Trauma Therapy for Children
Helping kids heal from trauma through play in Livermore, CA
and throughout California online.
Searching For A Play-Based Approach To Trauma Therapy For Your Child?
Has your child endured a stressful or overwhelming experience that’s left an indelible mark on their emotional, behavioral, or relational well-being? Do they struggle with:
- Chronic anxiety, emotional dysregulation, withdrawal, or trust issues?
- Mood swings, nightmares, or physical symptoms of stress at home?
- Difficulty focusing, learning, following directions, or behaving in class?
Perhaps your child is suddenly clingy or afraid of being separated from you, and you don’t understand why.
Or maybe you suspect their behaviors are really an attempt to cope with trauma or something equally painful, and you’re hoping therapy can give them their childhood back.
As Parents, We Only Want What Is Best For Our Kids
Despite our best efforts, we can still run into walls where all the self-help books and videos in the world fail to provide answers. Oftentimes, we get stuck trying to change behaviors and develop new skills instead of looking at the motivating force behind everything.
Getting kids to sleep through the night without having nightmares or being afraid—those aren’t things you can teach. That’s because with trauma, we’re ultimately dealing with more of a puzzle than a problem—one that’s enigmatic enough to confuse and frustrate any parent.
Working with one of our trauma counselors at Wonderment Family Therapy gives you a chance to finally understand your child’s struggles and how you can facilitate their recovery at home. Our mission is to support families and help children rediscover their sense of joy, safety, and trust in the world.
Have questions or want to schedule a consultation? Reach out today, we’re here to help.
Your Child’s Struggles Are Not A Reflection Of Your Parenting
When your kid is hurting, it’s easy to blame yourself, but if you’re looking into counseling for childhood trauma or PTSD, chances are you’re a pretty damn good parent. The truth is, children’s behaviors often mirror broader cultural stressors and societal influences that heighten anxiety and dysregulation.
As with adults, economic instability, academic pressure, and fast-paced schedules can fuel stress, uncertainty, and feelings of inadequacy in children. The threat of school violence and shooter drills are daily reminders of how dangerous and unpredictable the world can be.
Then, there are major life transitions like divorce, relocation, adoption, medical trauma, or grief and loss—all of which can be too complex for kids to process without the support of therapy.
Why Are These Issues So Difficult For Families To Navigate Alone?
First of all, parents—especially mothers—are already stretched too thin. Between work, dance recitals, piano classes, soccer practice, and putting food on the table, do we really want to be child psychologists too? Besides, even the most educated, well-intentioned parents lack adequate skills for translating symptoms and treating core issues.
What’s more, kids are constantly subjected to cultural messages like Be strong. Boys don’t cry. Be a good girl. So your child may not even feel safe expressing all of their emotions, leaving you with a puzzle you don’t have all the pieces to.
Teaming up with a trauma-informed play therapist gives parents clarity and kids a natural, gentle way to communicate their feelings and process their experience. As they begin to heal and you grow more empowered to support them, they’ll become more resilient, self-regulated, and connected in their relationships.
Trauma Therapy Is About Healing The Entire Family System
Because trauma is such a deeply personal wound, kids often benefit from individual therapy where we can focus directly on rebuilding trust, healing core issues, and attending to specific needs. However, trauma can also have a systemic effect, so we often incorporate family therapy into counseling.
In some cases, perhaps where a common thread of grief or loss is shared, group therapy with similarly affected children may work best. Ultimately, we believe parents and caregivers are integral to the healing process, which is why you’ll be actively involved, regularly updated, and fully equipped to foster your child’s growth and secure attachment at home.
How Do Trauma Therapy Sessions For Kids Work?
We always start by talking alone to parents or caregivers to get an idea of what’s going on. That way, we don’t accidentally subject kids to anything that could be retraumatizing in their presence. From there, we decide whether they’d benefit most from trauma therapy in an individual, group, or family setting. Then, we’ll collaborate to set tailored, measurable, and achievable goals based on your child’s needs and the family’s priorities.
In ongoing sessions, we’ll use Play Therapy to explore the root causes of your child’s emotional or behavioral challenges, helping them and you understand how trauma, stress, and other factors affect daily life. Some of the things we might work on, directly or indirectly through play, in session could include:
- Emotional regulation and grounding techniques
- Coping and mindfulness exercises
- Deep breathing and self-soothing skills
- Problem-solving and stress management
- Secure attachment and co-regulation skills
How Do We Approach Trauma/PTSD Treatment When Working With Kids?
At Wonderment Family Therapy, we use a relational, trauma-informed, and attachment-focused approach to working with children. Kids are often struggling with pain they can’t always articulate, so we specialize in Play Therapy, which enables children to communicate in a language they already speak.
In some cases, we might use Brainspotting or Safe and Sound Protocol, both trauma-informed, mind-body-based interventions that work directly with the nervous system and enhance neuroplasticity. Children also learn how to stay present to their own experience in a way that is balanced.
At the same time, we teach caregivers how to be present at home to support co-regulation and strengthen the parent-child emotional bond. By integrating presence and attunement into everyday routines, children gain a sense of safety that fosters their emotional well-being, strengthens family connections, and empowers long-term growth.
Your Child Can Still Enjoy A Life Of Joy And Wonder
Through trauma therapy, it is possible for your child to heal and reclaim a sense of safety, trust, and emotional balance. As parents, you’ll gain tools for better understanding and connecting with your child. You’ll be helping your family rebuild relationships and communicate better—and your child can find healing and support that safeguards their well-being and development for years to come.
Still Have Questions Or Concerns About Trauma Therapy?
Are the things covered in trauma treatment confidential?
Absolutely! Your child’s privacy is a top priority. All sessions are confidential, and information gathered in therapy is protected under professional ethics and legal standards. We only share details with others when necessary for a child’s safety or when required by law.
That said, we’ll update you regularly, informing you about progress in a way that respects your child’s privacy and developmental needs. We’ll also discuss with you how to support your child at home without compromising the trust built in sessions.
Will counseling really heal something as painful and complex as childhood trauma?
Our trauma/PTSD therapists use a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapy models, tailoring treatment to each child’s unique needs.
Approaches like play therapy, trauma-focused techniques, and attachment-informed strategies have been proven to help children develop coping skills, strengthen emotional regulation, and process experiences safely. Though progress looks different for each child, most show improvements in behavior, emotional expression, relationships, and confidence over time.
I’m worried our child’s trauma/PTSD counselor will take sides or blame our parenting.
At Wonderment Family Therapy, we remain neutral and focused on every child’s best interests. Our goal is to support healthy communication, understanding, and collaboration between caregivers while helping your child feel safe and heard.
We do not take sides; instead, we work with both parents to provide guidance, strategies, and insight that promote consistency, co-regulation, and a secure environment for the child. Our sessions prioritize your child’s well-being while respecting the fact that you’re doing the best you can.
Let Us Help Your Little One Reclaim Their Childhood
If you’re looking for a compassionate, play-based approach to trauma counseling that can help your child heal and safeguard their development, Wonderment Family Therapy has your answer.
To learn more, schedule your free, 15-minute video consultation or your first appointment by visiting our booking page. If you’d prefer a phone consultation, please leave your number and a note indicating your preference.
Emily Keller and her practice, Wonderment Family Therapy, offer online and in-person trauma and PTSD counseling in Livermore and throughout the state of California.
Recent Blog Posts on Trauma Therapy
How Generational Trauma Touches Our Children
When we think about trauma, we often imagine a single event affecting one person. Yet trauma can travel across generations, subtly shaping our children’s emotions and behaviors. Generational trauma refers to the influence of a parent’s or ancestor’s pain on a child’s...
Trusting the Process: The Power of Expressive Arts Therapy for Children
At Wonderment Family Therapy, we know how hard it is to watch your child struggle with big feelings they don’t have the words for. If you’re here, chances are you’re searching for meaningful support—and maybe even wondering if expressive arts therapy for children...
Creative Interventions with Sand Tray in Play Therapy
Sandtray in play therapy is a powerful, versatile modality that supports clients in exploring emotions, processing trauma, and telling their stories—without needing words. The sand itself acts as a regulating sensory experience, while the miniatures offer symbolic...