Maya*, a young teen, began therapy services at Childhelp after experiencing sexual abuse by a family member. When she first arrived, the impact of that trauma was evident in both her body and mind. She struggled to sleep, experienced recurring nightmares, frequent headaches and stomach aches, and a persistent burning sensation in her chest. She also carried heavy feelings of guilt and self-blame, alongside intense anxiety and sadness.
At the beginning of treatment, Maya had limited understanding of how to identify or express her emotions and was understandably hesitant to talk about what she had been through. Her therapist focused first on building trust, creating a space that felt safe, supportive, and even enjoyable. By centering Maya’s strengths and interests, therapy became a place where she could begin to open up at her own pace.
Over time, Maya developed a strong foundation in emotional awareness and coping skills. She learned how to recognize her feelings and choose tools that helped her manage anxiety in different settings.
Alongside therapy, Maya participated in weekly occupational therapy. Through this work, she gained a better understanding of how anxiety and stress show up in her body and learned ways to reduce their impact on her daily life.
Maya’s journey is ongoing, but her progress is clear. She is sleeping better, understanding herself more deeply, and building tools that will support her healing long into the future.
