 Childhood is often remembered as a time of innocence, but some children face experiences that leave lasting marks. Childhood trauma refers to distressing experiences during a child's formative years, and its effects can carry well into adulthood. People sometimes assume children forget or outgrow trauma, yet childhood trauma can lead to physical and mental struggles that affect an entire life. What Is Childhood Trauma? A traumatic event is a frightening, dangerous, or violent event that poses a threat to a child's life or bodily integrity. Traumatic stress occurs when a child from birth through age 18 feels intensely threatened by something they experience or witness. This can include physical abuse, emotional neglect, loss of a loved one, domestic violence, parental substance abuse, natural disasters, and accidents. Witnessing a threat to a loved one's safety can also be traumatic, and trauma in early childhood, from birth to age six, can be especially harmful. Signs of Repressed Childhood Trauma in Adults 1. Physical Struggles That Linger Childhood trauma can lead to physical struggles later in life. When a child experiences a frightening or dangerous event, the stress does not simply go away. Adults may notice ongoing physical concerns that make daily life harder. These struggles are real effects of trauma on the body, not a sign of weakness. 2. Mental Struggles That Feel Constant Trauma can affect mental well-being long into adulthood. Adults with childhood trauma may carry mental struggles that feel constant, even when the connection to the past is not obvious. Because trauma threatens a child's sense of safety, the developing mind can be shaped in ways that last for years. 3. Emotional Struggles and a Disrupted Sense of Safety Trauma is rooted in fear. A frightening or violent event shakes a child's emotional foundation, and that disruption can influence emotional well-being well into adulthood. Adults may feel emotions that seem overwhelming, or struggle to feel safe even when no danger is present. These responses are understandable outcomes of early harm. Seeking Support for Childhood Trauma If these signs feel familiar, you are not alone. Talking with a licensed therapist can provide a supportive space to make sense of your experiences. Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center is a nonprofit community mental health clinic in Pleasant Hill, CA, offering affordable, sliding-scale therapy for individuals, couples, and families, including telehealth across California. Pre-licensed associates and master's-level trainees provide care under licensed supervision, keeping services accessible while supporting the next generation of therapists. People of all backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ individuals, neurodivergent people, immigrants, and those facing financial barriers, are welcome. Frequently Asked Questions What counts as childhood trauma? Childhood trauma includes frightening, dangerous, or violent events that threaten a child's life or bodily integrity, as well as witnessing events that threaten the safety of a loved one. Examples include physical abuse, emotional neglect, loss of a loved one, domestic violence, parental substance abuse, natural disasters, and accidents. Trauma can occur any time from birth through age 18. Can adults be affected by childhood trauma even if they do not remember it? Yes. Some people assume children forget or outgrow trauma, but childhood trauma can lead to physical and mental struggles that affect an entire life. Even when specific memories are unclear, the effects of early trauma can still appear in adulthood as physical, mental, or emotional struggles. How can therapy help adults with childhood trauma? Therapy provides a supportive space to understand how past experiences shape present life. At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center, clients can access individual, couples, and family therapy in person in Pleasant Hill, CA, or through telehealth across California. A training-clinic model and sliding-scale fees help make care more accessible. In crisis or experiencing an emergency? Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or contact the Contra Costa Crisis Center at 211 or 800-830-5380. You can also text HOPE to 20121. These lines are staffed 24/7.
Oak Creek's phone, email, and website are not monitored around the clock and should not be used for emergencies. Ready to start counseling? A therapist will contact you within two business days.
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In crisis or experiencing an emergency? Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), call 911, or contact the Contra Costa Crisis Center at 211 or 800-830-5380. You can also text HOPE to 20121. These lines are staffed 24/7.
Oak Creek's phone, email, and website are not monitored around the clock and should not be used for emergencies.
Ready to start counseling? A therapist will contact you within two business days.
Oak Creek's phone, email, and website are not monitored around the clock and should not be used for emergencies.
Ready to start counseling? A therapist will contact you within two business days.
- Call our intake line: +1 888-506-2527
- Reach a therapist directly on our Meet Our Therapists page
- Email [email protected] (email is not a secure or confidential channel — please don't include clinical details)
@ 2026 Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center