Trauma Treatment for Children

Childhood trauma happens when a child experiences something overwhelming, and they continue to react as if they are not safe, even after the danger has passed. Trauma treatment for children helps them heal in age-appropriate ways. It is typically centered on therapy that supports emotional and nervous system regulation.

Some examples of treatment include talk-based therapies, body-based approaches, and even family involvement. There are many approaches to trauma treatment, but they all share the same goal: to help a child process what they’ve been through and build healthy coping skills.

In this guide, we’ll introduce different childhood trauma treatment options and how each approach supports healing.

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is well-researched and has the strongest evidence to support its effectiveness.

It guides children through identifying emotions, using calming strategies, and developing healthier thought patterns. A key part of TF-CBT is caregiver involvement, because when a supportive adult is included, children tend to do better in treatment [*].

Children and teens ages 3 to 18 benefit from TF-CBT. Although it was originally developed to help children with posttraumatic stress after sexual abuse, it is also effective for kids who have experienced other types of trauma, such as physical abuse and domestic violence [*].

TF-CBT can also support a child’s strengths and daily functioning. Those who develop depression or other emotional and behavioral difficulties after trauma can also be candidates for TF-CBT.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is a type of therapy that helps the brain safely process traumatic memories. It uses bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, to reduce intense emotions and physical reactions.

Unlike TF‑CBT, EMDR does not involve asking a child to give detailed descriptions of their traumatic experience and directly challenging negative beliefs [*].

In an EMDR session, a child first thinks about positive memories or images to feel calm. Then, with the therapist’s help, they focus on an upsetting memory while using eye movements or taps to reduce the strong feelings. Over time, this helps the child feel safer.

Children of all ages, even as young as 2, can benefit from EMDR. It is especially helpful for trauma experiences that have a clear start and end. This gives the child a clear path to process the trauma.

Prolonged Exposure Therapy

Prolonged Exposure (PE) is a type of CBT for trauma that helps children and teens safely confront traumatic memories and reminders they have been avoiding.

In PE, a therapist gradually and carefully guides a young person to talk about the memory of the event repeatedly. It also includes facing situations or things that trigger fear in real life and is always done in a safe, controlled way.

Through this repeated exposure, the brain learns that the traumatic memory is not dangerous anymore.

PE is intended for teens ages 13–17 and is used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Besides PTSD, PE can also help reduce anxiety, depression, and trauma-related anger.

Trauma Systems Therapy

Trauma Systems Therapy (TST) is a comprehensive model for children and teens who struggle with emotional and behavioral regulation after trauma.

An important feature of TST is that it does not focus only on individual therapy with the child. Instead, it supports the child in learning to regulate their emotions and behaviors while also improving the safety of their environment. This includes their home, school, and community.

For example, a therapist works with the child and the adults in their life to reduce exposure to trauma reminders.

TST is designed for children and teens ages 3 to 18 who have experienced complex or ongoing trauma, such as abuse, neglect, and community violence.

Accelerated Resolution Therapy

Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) is a newer type of trauma therapy that is described as quick and easy to learn [*]. It was initially developed for adults, but it is now being used with children and teens, with reports of success.

In ART for children, the therapist guides the child through eye movements and memory visualization to help reduce distress. They will use simple language and age-appropriate explanations. Sessions tend to be shorter and may include play, drawing, stories, or visual aids.

Because ART helps the brain rework traumatic memories, it may be helpful for those who’ve experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. While research with children is still limited, ART has been used with children as young as 4 years old.

Hypnotherapy

Hypnotherapy uses guided relaxation and focused attention (often called hypnosis, a calm and highly focused state) to help children access their feelings and memories at a deeper level.

The therapist first gathers a full history from the parents and the child. Sessions may include techniques like guided visualization, stories, and humor to help the child relax. Parents can stay with the child until they feel safe and comfortable.

Hypnotherapy can be used with children as young as 5 years old, and their vivid imagination makes them especially receptive to this approach. It’s helpful for coping with emotions, processing experiences, and improving their self-esteem.

Somatic Therapies

Somatic therapies focus on the connection between the body and mind. Trauma can linger in physical tension, posture, breathing, and nervous system responses. Somatic therapies help children notice these sensations so they can release them.

A child will not be required to describe or relive every detail of what happened to them. Instead, they’re going to use their body — through movement, breathing, or other physical exercises. This allows the child to release emotional stress [*].

Somatic therapy for trauma can be adapted for any age. The key is meeting clients where they are developmentally. In young children like preschoolers, somatic therapy may use play, movement, and sensory activities.

School-age children can participate in more structured exercises, such as guided breathing, gentle movement, or mindfulness, paired with simple discussions about feelings.

Art and Music Therapy

Art and music therapy are types of expressive therapies that help kids and teens express their emotions and cope with stress without relying solely on words. They are used across a range of mental health contexts, including trauma, anxiety, and depression [*][*].

Art therapy might involve drawing, painting, sculpting, or collage-making. Music therapy can include singing, playing instruments, creating rhythms, or listening to and discussing music.

These therapies are used with children who may struggle to verbalize feelings, as well as with teens to enhance emotional regulation.

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)

Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a structured therapy that focuses on strengthening the relationship between a child and their caregiver. It is commonly used when trauma has affected a child’s behavior, emotions, or sense of safety within relationships.

In PCIT sessions, the therapist coaches parents in real time while they interact with their child. Parents learn specific ways to respond to their child’s emotions and behaviors using calm, consistent, and supportive techniques. Sessions include play-based interactions and guided feedback through an earpiece or direct observation [*].

PCIT is designed for young children, typically ages 2 to 7, and is often used for children who have experienced trauma such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to domestic violence, especially when behavior challenges are present.

Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP)

Child-Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) is another trauma-informed approach that centers on the relationship between a child and their caregiver. It is based on the idea that healing happens through safe, supportive relationships.

Sessions usually involve both the child and caregiver together. The therapist helps them talk about experiences in ways that feel manageable and age-appropriate, using play, stories, or routines. The therapist also supports caregivers in understanding how trauma may be affecting their child [*].

CPP is typically used with children from birth to age 5, especially those who have experienced attachment-related trauma, early loss, neglect, or family violence.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Psychodynamic therapy helps children and teens explore how past experiences, including trauma, may be influencing their emotions, behaviors, and relationships today.

Rather than focusing on specific skills or exercises, this approach emphasizes conversation, play, and reflection. The therapist pays close attention to patterns in feelings, relationships, and play themes. This would help the child gradually make sense of their experiences.

Psychodynamic therapy is typically used with children ages 6 and older, as well as teens. It is chosen for trauma connected to relationships, grief, or long-term emotional struggles, rather than one specific traumatic incident.

Internal Family Systems Therapy

Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy views the mind as being made up of different “parts.” Each part has its own role and emotional experience. Trauma is understood as something that can burden these parts.

In therapy, the child or teen is gently guided to notice and describe these parts, such as a scared part or an angry part, without judgment. The therapist helps them build awareness and understanding rather than trying to eliminate feelings or reactions.

IFS is most commonly used with teens and adults, but some therapists may adapt it for older children using simpler language and creative tools. It is used for complex trauma, attachment trauma, and emotional regulation difficulties.

Narrative Therapy

Narrative therapy helps children and teens separate themselves from their trauma by exploring the stories they tell about their experiences.

Instead of focusing on what is “wrong” with the child, the therapist encourages them to describe their experiences as something that happened to them, not who they are. Sessions may include storytelling, drawing, writing, or metaphor-based activities to help the child express their perspective.

Narrative therapy can be used with school-age children and teens. It is helpful for trauma related to identity, loss, bullying, or repeated stressful experiences.

Childhood Trauma Treatment Programs

Below are established programs that parents and caregivers can learn more about or ask providers about:

• NCTSN Learning Center - Offers free online education for families and professionals who want to understand child trauma and treatment options.
• PCIT International - The official U.S. hub for Parent-Child Interaction Therapy, where you can find certified providers or learn about the model.
• Theiss Center for Child & Adolescent Trauma (UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital) - A trauma treatment center offering evidence-based services (like TF-CBT, PCIT, and Child-Parent Psychotherapy) for children ages 2–17 and their caregivers.