Childhood Trauma: How Common It Is and How Counselling Can Help

Childhood is often thought of as a time of innocence and growth, but for many, it also carries painful experiences that can have lasting effects. Childhood trauma - whether from abuse, neglect, loss, or witnessing difficult events - can shape the way individuals view themselves, their relationships, and the world around them. While the impact of trauma can be profound, the encouraging reality is that counselling for childhood trauma provides effective pathways toward healing and resilience.

For many childhood trauma carries painful experiences that can have lasting effects.

How Common Is Childhood Trauma?

Research shows that childhood trauma is far more common than many people realise. The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that about 55% of children in Europe experienced some form of childhood abuse. According to the office for National Statistics for the UK, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men experienced abuse before the age of 16.

These experiences can include physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, parental separation or divorce, substance use in the household, or exposure to violence. Globally, studies suggest similar patterns - childhood trauma affects millions, cutting across all cultures, communities, and socioeconomic groups.

The long-term effects of trauma can show up in many ways, including heightened anxiety, depression, difficulties with trust, challenges in relationships, or struggles with self-esteem. But trauma does not define a person’s future. Healing is possible with the right support.

Why Counselling for Childhood Trauma Matters

The effects of childhood trauma often persist into adulthood because unresolved experiences continue to influence thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. Without help, many people find themselves repeating unhealthy patterns or feeling “stuck” in cycles of fear, anger, or shame.

Counselling for childhood trauma provides a safe, supportive space to process painful memories, understand how they affect present-day life, and develop healthier coping strategies. Evidence-based approaches such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT), Internal Family Systems (IFS), and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) have all been shown to reduce symptoms of trauma and help individuals reclaim their sense of safety and self-worth.

One of the most powerful aspects of therapy is the therapeutic relationship itself. Having a trained professional who listens without judgment and validates your experiences can be profoundly healing. Through counselling, individuals often begin to see that the trauma they endured does not define who they are today.

A trained professional who listens without judgment and validates your experiences can be profoundly healing.

Breaking the Silence

Unfortunately, many people delay seeking support for childhood trauma. Some may feel ashamed, while others minimize what they went through, believing that “it wasn’t that bad.” In reality, trauma is defined not only by what happened but also by how it was experienced. Every story is valid, and every person deserves the chance to heal.

With the rise of online therapy for trauma, more people than ever have access to specialised counsellors without the barriers of travel, location, or scheduling. This increased accessibility makes it easier to take the first step toward healing.

A Path Toward Healing and Growth

While childhood trauma is common, it does not have to define the rest of a person’s life. With professional counselling, individuals can begin to process past experiences, build healthier relationships, and move forward with greater confidence and resilience. Healing may take time, but it is possible - and millions of people have found strength, freedom, and hope through therapy.

If you or someone you know is living with the effects of childhood trauma, reaching out for support can be the first step toward a brighter, more empowered future.