Childhood trauma doesn’t just fade with time. Whether it stems from abuse, neglect, household dysfunction, or other adverse experiences, unresolved trauma can affect your mental health, relationships, and overall well-being well into adulthood.
The good news? Effective trauma therapy can help you process these experiences, develop healthier coping strategies, and reclaim your sense of safety and control. As a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma treatment in Montclair, NJ, I’ve seen firsthand how the right therapeutic approach can transform lives.
In this article, I’ll explain effective therapies for childhood trauma and help you understand which approach might be right for you.
Key Takeaways: Effective Childhood Trauma Therapies
Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) helps reprocess traumatic memories while addressing attachment wounds
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) addresses anxiety and depression stemming from trauma
Somatic therapy addresses trauma stored in the body
Internal Family Systems (IFS) helps understand and heal different parts of yourself affected by trauma
Understanding Childhood Trauma and Its Impact
Childhood trauma can result from a range of adverse experiences, including:
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Neglect or abandonment
Household dysfunction (domestic violence, substance abuse, mental illness)
Bullying or peer victimization
Loss of a parent or caregiver
Witnessing violence or traumatic events
These experiences can disrupt normal development and affect how you form relationships, regulate emotions, and perceive yourself and the world around you. Common long-term effects include:
Chronic anxiety or depression
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Difficulty trusting others or forming secure attachments
Low self-esteem and negative self-image
Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on edge
Physical symptoms like chronic pain, digestive issues, or tension
1. Attachment-Focused EMDR (AF-EMDR) for Childhood Trauma
Attachment-Focused Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (AF-EMDR) is a specialized form of EMDR therapy specifically designed to address childhood trauma and attachment wounds.
How AF-EMDR Works
AF-EMDR helps your brain reprocess traumatic memories that have become ‘stuck,’ while also addressing the attachment disruptions that often occur with childhood trauma. During AF-EMDR sessions, you focus on a traumatic memory while engaging in bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements, but sometimes tapping or auditory tones). This process helps your brain integrate the traumatic experience in a healthier way, reducing its emotional charge.
What makes AF-EMDR particularly effective for childhood trauma is its focus on attachment. Many childhood traumas involve disruptions in the relationship with caregivers—the very people who should have provided safety and security. AF-EMDR addresses both the traumatic events and the attachment wounds that resulted.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, AF-EMDR doesn’t require you to describe your trauma in detail or relive it extensively. This makes it particularly effective for people who have difficulty talking about their experiences.
Why AF-EMDR Works for Childhood Trauma
Targets attachment wounds: AF-EMDR specifically addresses the relational injuries that occur during childhood trauma
Addresses the root cause: AF-EMDR targets the traumatic memories themselves, not just the symptoms
Faster results: Many clients experience significant improvement in fewer sessions than traditional talk therapy
Less re-traumatization: You don’t have to repeatedly describe painful details
Repair work: Helps develop earned secure attachment even when early attachment was disrupted
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is highly effective for addressing the anxiety and depression that often result from childhood trauma.
How CBT Addresses Trauma
CBT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns that developed as a result of trauma. For example, if childhood abuse led you to believe ‘I’m worthless’ or ‘I can’t trust anyone,’ CBT helps you challenge and replace these beliefs with more balanced, realistic thoughts.
Through CBT, you’ll learn:
How your thoughts influence your emotions and behaviors
Practical coping strategies for managing anxiety and depression
How to gradually face situations you’ve been avoiding due to trauma
Techniques for regulating difficult emotions
3. Somatic Therapy: Healing Trauma Stored in the Body
Somatic therapy recognizes that trauma isn’t just stored in our minds—it’s also held in our bodies. If you experience chronic tension, pain, digestive issues, or feel disconnected from your body, somatic approaches can be particularly helpful.
How Somatic Therapy Addresses Childhood Trauma
Somatic therapy uses body-centered techniques to help you:
Become aware of physical sensations related to trauma
Release trauma held in the nervous system
Develop a healthier relationship with your body
Regulate your nervous system and reduce hypervigilance
4. Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Internal Family Systems (IFS) is an approach that views the mind as containing different ‘parts,’ each with its own perspective and role. Childhood trauma often creates protective parts that try to keep you safe but may cause problems in adulthood.
How IFS Helps with Childhood Trauma
IFS helps you:
Understand different parts of yourself (the wounded child part, the protective critic, etc.)
Develop compassion for all parts of yourself
Heal the parts that carry trauma from childhood
Access your core ‘Self’ that can lead the healing process
How to Choose the Right Therapy for Your Childhood Trauma
The most effective therapy for childhood trauma depends on several factors:
Your specific symptoms: If you have clear PTSD symptoms, AF-EMDR may be most effective. If anxiety and depression are primary concerns, CBT might be the better starting point
Your comfort level: Some people prefer talk-based approaches, while others find body-centered or experiential methods more helpful
Physical symptoms: If trauma manifests primarily in your body, somatic therapy may be essential
Attachment concerns: If you struggle with relationships and trust, AF-EMDR’s focus on attachment repair can be particularly helpful
Many therapists, including myself, integrate multiple approaches based on your unique needs. You don’t have to choose just one—we can combine techniques to create the most effective treatment plan for you.
Getting Help for Childhood Trauma in Montclair, NJ
If you’re ready to address childhood trauma and its impact on your life, I’m here to help. As a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma therapy, I work with adults who are ready to heal from their past and build a healthier future.
In my practice, I use a personalized approach that may include Attachment-Focused EMDR, somatic therapy, IFS, and CBT tailored to your specific needs and goals. I create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can process your experiences at your own pace.
My approach is:
Trauma-informed and client-centered
LGBTQ+ affirming
Culturally responsive
Grounded in compassion and respect for your unique healing journey
I offer both in-person sessions in Montclair, NJ, and secure online therapy for clients throughout New Jersey and New York.
Ready to take the first step toward healing? Contact me today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how trauma therapy can help you move forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Childhood Trauma Therapy
What are the most common causes of childhood trauma?
Childhood trauma commonly results from physical, emotional, or sexual abuse; neglect; household dysfunction (including domestic violence, substance abuse, or parental mental illness); bullying; loss of a caregiver; or witnessing violence. Any experience that overwhelms a child’s ability to cope can be traumatic.
How does childhood trauma affect you as an adult?
Childhood trauma can affect adult life in numerous ways, including difficulty forming and maintaining relationships, chronic anxiety or depression, low self-esteem, hypervigilance, difficulty regulating emotions, trust issues, and physical health problems. You may also find yourself avoiding situations that remind you of the trauma or feeling emotionally numb.
How long does childhood trauma therapy take?
The length of therapy varies significantly based on the severity of trauma, your current symptoms, and the therapeutic approach used. Some people experience meaningful improvement within 3-6 months, while others benefit from longer-term therapy. AF-EMDR therapy, for example, often produces results more quickly than traditional talk therapy. We’ll work together to create a treatment plan that fits your needs and goals.
Do I need therapy if my childhood trauma happened a long time ago?
Yes. The passage of time alone doesn’t heal trauma. If your childhood experiences continue to affect your mental health, relationships, or quality of life, therapy can help you process these experiences and reduce their ongoing impact. It’s never too late to heal.
Will I have to describe my trauma in detail during therapy?
Not necessarily. While some therapeutic approaches involve discussing your trauma, methods like AF-EMDR allow you to process traumatic memories without describing them in extensive detail. We’ll work at a pace that feels safe and manageable for you, and you’re always in control of how much you share.
Can therapy really help with childhood trauma, or will I always feel this way?
Absolutely, therapy can help. While you can’t change what happened in your past, trauma therapies can significantly reduce symptoms, improve your quality of life, and help you develop healthier coping strategies. Many of my clients report feeling more at peace, having better relationships, and experiencing a greater sense of control over their lives after trauma therapy.
How do I know if I’m ready for trauma therapy?
If childhood trauma is affecting your current life—your relationships, mental health, ability to function, or sense of well-being—you’re ready. You don’t need to wait until you’re in crisis. The fact that you’re asking this question suggests you’re already considering making a positive change. A consultation can help you determine if now is the right time and which approach might work best for you.
Ready to Start Healing from Childhood Trauma?
Dr. Kelly Zanetich is a licensed psychologist in Montclair, NJ, specializing in trauma therapy using Attachment-Focused EMDR, somatic therapy, IFS, and CBT.
📍 In-person therapy in Montclair, NJ
Schedule your consultation: www.kellyzanetichphd.com/contact