You may not remember all the details, but your body, mind, and relationships often do. Unresolved childhood trauma doesn’t always look like flashbacks or nightmares; it can show up subtly in adulthood through anxiety, low self-worth, emotional reactivity, or trust issues.
Located in Sherwood Park, our team at Journey Psychology, works to help adults process and heal from childhood wounds with compassion and evidence-based care.
What Is Childhood Trauma?
Childhood trauma refers to adverse experiences that overwhelm a child’s ability to cope. Even events that might seem “minor” or “normal” to others can deeply affect a child’s developing nervous system.
These may include:
- Emotional or physical neglect
- Abuse (emotional, physical, or sexual)
- Family instability, separation, or loss
- Witnessing conflict, addiction, or violence
When left unacknowledged or unsupported, these experiences don’t simply fade; they resurface in adulthood as mental, emotional, or even physical challenges.
Common Signs of Burnout:
Recognizing burnout early can make a world of difference. Here are some of the most common signs to watch for:
- Feeling emotionally flat or numb
- Constant fatigue, even after a full night’s sleep
- Loss of motivation or enjoyment
- Difficulty focusing or making decisions
- Increased irritability or emotional withdrawal
- Physical issues like headaches, stomach pain, or sleep disturbances
Burnout is on the rise. Between longer commutes, remote work demands, and balancing family life, many people are experiencing exhaustion that runs deeper than just needing a weekend off. At Journey Psychology, we see how this silent struggle impacts our community and we’re here to support you through it.
Common Signs of Unresolved Childhood Trauma in Adults
Trauma shows up differently for everyone, but here are some of the most frequently seen patterns in therapy:
1. Chronic Anxiety or Hypervigilance
You may always feel on edge, waiting for the “next bad thing” to happen, even when life is calm. This stems from a nervous system conditioned to expect danger.
2. Emotional Reactivity or Shutdown
You might find yourself snapping unexpectedly or feeling numb in moments that should feel emotional. Trauma impacts emotional regulation, often swinging between fight, flight, or freeze.
3. Difficulty Trusting Others
If childhood taught you that people aren’t safe or predictable, it can be hard to form close connections without fear of betrayal, abandonment, or disappointment.
4. People-Pleasing or Overachieving
Many trauma survivors cope by becoming hyper-responsible, perfectionistic, or unable to say no. Your worth may feel tied to performance or approval.
5. Low Self-Esteem or Internalized Shame
A voice inside might constantly say, “I’m not enough” or “Something’s wrong with me.” Childhood trauma often creates deep-seated shame that lingers for decades.
6. Difficulty Identifying or Expressing Emotions
You may struggle to put your feelings into words, or feel disconnected from them entirely. This is especially common in those who experienced emotional neglect or invalidation.
7. Relationship Struggles
Unresolved trauma can lead to anxious or avoidant attachment patterns, repeating toxic dynamics, or fear of intimacy.
8. Chronic Guilt or Self-Blame
Even when something isn’t your fault, you might feel responsible. Children often internalize blame when something goes wrong and that belief can follow them into adulthood.
Dissociation or “Spacing Out”
Feeling like you’re not fully present? That’s a trauma response. Dissociation is the brain’s way of protecting you when reality feels overwhelming.
Unexplained Physical Symptoms
Headaches, stomach issues, insomnia, or chronic pain can sometimes be the body’s expression of unresolved emotional pain.
How Therapy Can Help You Heal
The good news? These symptoms are not permanent. With the right support, adults can heal from childhood trauma, even trauma that happened decades ago.
At Journey Psychology, our trauma-informed team offers a variety of therapeutic approaches to support your healing:
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EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing):
Helps reprocess traumatic memories without having to relive them.
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CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy):
Helps shift distorted thoughts and break patterns of shame, anxiety, or self-criticism.
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DBT (Dialectical Behaviour Therapy):
Builds emotional regulation skills and increases distress tolerance.
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ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy):
Supports identity repair and values-based living.
When Should You Reach Out for Support?
If you recognize yourself in any of the signs above, it may be time to explore therapy. You don’t need to have all the answers; or even remember everything from childhood.
You just need a safe place to begin. At Journey Psychology, our goal is not to “fix” you; because you are not broken. We’re here to help you understand your experiences, reclaim your voice, and feel empowered in your relationships, your emotions, and your future.
Book Your Free 15-Minute Consultation to take the first step toward healing.