Childhood and Teen Grief, Anxiety and Trauma
Integrating, processing and healing through play,
art and rhythm therapy
When we support children and teens in moving towards big feelings, dysregulation and uncomfortable sensations, we are walking alongside them as they build resiliency, an inner connection and a sense of safety to be authentically who they are.
Are you concerned about your child showing signs of trauma? Do you worry they might not be coping?
Childhood trauma, including medical trauma, loss of a parent and anxiety can have a profound impact on a child's emotional and psychological development. In the book What Happened to You? by Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey, they emphasize how early experiences, particularly those of stress and trauma, shape the brain and impact how children feel, interact and respond to their families, surroundings and self. For children experiencing trauma, such as teasing or bullying at school, being yelled at, feeling unsafe after an accident, a serious illness or frequent medical procedures, their sense of safety and stability is often disrupted. This can lead to anxiety, grief, and confusion, which children may not have the tools or language to fully process, integrate or understand. Children can shut down and withdraw inwardly when they feel overwhelmed by grief or fear, or they may act out—displaying behaviours like aggression, defiance, or withdrawal as a means to express and try to process what they can’t say with words. Their behaviour can be misinterpreted as agression or defiance by adults, but they are signs of emotional distress. Trauma impacts a child’s nervous system, making them more reactive. Often they can struggle with regulating their emotions. For example, a child who has gone through repeated medical procedures may develop heightened sensitivity and anxiety feeling unsafe. This can impact them physically through challenges with sleep and racing hearts or lack of appetite . Over time, these emotional wounds can build up, making it harder for them to trust, feel safe, or process their grief and other big feelings.
How can Therapy Help?
Children and teens express their feelings through play and behaviour, especially when they lack the language to articulate what they are going through.
As a counsellor, I support children, teens and their families build resilience to navigate this complex emotional landscape by offering a safe space for them to express, process, and heal. By understanding how trauma affects a child’s development and how they communicate their pain, I can guide families in supporting their children through the difficult journey of healing, build resilience, and connect to a sense of safety.
I am so grateful to be taking more coursework and training through Lisa Dion's Synergetic Play Therapy module to continue to build my skills. For more information and resources I have linked her website.
