Trauma

Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants

Psychologists | Speech Language Pathologists | Occupational Therapists | Exercise Physiologists | Therapy Assistants |

Understanding trauma in children and young people

Trauma occurs when an experience — or series of experiences — overwhelms a person's ability to cope and leaves a lasting impact on how they feel, think, and relate to the world. Children can experience trauma in many forms: accidents or injuries, witnessing or experiencing violence, loss of a loved one, medical events, abuse or neglect, natural disasters, or exposure to significant family stress.

What matters is not just what happened, but how it affected the child. Not all children who experience difficult events develop lasting trauma — and many do find their way through with the support of caring adults around them. But for some children, the impact can be significant and persistent, and professional support can make a real difference.

At Spectrum Therapy Australia, we offer trauma-sensitive, child-focused support that prioritises safety, connection, and the child's sense of agency throughout the process.
















What might trauma look like in children?

  • Regression to earlier behaviours — bedwetting, separation anxiety, thumb-sucking
  • Re-enacting the traumatic event in play
  • Nightmares, sleep difficulties, or fear of going to sleep
  • Increased clinginess, irritability, or startle responses












In younger children

In older children and teens

  • Intrusive memories, flashbacks, or unwanted thoughts about the event
  • Avoidance of reminders — people, places, activities, or conversations related to the event
  • Emotional numbing, detachment, or feeling 'not real'
  • Heightened alertness, anxiety, or difficulty feeling safe
  • Changes in behaviour, school performance, or relationships
  • Risk-taking behaviour or self-harm in teens












How can psychology help?

Our psychologists use evidence-informed, trauma-sensitive approaches to support children and young people.

Support may include:

  • Creating a safe therapeutic relationship — the foundation for all trauma work
  • Psychoeducation — helping children and families understand trauma responses
  • Building a toolkit of coping and grounding skills
  • Trauma-focused therapy approaches appropriate to the child's age and profile
  • Supporting the processing of traumatic memories in a safe, gradual way
  • Parent guidance on understanding trauma responses and supporting recovery at home
  • Coordination with schools and other services where relevant












Avoiding trauma doesn't make it go away — it often maintains the fear and distress associated with it. Evidence-based trauma therapy, conducted safely and at the right pace, can help children process difficult experiences and regain a sense of safety and control.

"They were so young,  they won't remember it."

FACT

"Talking about it will make it worse."

Early childhood trauma can have a lasting impact even when children have no conscious memory of the event. The body and nervous system hold trauma responses that can affect development, behaviour, and emotional wellbeing, regardless of whether the child has explicit memories.

FACT

Myth

Myths and facts about trauma

Myth

If your child is showing signs of significant distress, avoidance, or behaviour changes following a difficult event — and these are not improving over time, it's worth speaking to a psychologist. An assessment can help determine what's going on and what kind of support would be most helpful.

How do I know if my child needs trauma therapy?

Will my child have to talk about what happened?

Not necessarily, and not before they're ready. Trauma-informed approaches begin with building safety and coping skills, and move at the child's pace. For young children especially, much of the work happens through play and creative modalities rather than direct discussion.

Frequently asked questions

I'm caring for a child in the child protection system, do you have experience with complex trauma?

Yes, we work with children and young people from a range of care backgrounds, including foster care, kinship care, and out-of-home placements. We understand that children who have experienced early adversity, neglect, or abuse often present with attachment difficulties that require a trauma-informed, neuroaffirming approach. We'll work closely with you and any relevant support networks to make sure our work fits within the broader care plan.

Ready to get started? Book an assessment or give us a call. we're happy to chat about what support might look like for your child.

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