What Is Trauma & PTSD?
Trauma occurs when a child or teen experiences something frightening, overwhelming, or emotionally painful that exceeds their ability to cope. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may develop when trauma-related symptoms persist over time and interfere with emotional regulation, relationships, school functioning, or daily life.
Children and teens impacted by trauma may experience intrusive memories, heightened emotional reactivity, panic, avoidance, difficulty concentrating, sleep disruption, or challenges trusting others. Without appropriate support, trauma can affect development, academic progress, family relationships, and long-term mental health.
Signs & Symptoms May Include:
- Flashbacks, intrusive memories, or nightmares
- Avoidance of people, places, or situations that feel triggering
- Panic, anxiety, or emotional overwhelm
- Irritability, anger, or emotional outbursts
- Hypervigilance or being easily startled
- Difficulty sleeping, concentrating, or regulating emotions
- Withdrawal from peers, family, or school
- Depression, guilt, emotional numbness, or shame
- Unexplained physical symptoms
Why Choose Kiwi Recovery in Brookline for Trauma & PTSD Treatment?
Kiwi Recovery offers a safe, structured, and relationship-centered environment where children and teens can begin to feel secure again. Our trauma-informed programming is grounded in the ARC Model, which emphasizes that healing begins with safety, regulation, and connection before deeper emotional processing.
The ARC framework focuses on:
Attachment: Building trust, consistency, and emotionally attuned relationships.
Regulation: Helping children and teens manage overwhelming emotions and nervous system responses.
Competency: Strengthening coping skills, confidence, problem-solving, and self-efficacy.
This framework is integrated across therapy, groups, family work, academic support, and daily structure to support whole-person healing.
What Makes Kiwi Different:
- Evidence-based trauma treatment using the ARC Model
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills adapted for emotional regulation and distress tolerance
- Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) integrated into individual and group therapy
- Predictable routines and structured programming to restore safety and stability
- Academic support to reduce school-related stress and avoidance
- Weekly family sessions focused on trauma-informed communication
- Psychiatric evaluation and medication management when appropriate
- Animal-Assisted Therapy (canine and equine) to support regulation and trust
- Mindfulness, grounding, sensory regulation, and movement-based therapies
- Individualized care for co-occurring anxiety, depression, or school avoidance
Please call
How We Treat Trauma & PTSD at Kiwi Recovery
Our trauma-informed approach prioritizes emotional safety, attunement, and regulation before encouraging trauma processing. Using the ARC Model, we help children and adolescents stabilize their nervous system, build emotional awareness, and develop practical coping skills in a supportive environment.
Our Approach Includes:
Individual Therapy
Children and teens work one-on-one with a therapist using DBT, CBT, MI, and ARC-informed trauma therapy. Sessions focus on emotional regulation, reducing avoidance, strengthening coping skills, and building a sense of agency and control.
Group Therapy
Structured groups reinforce safety, predictability, and skill-building:
- Intentions Group – grounding, emotional check-ins, daily goal-setting
- Skills Teaching – DBT emotion regulation and distress tolerance
- Adaptive Coping Skills – sensory regulation, mindfulness, grounding tools
- Relapse Prevention – identifying trauma triggers and managing avoidance
- Reflection Group – processing experiences and reinforcing progress
Family Support
Caregivers receive guidance on trauma-informed responses, emotional validation, consistency, and supportive communication — all core components of ARC-based care.
Psychiatric Care
Evaluation and medication management for anxiety, depression, sleep disruption, or emotional dysregulation when clinically appropriate.
Experiential Therapies
Movement, art therapy, mindfulness practices, and animal-assisted therapy support nervous system regulation, emotional expression, and trust-building.
Academic Support
Structured academic programming helps reduce school-related anxiety and avoidance while rebuilding confidence and competence.
What Children & Teens Learn in Trauma & PTSD Treatment
Through ARC-informed care, children and teens learn how to:
- Understand trauma triggers and mind-body responses
- Regulate intense emotions and reduce emotional overwhelm
- Rebuild safety, predictability, and trust
- Use grounding and mindfulness skills during distress
- Communicate emotions in healthy, effective ways
- Develop problem-solving and coping skills
- Strengthen confidence, resilience, and self-efficacy
- Reconnect with peers, family, school, and daily routines
Levels of Care Offered
Kiwi Recovery offers structured levels of care for trauma and PTSD:
-
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
-
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
-
Each level supports stabilization, emotional regulation, and skill-building at a pace aligned with developmental needs.
When to Seek Support
Consider reaching out if your child or teen is experiencing:
- Avoidance of people, places, or activities
- Persistent panic, fear, or emotional overwhelm
- Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts
- Irritability, anger, or emotional sensitivity
- Withdrawal from school or relationships
- Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
- Feelings of guilt, sadness, or hopelessness
- Risky behaviors, substance use, or self-harm
Early, trauma-informed intervention can make a meaningful difference in long-term recovery.