Why Childhood Trauma Effects Self-Worth

Child abuse is any physical, emotional, psychological, sexual maltreatment and/or neglect of a child. Parents/caregivers are responsible for creating a safe and loving environment for a child to grow and develop their personality. If this environment becomes threatening or scary, the child must focus on surviving and avoiding danger rather than developing a sense of self. As a result, many survivors of childhood trauma and abuse struggle with low self-esteem and lack a sense of identity.

How Trauma Informed Therapy Can Help You Build Self-Worth

Participating in trauma informed therapy can increase your self-worth and help you heal from childhood abuse. A trauma informed therapist uses a variety of approaches and techniques to help each person process and heal from their trauma. Below are some therapeutic techniques that help build self-worth:

-Develop sense of self:  Many survivors of childhood abuse report self-confusion and a lack of identity. Psychotherapy will help you explore your interests and teach you to recognize the difference between doing for yourself vs. doing for others’ approval.

-Strengthen healthy thinking: Many survivors have distorted thoughts about childhood abuse. For example, a survivor may blame themself for the abuse instead of the perpetrator. Psychotherapy teaches you to recognize distorted thoughts and reframe those thoughts into healthier ways of understanding the abuse.

-Psycho-education: Low self-worth is largely caused by a lack of understanding of childhood abuse. Many survivors feel irrational guilt about the abuse or tend to minimize it. Psycho-education can increase awareness and understanding of the trauma and it’s impact.

-Learn self-acceptance: Through psychotherapy, the therapist demonstrates unconditional positive regard towards the client. This creates a safe space for you to practice self acceptance.

Getting Started with a Trauma Informed Therapist

I specialize in working with trauma survivors. I use techniques from EMDR therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Attachment Theory to help individuals challenge their negative beliefs and develop healthier thought processes. Contact me to learn more about how trauma therapy can help you.

Online Locations: Nashville, Tennessee – Brentwood, Tennessee – Atlanta, Georgia – Sandy Springs, Georgia – Greater Tennessee and Georgia Area