TRAUMA-INFORMED THERAPY GOALS:

Increase the child's understanding of the trauma and help them process their feelings related to it.

Develop coping skills for managing difficult emotions such as sadness, anger, anxiety, and confusion.

Improve communication skills by teaching the child how to express their emotions in a healthy and appropriate way, both verbally and non-verbally.

Encourage self-esteem, positive self-talk, and mindfulness activities to promote healthy emotional regulation.

Help the child establish healthy boundaries associated with their individual feelings while recognizing the importance of respecting others' perspectives.

Foster tust and improve communication between the child and parents, creating a safe space for discussing concerns, needs, and feelings.

Encourage healthy interactions with both parents and promote positive relationship-building with new partners involved in each parent's life.

Assist in maintaining healthy routines and activities to manage stress levels in the child's life.

Encourage play interventions that teach problem-solving strategies, positive social interactions, and relaxation techniques that can be used outside of therapy.

Support emotionally stable transitions during visits if co-parenting is involved with both parents in a loving and motivating way.

Supporting Your Child Through Trauma: A Parent's Guide

At Picasso's Garage, we understand the profound impact trauma can have on children's behavior and their ability to form healthy attachments with caregivers. As a parent, it is crucial to recognize and address these challenges in order to support your child's growth and well-being through a trauma-informed lens.

Parenting traumatized children can be overwhelming, and the inconsistency in discipline, emotions, and reactions can exacerbate the situation. We encourage you to gain insight into your child's specific needs and collaborate with them on building essential skills together.

To better understand your child's experience, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with common behaviors associated with trauma. These may include difficulty with attachment, aggression, anxiety, withdrawal from social activities, and challenges with concentration. Recognizing these behaviors can help you respond effectively and provide the necessary support.

It is important to acknowledge that parenting traumatized children can leave you feeling extremely angry, frustrated, and isolated. Take the time to assess your own reactions and seek the support you need during this journey. Remember, you are not alone in this.

Evaluating your child's problem-solving skills is an important step in supporting their development. Observe your child in different situations to identify their struggles and pinpoint specific areas that require improvement. Once these areas have been identified, you can work collaboratively to build those skills. For example, if your child struggles with effective communication, practicing active listening and modeling respectful communication can be beneficial.

Dr. Greene's three-step approach for building problem-solving skills - empathy, collaboration, and seeking attachment - can be instrumental in fostering growth. By understanding your child's perspective, collaborating to find mutually beneficial solutions, and nurturing your relationship with them, you can create a supportive environment for their personal development.

Remember to prioritize self-care as you navigate the challenges of parenting a traumatized child. Surround yourself with supportive people, such as therapists or support groups, who can provide guidance and validation. Educating yourself about how trauma affects children equips you with the knowledge to understand their behavior and implement effective coping strategies. Don't forget to include relaxation techniques, boundary-setting for self-care, and engaging in activities that promote your overall well-being.

By approaching parenting through a trauma-informed lens, you can provide the support and understanding your child needs to heal and thrive. Together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment for their journey towards resilience and well-being.