Trauma Therapy for Children in Hamilton

Known for our expertise in trauma

You are in the right place! Trauma is a core specialty at Making Space Psychotherapy.

Our therapists bring advanced training and experience to help children work through difficult experiences.

Trauma can show up in a child’s emotions, behaviour, body, and relationships. 
 

We take the time to understand your child beyond what has happened to them, getting to know what helps them feel safe, how they connect, and what they need from us and from you along the way.

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The way we work is deeply informed by attachment theory, mind-body approaches, and research in neuroscience. 

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Depending on your child’s needs and the therapist’s training, sessions may include play, storytelling, creative activities, body-based approaches, EMDR, or conversation. We meet your child where they are, creating opportunities for expression, connection, and healing in ways they can understand and engage with.

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No matter what the approach, your child can feel seen and supported!​

How can trauma affect a child?

Children can experience traumatic stress after something threatens their safety or the safety of someone important to them. This might involve an accident, abuse, witnessing violence, a frightening medical experience, or the sudden loss of a caregiver. Some children experience a single event, while others live through repeated experiences of fear or instability.

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A child does not need to understand what happened, or have the words to explain it, to be affected. Even very young children can experience traumatic stress. How they respond depends on many things, including their age, the experience itself, and the support available to them.

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Therapy that meets children where they are...
 

We draw on a variety of therapeutic frameworks, tailoring our approach to your child’s needs, experiences, and ways of expressing themselves. We work with their developmental age rather than relying on chronological age alone, recognizing that children develop different capacities for emotional regulation, communication, and relationships at different paces.
 

Supporting Parent and Caregiver involvement along the way

It can be painful and confusing to see your child struggle, especially when your usual ways of helping no longer seem to reach them. You may be wondering when to offer reassurance, when to hold a boundary, or how to respond when emotions become overwhelming.

Parents and caregivers play an essential role in a child’s recovery. A reliable, caring relationship can provide an important foundation for healing.

Parent consultations are part of our work with children. These conversations give you space to share concerns, understand your child’s needs, and develop practical ways to support them between sessions. Together, we consider how to bring more predictability, connection, and manageable expectations into everyday life.

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Signs your child may need support

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• Increased clinginess, separation fears, or difficulty feeling safe

• Outbursts, aggression, or difficulty settling after becoming upset

• Withdrawal from people or activities they usually enjoy

• Nightmares, bedtime fears, or disrupted sleep

• Stomach aches, headaches, or other physical complaints

• Difficulty concentrating or changes at school

• A return to earlier behaviours, such as bedwetting or needing more help

• Repeated themes of danger or frightening events in their play

• Self-blame, shame, or a belief that something is wrong with them

These changes can have several explanations and do not, on their own, mean a child has experienced trauma. Therapy can help you better understand what your child is communicating and what support may be helpful.

You can reach out before you have all the answers

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You may know exactly what your child has been through, or you may simply feel that something has changed. Either is a reason to ask for support. Our consultation team will take time to understand your concerns and thoughtfully match your child with a therapist whose experience aligns with their needs. We offer child therapy in Hamilton.

​​At Making Space Psychotherapy, we are known for providing thoughtful, trauma-informed, and high-quality mental health care. 

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CHILD TRAUMA THERAPY

Making Space Psychotherapy

We are a specialized trauma therapy clinic with advanced expertise in childhood trauma, attachment, and helping children feel safe and connected in their relationships (starting with the one they have with themself).