Treating Developmental Trauma in Florida

Trauma and traumatic experiences can take innumerable forms, as can their effects, which in many cases makes it difficult for individuals to identify their trauma without professional help. At treatment centers like The Guest House, it’s not uncommon for our clients to come to us struggling with certain behavior patterns that they can’t explain. All too often, the unknown source is deep-seated trauma — perhaps trauma that an individual experienced before they were old enough to fully understand. Developmental trauma — and related attachment trauma — are commonly at the root of concerns that don’t seem to have obvious triggers.

What are Developmental and Attachment Trauma?

These types of trauma often go hand in hand because they both stem from early life experiences; attachment trauma can typically be classified as a subcategory of developmental trauma. Uncovering these traumas can take time and can be an emotionally difficult process. Many people compartmentalize childhood trauma, sometimes to the extent that they need specialized therapeutic techniques to help them fully recall their experiences. But the release and relief of finally being able to find the source of your difficulties and put it into words will be well worth the journey.

Developmental Trauma

Developmental trauma is trauma that stems from childhood experiences. Since this trauma occurs as an individual is developing, it often leaves long-term marks on their personality, mannerisms or habits. Some examples might include:

Loss of a loved one such as a parent or sibling
Neglect or abandonment
Emotional or physical abuse
Family dysfunction
Witnessing violence or tragedy
Medical trauma

Experiences in childhood shape the way we interact with our environment. For the first few years of our lives, we are learning how the world works, what relationships look like and what constitutes appropriate behavior — the examples set at this time will impact our views on social norms for life. Examples that set a negative precedent can result in self-defeating behavior patterns like trust or commitment issues, anxiety or phobias, addictive tendencies or anger management concerns. Developmental trauma has also been known to cause problems with self-esteem, learning abilities and physical health.

Attachment Trauma

Attachment trauma is a specific form of developmental trauma that occurs as a result of dysfunctional relationships between a child and someone close to them, such as a parent or sibling. Children have certain figures in their lives that they trust deeply or rely on; these people are indispensable to a child’s formative years and have a great impact on what a child — and the adult they become — defines as a normal relationship. Abandonment, neglect or abuse from these key figures in a child’s life will result in attachment trauma, which impacts the way an individual forms future attachments in friendships and partnerships. Some of the effects may include:

Trust issues
Commitment issues
Controlling or jealous behavior
Attention-seeking behavior
Increased likelihood of being in future abusive relationships
Difficulty expressing affection appropriately

Seeking treatment for these behaviors is often the only way that an individual who has experienced attachment trauma can learn to build and maintain healthy, functional relationships. Therapy can help those carrying attachment trauma learn vital life skills like boundary establishment, healthy communication, trust and independence. Therapy can also increase an individual’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem, helping them shed some of the underlying issues that often cause relationship anxiety or cause susceptibility to abuse.

Treating Developmental and Attachment Trauma at The Guest House

The Guest House is founded on the principle that every self-defeating behavior — compulsions, addictions, unhealthy habits and otherwise — stem from or are worsened by underlying causes like strife, stress or trauma. Our team specializes in helping our guests uncover deep-seated trauma like attachment and developmental trauma, and in guiding them as they learn to process their past and form new, healthy habits and functional relationships. We offer a range of therapeutic modalities that are designed to help you or your loved one heal physically, mentally and spiritually from their issues, in a safe, secluded and comforting environment.