Getting help and resources
Information about getting help and resources after your child has experienced a traumatic event.
Following a traumatic event, experts recommend a ‘wait-and-see’ approach for up to four weeks. During this time keep an eye on your child to see how they are doing.
Initial reactions often go away on their own in time. But they can take up to six months to fully resolve. The key thing is that your child is showing signs of improvement.
If your child is still struggling and shows no signs of improving four weeks after the traumatic event, speak to your GP. If their distress is overwhelming, it may be a good idea to seek help sooner.
If your child does need extra help, rest assured that they should get better. Research shows that most children respond well to talking therapies such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy.
If you feel as though you need to speak to someone immediately, you can contact one of the following 24-hour services:
Samaritans: 116 123 / samaritans.org
Childline: 0800 1111 / childline.org.uk
Where can I seek further support?
If your child seems no better after four to six weeks, or if they are getting worse, your first port of call is your GP.
You can also seek support privately if you able to or have insurance that will cover payment. Ask your GP for a list of therapists who specialise in CBT or EMDR, and work with children.
How can I get the best from my GP?
It can help to write a summary of your child’s problems to take to your appointment.
Here are some tips for talking to your GP:
Be clear when describing your child’s problems include how exactly they are affected, how long they have been experiencing problems, and what treatment you would like them to have.
Ask your GP how you can access trauma-specific support for your child.
Ask what’s on offer in your area - services vary across the country.
Ask your GP for a list of therapists who specialise in CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy), and work with children.
Be prepared to be consistent and firm if you aren’t happy with what your GP offers.
What kind of therapies are available?
The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommends that children with post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) receive a special type of talking therapy called trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT). Another trauma-focused treatment also recommended by NICE is known as Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
What is trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT)?
As the name suggests, this is a type of therapy— specifically designed to tackle the after-effects of trauma. Cognitive behavioural therapy is based on the idea that our thoughts and beliefs affect our feelings, which, in turn, affect our behaviour.
TF-CBT involves working with a trained healthcare professional, usually over eight or more sessions, including:
Talking through memories of the event or, for younger children, using drawings and/or play focused on the traumatic event.
Helping your child to change any negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves, the world or other people that have developed after the traumatic event.
Working with your child to overcome their fears.
Keep in mind that TF-CBT can be hard at times for your child, but the therapist will know how to help them to manage their distress.
I am on a waitlist - is there anything I can access right now?
You can research other support available for example local services, counselling organisations, or support from the school.
You could also reach out to other parents who may have experienced something similar, for example their child also had a scary experience or had to go to A&E.