Trauma Therapy for Young People: Helping Children & Teens Heal

Supporting Young People Through Trauma

When young people experience trauma, they often struggle with overwhelming emotions, anxiety, and distress that can impact their daily lives, relationships, development, and education. Trauma—whether caused by adverse childhood experiences, loss, violence, or other significant events—can shape how a child or teen views themselves and the world around them.

At A.I.M Trauma Therapy, I provide specialised trauma therapy designed for children, adolescents, and families, offering a safe, supportive environment where healing can happen at their own pace. My evidence-based approach helps young people:

• Process and make sense of their experiences
• Reduce distressing symptoms of trauma & PTSD
• Improve emotional regulation and coping strategies
• Rebuild confidence, safety, and trust

By creating a space of trust, understanding, and professional support, I empower young people to move beyond trauma and embrace a healthier, more hopeful future.

Trauma Therapy Approaches for Young People

Children’s Accelerated Trauma Technique (CATT)

Helping young people heal through creative expression, Children’s Accelerated Trauma Technique (CATT) is an evidence-based trauma therapy that helps young people process distressing memories in a safe, developmentally appropriate way.

This approach integrates trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), creative storytelling, and structured exposure techniques, making it especially effective for young people who struggle to verbalise their experiences.

Using drawing, narration, and gradual exposure, CATT helps young people:

• Reduce PTSD symptoms, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation
• Feel safer and more in control of their emotions
• Reframes distressing memories in a supportive way

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT) for Young People & Families

A Structured, Family-Inclusive Approach to Healing

TF-CBT is a widely used, evidence-based therapy that helps young people and their families recover from trauma. This approach combines:

• Cognitive-behavioural techniques to change negative thought patterns
• Gradual exposure to trauma-related memories in a safe way
• Coping strategies to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression

TF-CBT also involves caregivers, equipping them with tools to support their child’s healing. By working together, families can foster resilience, emotional regulation, and healthy responses to trauma.

Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Young People

Helping Young People Process Trauma in a Safe Way

EMDR therapy is a structured, evidence-based treatment that helps young people reprocess and heal from traumatic memories. Using guided eye movements or other bilateral stimulation, EMDR allows the brain to process distressing memories, reducing their emotional impact.

This approach helps children and teens:

• Develop healthier coping mechanisms
• Decrease anxiety, fear, and distress
• Build resilience and emotional well-being

EMDR is especially effective for young people who feel stuck in their trauma, experiencing intrusive thoughts or flashbacks.

KIDSNET (Narrative Exposure Therapy for Children & Teens)

Healing Through Storytelling & Structured Narrative Therapy

KIDSNET is a structured, evidence-based trauma therapy designed to help young people make sense of their experiences. Based on Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), this approach guides children and adolescents in creating a structured life story, integrating traumatic memories into a cohesive narrative.

Using storytelling, guided reflection, and emotional processing, KIDSNET helps young people:

• Reduce distress and trauma-related symptoms
• Feel empowered by their own story
• Develop a sense of resilience and self-worth

By organising their experiences in a safe, supportive way, young people can move forward with confidence and a clearer sense of self.

Helping Young People Heal & Thrive

Trauma doesn’t have to define a child’s future. With the right support, understanding, and therapy, young people can heal, grow, and build resilience.

If you’re a parent, caregiver, or professional looking for trauma therapy for a child or teen, I’m  here to help working with the 9 – 18 age group.

Contact me today to learn more about these services or book a free consultation.