Can Childhood Trauma Show Up in Adulthood

Can Childhood Trauma Show Up in Adulthood?

The short answer? Yes.
Childhood trauma can absolutely show up later in life, often in ways that feel confusing, overwhelming, or out of sync with our current reality.

When we go through traumatic experiences—especially as children—our brains and bodies do their best to protect us. Sometimes we recover naturally, but often, the impact of those experiences gets stored deep in our nervous system and shapes the way we see ourselves and the world.

As children, we create meaning from our experiences with the limited tools and understanding we have at the time. We may come away with stories like “I’m not safe,” “I’m unlovable,” or “It was my fault.” These beliefs often helped us survive back then—but they can hold us back as adults.

Even if you’ve told yourself, “It was no big deal,” or “That was so long ago, I’m over it,” you may still feel stuck, anxious, disconnected, or reactive. That’s not a personal failure—it’s how unresolved trauma can linger.

The good news is, healing is possible.
Through therapies like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), you can safely reprocess painful memories and begin to let go of old beliefs that no longer serve you. Many people find they’re finally able to feel more grounded, confident, and present in their lives—even after decades of carrying the weight of the past.

If you’re ready to feel less stuck and more fully alive, I’d be honored to help. Reach out today and let’s talk about what healing could look like for you.