scary, hurtful, or upsetting experience that happened during childhood. It could be:
- Being shouted at or ignored often
- Seeing or hearing fights or violence
- Losing a parent or being left alone a lot
- Being bullied at school
- Experiencing physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Sometimes, it’s not about what happened, but what didn’t. Maybe you didn’t feel loved, safe, or supported. These things stay with us even after we grow up.A report by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network says over 78% of children face more than one traumatic experience before the age of 5.
How Trauma Affects Adults
Many people don’t realize that their childhood is still affecting them today. But the effects of trauma can show up in adult life in many ways, such as:
1. Anxiety and Worry
You might always feel on edge or worried. You might find it hard to relax or enjoy the moment.
2. Perfectionism and Pressure
You may always feel like you need to be perfect. Nothing you do ever feels “good enough.”
3. Trouble in Relationships
You might find it hard to trust others or feel close to people. You may fear being rejected or left behind.
4. Low Self-Worth
Even if you’re successful, you may feel like you’re not worthy or that something is wrong with you.
5. Shame or Guilt
You may blame yourself for things that happened in the past, even when it wasn’t your fault.
Research shows that adults who faced trauma in childhood are nearly three times more likely to face mental health problems like depression or addiction later in life.
Why Trauma Can Stay Hidden
Many women don’t realize their childhood experiences were traumatic. You might say:
- I had food and clothes, so I was fine.
- Other people had it worse.
- It’s all in the past now.
But trauma isn’t just about big, dramatic events. It’s also about how your brain and body felt at the time—and what you had to do to survive emotionally.
Some people become high achievers because they felt they had to prove themselves or stay in control. On the outside, everything looks great. But inside, they may feel tired, anxious, or empty.
How Childhood Trauma Therapy Helps
Childhood trauma therapy helps you understand how your past is linked to your present feelings and actions. It creates a safe space where you can talk about what happened, learn new ways to cope, and start to heal.
Here’s how therapy can support you:
1. Understanding Yourself Better
Therapy helps you see how past events shaped your beliefs, habits, and emotions.
2. Learning New Coping Skills
Instead of hiding your feelings or trying to be perfect, therapy gives you tools to manage stress, anxiety, and triggers.
3. Building Self-Esteem
You learn to be kind to yourself and break the pattern of harsh self-talk.
4. Feeling Safe Again
Many trauma survivors feel unsafe in their own bodies. Therapy helps you feel more calm, grounded, and in control.
At Lynsey Retzlaff Therapy, we work with women just like you—women who are strong, successful, but still feel stuck. Our work together helps bring peace, confidence, and healing.
What Happens During Trauma Therapy?
Therapy is different for everyone, but these are some tools that are often used:
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing)
This method helps your brain “file away” painful memories so they stop feeling so upsetting.
Somatic Therapy
This type of therapy focuses on body awareness. Many trauma reactions live in your body, and this helps release that tension.
Inner Child Work
You reconnect with the younger version of yourself—the one who was scared or hurt. You learn how to comfort and care for her now.
CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy)
CBT helps you notice negative thoughts and change them into healthier ones.
Why Women Wait to Get Help
It’s common for women to put others first and ignore their own needs. You might be thinking:
- It’s not a big deal.
- I should be over this by now.
- I don’t have time for therapy.
But ignoring trauma won’t make it go away. It can keep showing up in your thoughts, your body, your relationships, and even your work. Getting help is not a sign of weakness—it’s a brave step toward a better life.
Signs You May Need Therapy
Here are a few signs that childhood trauma therapy could help you:
- You often feel anxious or overwhelmed
- You are always trying to be perfect
- You have a hard time trusting others
- You feel shame or guilt often
- You struggle to enjoy your success or feel happy
If any of these sound like you, it might be time to reach out.
How Lynsey Retzlaff Supports Your Journey
We offer therapy for women aged 18 and above. Whether you live in Waukesha County or anywhere else in Wisconsin, you can join our virtual sessions from the comfort of your home.
We understand how trauma affects smart, driven women. And we know how to guide you through healing with care, patience, and understanding.
Our goal is to help you:
- Understand yourself deeply
- Let go of shame and guilt
- Build confidence and inner peace
- Feel emotionally free
You are not broken. You are healing.
You Deserve to Heal
You may have survived a difficult childhood, but survival is not the same as healing. You don’t have to carry the weight forever. It’s okay to ask for help. And it’s okay to start now.
You deserve peace. You deserve joy. You deserve to feel like yourself again.
Start Your Healing Journey Today
You’ve done everything to succeed in life—now let’s help you feel good from the inside too. Book your free therapy consultation with Lynsey Retzlaff today and take your first step toward healing. You don’t have to do this alone.
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