My tharapy Journey Children Handbook

Sometimes, things happen in life that feel really scary, confusing, or upsetting. These experiences are called trauma. They can come from things like accidents, losing someone we love, getting hurt, or seeing something frightening. When something hard like this happens, it's normal to have big feelings-like sadness, anger, worry, or even feeling nothing at all. Everyone feels and reacts differently, and that’s okay.

Welcome to Your Guide on Trauma Healing

Have you ever felt...

• Scared or anxious after something happened?
• Sad, numb, or angry and you're not sure why?
• Tired all the time, or like you just want to be left alone?
• These arc normal reactions to tough experiences, also called trauma.

What is Trauma?

Trauma is what happens when something really upsetting, scary, or overwhelming affects how we think, feel, or act.

It can come from:

• Accidents or injuries
• Loss or grief
• Violence or abuse
• Big changes at home or in the world

Why Does It Matter?

Trauma doesn't just go away on its own. It can impact your:

• Emotions
• Sleep

Why Early Screening Helps

Finding out early how trauma has affected you means:

• You can get support faster
• You learn healthy ways to cope
• You feel more in control of your story

You're Not Alone

There's no shame in needing help. This booklet will walk you through what trauma is, how your body and brain respond, and how healing is possible step by step.

This booklet is here to help you understand:

• What trauma is,
• How it might make you feel or act,
• Why it's important to talk about it,
• And how early help can make a big difference.

You are not alone. Lots of kids have had hard things happen, and many grown-ups like counselors, doctors, and teachers want to help you feel safe, strong, and supported.

Let's learn together how our brains, bodies, and hearts respond to tough times and how we can begin to heal.